I read a whole lot of books during quarantine! How about you guys? I read a wonderful “proper romance” series by Josi S. Kilpack. If you have not checked out her proper romance series you really should! They are easy reading and a wonderful excursion into the London ton back in the 1800’s. SO fun! If you need somewhere to start, start with Promises and Primroses. This is also known as the Mayfield Family Series. I also started her culinary mysteries series but I didn’t love it very much. I found the main character to be annoying. I am a huge lover of the Joanne Fluke culinary mysteries and, in my opinion, this wasn’t even close. Now granted, I only read two of them so maybe they get better as they go and you really get into the characters. By far, though, my favorite book I read during quarantine was The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. This was probably the most creatively written book I have read in a long time! The imagination that went into each and every character and the story line had me turning the pages as quick as I could to see what would happen next. There was a fantasy vibe and a creepy vibe going on all at once. The descriptions of the characters and the scenes were on point and I could clearly see each wonderful scene in my mind. The story is about two young magicians, with clearly crazy adult figures in their lives, that are bound to each other in a dangerous but fantastical game of magic and wits. They don’t know the rules and they are unsure of how to determine a winner but they use all of their talents to outwit and out magic each other on the game board which is the Night Circus. Over time their respect for each other turns to love and now they need to work together to outwit and out magic the two men that are controlling the game. Along the way they make some amazing friends and the reader is introduced to characters that seemingly have nothing to do with the plot but through twists and turns end up being integral to the story. It was an adventure from beginning to end and this story allowed the imagination to soar. You know it is a good book when you think “I can’t wait until they make this into a movie!”

WHERE TO GO?

Munich Germany

This book is placed in London quite a bit, but I already did a blog on London so I am choosing to place this story in Germany. One of my favorite characters, Freidrick Stefan Thiessen, the clock maker, is from Germany. The description of the clock that stand at the front of the circus was by far one of my favorite descriptions and what made it even better is that an artist on ArtStation drew the Wunschtraum Clock so you get a really fun look at it! The artist did a great job! You can check it out at this link https://www.artstation.com/artwork/xym62.

So, Germany. Friedrick is from Munich Germany so we will go there.

WHERE TO STAY?

I like this blog https://www.timeout.com/munich/hotels/where-to-stay-munich. This blog was written last July about Munich so it is pretty new. I like that it has beautiful pictures and for each neighborhood in Munich it has where to stay, what to do and what to eat. Munich is the 3rd largest city in Germany so it really depends on what you want to do in Munich as to where you would want to stay and I feel this blog gives a great overview. As always, once you have picked a hotel make sure to research it on TripAdvisor!

WHAT TO DO?

The blog above talks a lot about what to do and this blog https://www.thecrazytourist.com/25-best-things-munich-germany/ is also really good. They have 25 versus 12 locations to visit with pictures and a little history too. I also really like Trip Advisor, of course. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187309-Activities-Munich_Upper_Bavaria_Bavaria.html If it were me going I would have to visit this castle! This is the Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle was built by King Ludwig the second also known as the “mad king” It is known as the “Sleeping Beauty” castle. It cost around $70 for the tour. Check out Gray Line Sightseeing or Trip Advisor for more information.

There are also a lot of tours to do with Germany during WWII which would be of interest to me and a tour of the “romantic road” that looks really beautiful. Do lots of research and find things that interest you! It seems like you could spend a lot of time in Munich and not see it all! It was fun for me to research this and imagine Freidrick from The Night Circus in his element,but in the 1800’s not the bustling city that it is now. One thing that hasn’t changed is the beautiful views of the Bavarian Alps which would be absolutely wonderful to see! Happy Traveling and keep on reading!

Historical Fiction

The author Jennifer Robson wanted to write a book about London after WWII and remembered that the royal wedding of Prince Phillip and Princess Elizabeth happened around that time. She wondered what it would have been like for the people of London to celebrate such an important and expensive event after the war. Britain’s economy, at the time, was in a state of ruin and rations were even stricter than normal. How would the people feel about an expensive royal wedding? In her research she came across a picture of the princess in her wedding gown. It was gorgeous! It had dazzling embroidery and tons of embellishments. She knew it had been designed by Norman Hartnell, the famous designer for the royal family, but what about those who worked on the gown? That is where the story begins. She was able to find some facts out about those that worked on the gown, but very little is known about the women that put in all the hours and time. How did they feel? What kind of pressure were they under? How were their personal lives affected? I loved this book! Although it is fiction, the author was able to incorporate some real facts while weaving the story of two women that worked on the dress. One, a refugee jew, trying to rebuild a life after losing her whole family during the war and one, a British girl, trying to forget the war and move onto happier times. The story of these two girls and the way their life intertwines is told from the viewpoint of a granddaughter of one of the girls. She is given some embroidery at her grandmother’s funeral which she recognizes as matching the embroidery on the famous wedding dress of Queen Elizabeth II. She is confused and dismayed to find that her grandmother had kept secrets from her and she is determined to find out why. The story goes back and forth between all three lives of these woman. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time because it was a mystery, romance and historical fiction all at once. It was a joy to read. At the end of the book the author included history about the dress and her writing of the book and an interview with one of the actual seamstresses.

WHERE TO GO?

London

London is the largest city of England and of the United Kingdom. There are over 300 languages spoken in the region. London is considered one of the most influential cities on the earth. It is considered one of the most desirable places to live and has more tourists than most cities. It is home to four of the World Heritage Sites and is a hub of fashion, finance, travel, art, entertainment and education. There is so much to see and do in London, one would have to visit over and over again to see it all or go live there for a little while!

WHERE TO STAY?

The most up to date site I found for staying in London is https://santorinidave.com/best-places-london. This was updated in January 2020. I like this site because it lists all of the different neighborhoods in London and what they are best for. For example, if you are really into trying different foods this site suggests staying in Covent Garden. If you are interested in a great night life Soho is the best neighborhood to stay in. The author also breaks down each of the areas and suggests a hotel for that area. He is very thorough and the site is easy to navigate and has pictures. He also has links to cheap and moderate priced hotels in the areas.

WHAT TO DO?

The Dave Santorini site is a good place to start, but if you want more than just a paragraph of things to do in London visit Tripadvisor. I like this site because they break activities into categories, they have reviews from real people and they have a lot of pictures. I always search tripadvisor first to get an idea of what I might want to do and then I visit the sites of the actual attractions. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g186338-Activities-London_England.html

Some sights that interested me:

Make your own amazing chocolate in Notting Hill. This activity is at Melt Chocolates and is $54. It got 5 stars, but there were only two reviews. Lots of pictures though and the reviews were detailed.

Warner Bros. Studio: The Making of Harry Potter with Luxury Round-Trip Transport from London This is $111 and is given by Evan Evans tours. I am a huge Harry Potter fan so of course I would have to do this while I am there! It got 4 stars and has over 1000 reviews with photos.

London Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour has access to over 80 attractions. If you want to see a lot of the historical sites and museums this seems like a great way to do it without having to do a lot of driving or figure out the subway system. It is $98. This got mostly good reviews. If I were going I would read all of the reviews and compare it to other offerings from other companies. Places as big as London probably have a few companies that offer this sort of thing. https://www.londonpass.com/

Have fun researching! If you need help booking I know a great travel agent. Brittany Richins at Richins Travel can help you! Grab a book, take a tour and happy traveling!

This last month I come across a wonderfully imaginative, well written trilogy by Andrea Cremer entitle The Inventor’s Secret. Right off the bat this book engaged my interest with a mysterious boy, an underground sect of teenagers and a plot to take America from the Brits. In this book America has failed in their attempt to become free from Britain and there is a revolution going on. The underground tenets living in catacombs are children and teens making things work while their parents are off fighting a secret war to get the American people the freedom they desire. There are a lot of steampunk aspects to this book. It reminded me a little of Mortal Engines. The main character, Charlotte, rescues a boy who is running for his life from some machines that are out to kill him. She takes him back to the hideout among the catacombs and instantly they all realize there is something off about him. He has no memory whatsoever and is incredibly pale and sickly looking, but he is not sick. In search for answers about this boy (they named Grave) Charlotte and her brother and some friends decide to leave the catacombs to find out where he might have come from. They find out a terrible secret which thrusts them into the war and into a world they don’t understand. They find themselves in The Floating City which is a steampunk version of New York City. The second book The Conjurer’s Riddle finds Charlotte meeting a lot of new people in New York. My favorite is Linnette, a spy that befriends Charlotte and helps her find and hone her strengths. There are people in The Floating City Charlotte meets, but she is not sure if they are with her or against her. On top of that she is falling in love with two different men and is confused about what to do. Charlotte and friends move on to New Orleans to meet the leaders of the revolution. Among the hidden tunnels of New Orleans she learns more about the revolution, but has serious questions and realizes Grave’s life is in danger and she must rescue him from the very people they came to for protection. In the third book of the trilogy The Turncoat’s Gambit Charlotte and Grave realize they have enemies on both sides of the war and they must figure out who they can trust. Along the way she discovers how strong she is and why Grave is so important. I loved this book! Andrea has an amazing imagination and the plot had me reading page after page excited to see what crazy thing was coming next. The characters were unique and engaging. The reader falls in love with Charlotte and Grave and their relationship right away.

Where to Go?

New York City, New York

It was a hard choice to choose between New York City and New Orleans! I would love to visit both cities, but I chose New York City. Although, some of this book happens in New Orleans, most of it happens in The Floating City, which is based on New York City. Imagine New York City in the air with a big ferris wheel type contraption taking you from level to level. This city is set up a lot like the one in Mortal Engines, which the rich on the upper levels and the poor and working on the bottom levels.

Picture below was on Wikipedia.

Where to Stay?

There are a lot of blogs and youtube channels about the best places to stay in New York City. I recommend using https://www.theglobetrottingteacher.com/where-to-stay-in-new-york-city/ This author lived in New York for 20 years and really knows her stuff. I like that she just updated her blog in January so the information is up to date and reliable. She also has tips and tricks on how to skip the tourists traps. I especially like her first time visitors section. If you are feeling overwhelmed call a travel agent. I know a a great one! Message me and I will send you her information.

What to See?

When I plan a visit to a new city, I like to see if they have a city pass. City Passes are great because they allow you to see all the typical tourist sites for a discount. They also have information about the different sites( hours, busy times, good places to eat, etc) New York City has a city pass! https://www.newyorkpass.com/new-york-attractions/ You can download this right to your phone and in some cases can even skip the ticket line. Just show them your pass and go! This pass includes 100 plus attractions and costs any where from $132-350 depending on how many days you buy. New York Pass has a good mix of Museums, entertainment and touristy attractions. Some I thought sounded fun were the Food on Foot tour, Central Park Tour, Big Bus New York and the TV and Movie Sites walking tour. There is a ton to do! This site even give you example itineraries. Just click on the activity you are interested in doing and it tells you where it is located, how to get there, how to book it and what other attractions are near and an overview of what to expect. Even if you didn’t buy this pass I think it is a fantastic resource.

The New York City Pass got mostly excellent reviews on Tripadvisor. Check out the reviews before you buy it. On Tripadvisor there are other tour and pass companies listed too. Check them out and see which one will fit your families needs.

This research has made me really excited to tour New York City someday! Hopefully, you enjoyed it as well! Happy traveling and keep on reading! If you do visit, drop me a line about what you enjoyed and any tips you may have!

This month I have been crazy about Neil Gaiman books! I think he has the best imagination! I read four of his books and they were all completely different from each other. He writes for people of all ages! I read Odd and The Frost Giants which was based on a Norse mythology and viking tales. Odd runs away to the forest and finds new friends and himself along the way. It was a quick read. I read it less than a day, but it was super cute and had a good moral. As a family, we read Fortunately the Milk which is a crazy story about a dad that goes out to get milk for his children’s cereal and some seriously silly stuff happens! This was a cute read with even cuter illustrations. I think little kids would really get a kick out of this one. I know we were giggling while we read it! Neil Gaiman’s New York Times bestseller Interworld made it into my hands next. This is a sci-fi trilogy about a boy who accidentally wanders into another dimension of his world and then has to fight to save all the worlds that have been created. He goes on this quest with people that are him but from other dimensions-it totally messes with your head! There is action, adventure, really bad guys and a little romance thrown in, but it is mostly about appreciating family and the world we live in. It brought up some serious questions about God and other ways in which the earth could have been created. The creativity in characters and story line was off the charts! I am not a sci-fi, time travel, fan but this book kept my interest and I enjoyed reading it. The last book I read is Stardust. This book was a delight from beginning to end. I loved it and I found out that there is a movie so I am going to watch that this week. This is a book about a boy that leaves his hometown in search of a fallen star. The girl he likes tells him that if he brings back the star she will give him whatever he wants. He, of course, wanting to marry her sets off. He finds the star and the star happens to be a young woman! They have many adventures together defeating witches, sailing on a ship in the sky, escaping on unicorns and generally having an exciting time. The only thing I didn’t love about this book was that it had two love scenes that I thought were too detailed for young adult readers. I would recommend all these books for any age, but I would recommend parents read Stardust first to make sure it fits with your family values. I love reading Neil Gaiman. I love his imagination, I love that every time I read his books I have to look up new and interesting words that he uses and I love that he writes so many different kinds of stories. He is a wonderful storyteller. Pick up one of his books and give it a read!

WHERE TO GO?

Since all of these books happen in make believe lands I am going to review a place that I didn’t even know existed but seems like it will be a fun adventure! My family is going to Yachats, Oregon this summer and as I have been researching I have found some fun trails and activities that seem like they would fit into an adventure story. Yachats(YAH-hahts) is located on the coast of Oregon and is three hours south of Portland. There are only about 700 people in the town. In 2011,  Frommer’s Travel Guides, listed Yachats number seven among his ten favorite vacation destinations in the world. Picture below is found at www.uniqueinns.com

WHAT TO DO?

What sounds more adventurous than a hike on Hobbit Trail?! This trail is in Florence, Oregon.  Which is about 25 miles from Yachats. It got excellent reviews on Tripadvisor. People say it is magical and not too hard. It is rated moderate.  The trail leads to a small beach in about 15 minutes. For a magical adventure down a shady coastal trail, take the Hobbit Trail to Hobbit Beach. You’ll find the trailhead just north of Heceta Head, along Highway 101 . https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oregon/hobbit-trail-to-beach-or/

Cape Perpetua Visitors Center: This is in Yachats and got excellent reviews on Tripadvisor. There is a giant spruce tree called Spouting Horn you can hike to from here. There also trails to Thor’s well, tide pools, etc.  https://www.inspirock.com/united-states/yachats/cape-perpetua-visitor-center-siuslaw-national-forest There is a $5 day use pass or you can use your federal park pass to go in. From blog “. Don’t miss the extraordinary tidal display at Devils Churn and Spouting Horn, two dramatic blowholes. Marvel at Thor’s Well, where the raging Pacific seems to drain into a bottomless pit at high tide” https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/eat-drink/restaurants/three-days-in-yachats/

Whale Watching: There are several places along the coast to go whale watching. If you want to go in a boat there are several companies in the area, but if you want to watch from the shore try out:

Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center:  119 S Highway 101, Depoe Bay, OR 35 minutes from Yachats

(541) 765-3304

https://www.inspirock.com/united-states/depoe-bay/the-whale-watching-center-a

A review from Tripadvisor: “Whale watching from the Oregon Coast doesn’t get any better than at Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center. The position of the center atop a plateau overlooking the ocean is perfect for such novelties and the whales are fairly reliable. Whale enthusiasts on staff know the best time of day and year to see these magnificent creatures playing along the line where ocean meets sky. The center staff is friendly and helpful, and the atrium features plenty of information about the whales as well as some fossils. It’s great for the whole family. – This is free!

WHERE TO STAY?

Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast is the place to stay on a romantic adventure! This B&B is right in Yachat’s and the reviews say the view is the best part. From their website https://www.hecetalighthouse.com/

“Nestle into a room at one of the last remaining Lightkeeper’s cottages on the Pacific Coast. A handcrafted wooden staircase leads to our well appointed rooms. Dream about a Lightkeeper’s life on your nighttime walk to the lighthouse. Wake to a decadent seven-course breakfast and taste the riches of Oregon. Year round the Heceta Head Lightstation offers a Bed and Breakfast for the romantic and adventurous traveler.” This location has 6 rooms. Most rooms have one queen bed. Some have their own bathroom, others are shared. Price depends on the room and the time of year. They range from $200-500 a night.

Overleaf Lodge and Spa got rave reviews on many of the travel sites I visited. This is a family owned and run hotel and spa. It sits on the cliffs overlooking the ocean in Yachats. Many rooms have views of the ocean from private hot tubs. There is a full spa in the hotel, workout room and pool. You can even make a reservation for a picnic by the sea!https://www.overleaflodge.com/overleaf-spa-6/ Their site is great because you can get a 360 degree view of their beautiful rooms. The prices range from $300-600 a night depending on room size and location.

For a more budget friendly experience try out Deane’s Oceanfront Lodge. This 1940’s single story motel does not look like too fancy,but it got excellent reviews on tripadvisor! From their website : ” Deane’s is newly renovated although you won’t find a modern “look”  Do you remember the 1950’s, retro/vintage feel with glass block showers and pink salmon tile? If you loved it then you will love Deane’s Oceanfront Lodge.” Deane’s did not get a single terrible review. Mostly excellent and a few good to fair. This hotel has access to 4 acres of private beach front. They don’t serve breakfast in the lobby, but they do have fruit, coffee and donuts. https://www.deaneslodge.com/about.php Rooms range from 80-$200 depending on the time of year and location of the room. I thought this looked like a fantastic adventure for the budget conscious family. They even have some rooms that are pet friendly.

I know I am looking forward to our stay in Yachat’s! Pick up a book and dream up an adventure of your own! Until next time happy reading!!

Non-fiction

I loved this book! I have two teenage sons and felt that this book came into my life at just the right time. This book is great because Monica gives ideas for boys ranging from age 7 to boys headed off to college. There is something for every mom in any stage of life. I especially appreciated that she did not pull punches when it comes to a faith based approach to raising boys. Monica is a Christian and many of her ideas and thoughts are centered around what Jesus Christ would do and how having a faith based parenting style helped her raise her boys. Monica shares many personal experiences and the book feels like a letter or conversation with a friend. I would highly recommend it. Monica also has a blog so even after reading the book I felt I had someone I could follow and receive some more inspiration from.

Where to go?

Oahu, Hawaii

Monica lives on the North Shore of Oahu so I will be writing about Oahu, Hawaii today! Oahu is the third largest island of the Hawaiian islands and is known as the “gathering place”. Honolulu is the capital and there are about 1 million people that reside on the island. There are two volcanoes on the island and the shore is 227 miles long.

Where to Stay?

Below is a great blog all about the North Shore of Oahu. The author gives a great review of the best hotels in different price ranges and he has actually been there, so I would recommend checking out this blog!

https://www.journeyera.com/where-to-stay-on-north-shore-oahu/

The North Shore area is about an hour drive from where all the action is in the Hololulu/Wakiki area. Here is a map:

What to do?

If I were to go to Hawaii I would have to see Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center no matter where I was staying. Here are the links for those two sites:

Polynesian Cultural Center : From their site: Spend the day exploring the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands. Wander through 42 acres of tropical splendor and enjoy the adventure of traditional hands-on activities. Dine like royalty at an authentic Polynesian luau and top it off with the most spectacular evening show in the islands. https://www.polynesia.com/

Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Pearl Harbor National Memorial is comprised of the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials, in addition to six Chief Petty Officer Bungalows , three mooring quays and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and curatorial collections. https://www.nps.gov/valr/pearl-harbor-national-memorial.htm

For the North Shore Area of Oahu

Helicopter Tours It would be a shame to go to Hawaii and not take a helicopter tour. It is so beautiful there with all the waterfalls and forests and seeing them from the air would be delightful. Book one here https://www.adrenaline.com/

Zip Line Tour From TripAdvisor: This tour is a three hour guided zipline tour, including Oahu’s longest ziplines ranging from 500 feet to nearly half a mile long. Participants will explore a working agricultural farm along the tour which includes eight world class dual ziplines, two rappels, four sky bridges and a fun ATV adventure to the ridgetop. You’ll also learn about Hawaii’s rich history and culture all while taking in panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahu’s famous North Shore. This tour 723 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and is about $180. https://www.climbworks.com/keana_farms/

Oahu Grand Circle Island Day Tour This tour is 8 hours about $118(in December-rates vary depending on the time of year) and gives the traveler a good overview of Oahu. The tour company picks up from select hotels in Waikiki and drives tourists around to the major attractions on Oahu including the Dole pineapple plantation, the North Shore, Byodo-In Temple, Diamond Head, the Halona Blowhole, Hanauma Bay and Nu’uanu Pali . The tour guide also talks about the history and culture of Hawaii.

There are many, many more adventures one can have in Hawaii. From surfing to cruises to hiking waterfalls or volcanoes! Hop on TripAdvisor and do a little research and get going! Hawaii is definitely on my bucket list.

Until next time pick up a good book and take a trip either in person or on the internet like I do!

Fiction

I picked up this book because it has the same title as a favorite romantic comedy I have seen several times, but it is nothing like the movie Fools Rush In. It is however, a cute romance with a little bit of gospel thrown in. The characters all believe in the goodness of God and answered prayers. That is the underlying theme among the main story line of Bella, a brand new wedding coordinator and the romance that begins brewing when she hires her new deejay-D.J. a swanky, cute cowboy that sweeps her and her Italian family off their feet. It’s a cute story with plenty of crazy characters, a few humorous misunderstandings and two people falling in love. I liked the book and will finish out the series. I also enjoyed learning about Galveston Island Texas. Turns out there is a lot to on this tiny island!

Where To Go?

Galveston Island Texas

Galveston Island Texas is 27 miles long and 3 miles wide. It is a barrier island on the Texas Gulf Course and is about 50 miles southeast of Houston. A picture that is often seen of this island is of Pleasure Pier. I found the site https://www.tourtexas.com/destinations/galveston-island to be very helpful and of course https://www.tripadvisor.com/

Where to Stay?

Gaido’s Seaside Inn

This Inn came up again and again in images and reviews. This hotel is right on seawall with a view of the beach and has a fantastic pool area! They also let you park your vehicle there for FREE if you are catching a cruise from the area and stay with them before your departure! That is pretty awesome! They have normal looking hotel rooms, deluxe rooms and family rooms for under $100 in off cruise season and under $200 during cruising season. They feature a “made from scratch” complimentary breakfast too!The reviews on Tripadvisor were mixed. The location, pool and food are amazing, but the hotel itself is a bit run down. They have been renovating, but so far the great reviews are more about location than room quality. Below is a picture of the pool which seemed to be the big attraction.

Lost Bayou Guesthouse

If you like B & B’s this one got great reviews on Tripadvisor! It was built in the 1800’s and its claim to fame is that is survived a hurricane in 1900. It has 5 large bedrooms and is priced below $200. It is centrally located and close to Pleasure Pier.

What To See?

There is plenty to do on this little island! From playing on the beach, taking a historic tour, fishing and of course a visitor here must visit the historic Pleasure Pier.

Pleasure Pier

Pleasure Pier is one of the best amusement parks in the nation according to Amusement Today. Pleasure Pier won the 2013 Golden Ticket Awards and was recognized as one of the world’s top-five seaside parks.  Tickets are around $27 for an all day pass, but if you don’t feel like riding coasters you can get onto the pier for around $10. They have a lot of fun restaurants and carnival like games besides the rides.

Historic Port, Pirates & Architecture Bus Tour

If you are into history and would like a tour of the island this tour got great reviews on Tripadvisor. It is $25 a person and lasts an hour. The island has lots of pirate, slave and invader history. This tour tells some of those stories. If you want this kind of tour, but are interested in ghost stories check out the Storm on the Strand Ghost Tour. It is $20 and lasts an hour and a half. They specialize in history of ghosts that haunt the island. Might be fun to do at Halloween time!

Moody Gardens

I love aquariums and this one looks like a great one! From the Tripadvisor site: “Surrounded by vivid colors and wildlife from across the globe, you’re immediately engaged at the Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids. Moments later, you’re transported via state-of-the-art imagery and sound at the MG3D Theater with the world’s first Giant Screen 6P Laser Projector on the largest screen in Texas. Then, the thrill of the Ropes Course and Zip Line, Speed Exhibition and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat awaits. ” They have 7 year round attractions and 1 seasonal attraction. The cost is varies depending on what attractions you decide to visit or you can get a value pass for between $70 and $90 dollars. You can find out more at the link below. It looks like a fantastic spot to visit! https://www.moodygardens.com/

Reel Men Fishing Charters

I don’t think you should visit the coast without experiencing a fishing trip. Reel Men Fishing Charters have many fishing trips you can choose between depending on how much time you have and your budget. They got 5/5 on Tripadvisor and all the pictures make it look like a great time! This is their website https://www.reelmenfishingcharters.com/ but I would recommend going to Tripadvisor and reading the reviews before you choose a tour. Take a Dramamine if you get motion sick like I do!

I have never even considered Texas as a vacation destination, but after reading about Galveston Island Texas I think I have been missing out! I am super happy I picked up Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson and got an eye opener! Happy Traveling everyone!

Fiction

I have really been enjoying books by Sarah Strohmeyer lately. The books are filled with quirky and fun characters and are written from the viewpoint of women trying to find themselves or help their friends find themselves. Cinderella Pact was the first one I read of hers and I have been hooked. This is the fifth or sixth book I have read of hers. There is always a misunderstanding and a plot twist that keeps you turning pages.

Penny Pinchers Club is about a middle aged woman who thinks her husband is having an affair with his assistant and is going to leave her when their daughter graduates from high school, so she decides to save up enough money for a divorce. The only problem is she is a complete shopaholic and is terrible with money, so she joins the Penny Pinchers Club. Craziness and silly antics soon ensue! The story is delightful. I love Sarah’s books because although there is usually a little heartache along the way they are written in a light and fun manner, which makes me feel happy when I read them. Also, there is hardly ever a sad ending-which I love. I am a happy ending kind of girl! So pick up one of her fun reads and have a giggle over misunderstandings and craziness.

Where to Go?

Princeton, New Jersey

This story takes place in New Jersey. The book describes New Jersey as “the state that boasts the most malls per capita. ” The lead character Kat describes herself as a “recreational shopper”. Her husband works at Princeton University, so I thought that would be fun place to research.

Princeton, New Jersey is well known due to the fame of Princeton University. The university is located on 1600 acres of beautiful real estate. Tours of the campus are given by students and last about an hour. The campus includes a gothic–style chapel and a University Art Museum. There is also an 18th-century mansion with period furnishings. Visitors can also tour the Princeton Battlefield State Park, a Revolutionary War site. The Clarke House Museum exhibits historic weapons.

Once you are done with Princeton University, you could shop downtown or visit the Howell Living History Farm. This farm is an example of what farming would have been like in the late 1800’2, early 1900’s. They have many old buildings on the farm to explore and animals for kids to meet. Because it is a working farm it is educational along with being fun! If farms aren’t your thing but eating is try our The Jersey Girls food tour. Jersey Girls Food Tours is a company that offers walking, guided food tours that take you through New Jersey’s best local restaurants. They offer tours in Jersey City, Somerville, Red Bank, Rutherford, Hamilton Park and Princeton. Learn the history of the local towns and have fun as you discover the best  food in New Jersey! For private tours please contact info@jgfoodtours.com or call 551-233-9553.

Where to Stay?

Princeton Marriot at Forrestal

This luxury hotel is located on 25 acres of woods. The grounds are stunning! This hotel has 302 luxurious guest rooms, boasts one of Princeton’s top day spas and health club, swimming pool, indoor tennis courts, sand volleyball courts. There is also a 24 hour fitness center. There are a couple of restaurants on the property and some with outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This hotel runs between $200 and $300 dollars a night depending on what is happening in the area.

The Peacock Inn

If you want to have a taste of history while in Princeton, try staying at the Peacock Inn. This boutique hotel has been in operation since 1911 and is a renovated 18th century colonial mansion. Some say that Albert Einstein and Scott Fitzgerald were guests at the mansion in their day. It is within walking distance to Princeton University.This is a small hotel, only 16 rooms, but the rooms are beautiful! They also boast an afternoon tea from 2-4 pm. This hotel will run you $400 or up and only got fair reviews on Tripadvisor, but oh it is beautiful!!

Of course, there are the regular hotels like Days Inn, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn in the area. This looks like a fun area to visit, especially if you are in the New York area any way!

Happy reading and traveling! Til next time!

Biography

I am not usually a fan of memoirs and I had no idea who the author was, but the title caught my eye so I gave it a try. I was pleasantly surprised! I loved learning how Meredith coped with the divorce of her parents and the neglect and abuse of her mother through learning about bees. Meredith is yanked from the only life she has known by her psycho mother and taken from Rhode Island to California to live with her mother at her grandparents home. Luckily, her grandpa becomes a surrogate father to her. Her grandfather is an eccentric old beekeeper that makes honey in an old bus in the yard. As you read about her trials, you also read about bees and how they work as a community to make the hive hum along smoothly. Although, Meredith is living in a dysfunctional situation, she learns from the bees and her grandfather what a family should be like and how people should treat each other. The chapters were not bogged down with too many details of the abuse and neglect she suffered at the hands of her mother, but focused more on her loving relationship with her grandfather and the different job of the bees. I believe that is what made this memoir an interesting read.

Where To Go?

Big Sur, California

This memoir takes place in Carmel, California, but Meredith’s grandpa often takes her to Big Sur where some of his bees are. The descriptions in the book made it sound so beautiful I had to research it! Big Sur is between Carmel and San Simeon. The mountains on the East and the Pacific ocean on the west of a narrow 2 lane road make for a beautiful drive. There are numerous state parks along the way for those interested in hiking or beach combing. There are also places to camp along the way. This is a picture from Tripadvisor

At https://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/ you can find out all about Big Sur from lodging, camping, weddings and restaurants. The site explains that California Condors can be viewed as well as sea otters. There is also an blog https://www.crazyfamilyadventure.com/big-sur/ with lots of pictures and information. It looks like they had a great time! They gives tons of detail of activities you can experience in the area.

WHERE TO STAY?

Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer State Park

I love staying in the lodges in state and national parks. You always get a little bit of history along with your stay. They are usually more expensive than a chain hotel, without all the amenities. Like many state park and national park lodges this one doesn’t have wi-fi, tv or air conditioning so if you need those things you better stay in a chain hotel! The reviews for the hotel on trip advisor were mixed. Those that were there for the scenery loved it, those who can’t live without all the amenities hated it. The rooms run from $300-400 dollars a night, which is typical for these kinds of lodgings.

Big Sur Campground and Cabins

This campground is located on the coast along Highway 1 among the Redwood trees. You can camp or rent a rustic or fully equipped “fancy” cabin. Campsites are $70 a night and cabins run from $185 for a rustic cabin to $300-500 for a fancy cabin. They have pictures of the available cabins on the site so you can choose the one that fits your needs. They are also among the Redwoods. The location is beautiful! Kids can even rent a tube for a buck to float down their little river. There are plenty of reviews on TripAdvisor and some even list the cabin number they were in . I would check this out before booking. They rated 4/5 and got mostly excellent and good reviews.

There are many hotels in the areas outside of the State Park. The prices range from $200-300 for a chain hotel to over $1000 dollars for lodges, spas and fancy hotels. Do your research on TripAdvisor and do what fits your family budget. If you go this route you will be any where from 20 minutes to an hour commute into the Big Sur area.

Junior Fiction

Don’t let the fact that this book is found in the junior fiction section convince you to miss out on this treat! Neil Gaiman is an amazing writer! The way he describes the characters and events brings imagination to life! We listened to him read the audio book and were surprised time and again at the imagery he could conjure up with simple words. Many times I felt I was listening to poetry. This is a delightful book about a baby that gets adopted by ghosts in a graveyard close to his home. He wanders there after his parents are killed. This is a coming of age story with a twist. The characters are a delight and the plot thickens as the story moves forward. If you don’t read it, at least put the audio book on for your kids-they will love it!

WHERE TO GO?

In the acknowledgements section of the book Neil Gaiman gives credit to Audrey Niffenegger for taking him on a guided tour of the Highgate Cemetery in north London, England. Their website is https://highgatecemetery.org. They claim to be one of England’s greatest treasures. Karl Marx is buried there along with 53,000 other people. The west side of the cemetery can only be visited with a guided tour. The west side is where a lot of Neil Gaiman’s inspiration came from. This is how they describe it on the site:

West Cemetery

WITH ITS SINUOUS PATHS WINDING UP A STEEP WOODED HILL AND IVY-CLAD MONUMENTS, HERE IS A SECLUDED FUNERARY LANDSCAPE AT ITS MOST EVOCATIVE

The West Cemetery is home to the most impressive architectural features of Highgate Cemetery — the Chapel, Colonnade, Egyptian Avenue, Circle of Lebanon, Terrace Catacombs and the mausoleum of Julius Beer. Visit the West Cemetery by guided tour only.

Doesn’t that sound intriguing and fun?! I am ready to book my flight right now!! The pictures online are really beautiful!

Here’s a photo from wikipedia:

WHERE TO STAY?

Want something familiar? There is a Holiday Inn only a couple of miles from the cemetery.

Holiday Inn London-Camden Lock

This hotel got great reviews on Tripadvisor and has all the amenities you are used to from a chain hotel. Gym, high speed internet and a bar. In the description it also says the rooms have plenty of room to “swing a cat”? Maybe you have to be a Londoner to understand that! HAHA! This hotel is also close to the London Zoo. One thing you should know about me is I love zoo’s! If there is a Zoo near me I am going to visit it!

Want something unique?

Camden Enterprise Hotel

This hotel is in a Victorian Era building built in 1865 and only has 21 rooms! Wouldn’t this be a great place to stay while touring and old Victorian era cemetery!? This hotel is only a mile and half from the cemetery, also in the Camden Lock area. It is near the Camden Market. The outside looks like an old, run down building, but the inside is gorgeous! Totally modern and has all the amenities. This hotel got 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor for great customer service and making their guests feel special and taken care of.

So, you may not get to England any time soon? For my friends here in Utah or close by, this book made me think of a cemetery my husband and I love to visit in Park City. The Glenwood Cemetery on Silver King Drive. This old cemetery is fun to explore as it has many really old headstones and fun paths. It is especially fun during the fall! In fact they are doing a tour on September 28th. Find more information at parkcityhistory.org/event/glenwood-cemetery-tour-2019.

This is a picture from their site:

Have a great week! Happy reading! Do you have an old cemetery you love to visit? Share with us!

Glenwood Cemetery Tour 2019

Fiction

This book was a sweet little find at my local library. The book is mostly drama, but has a little romance and mystery in it as well. Martha Storm is a volunteer at a small library in Sandshift, England. She lives alone and is desperately lonely for friends, but doesn’t know how to connect with the people in her life. Her only true friend had been her grandmother Zelda who died suddenly when she was 13. One day a mysterious book of fairy tales shows up on the library front step with a dedication written to her from her grandmother, but it is dated years after her grandmother supposedly died. Inside she finds stories that she wrote when she was a young girl for her grandmother! Shocked and curious, she goes on a journey to find out if her grandmother is still alive.

Her journey not only unlocks some heartbreaking family secrets, but opens up Martha’s heart and mind releasing her from her loneliness and allowing her to grow into the person he always wanted to be.

WHERE TO TRAVEL?

St. Ives, England Gwithian Beach

As far as I can tell the location of the book Sandshift, England is fiction, but there is a beach in St. Ives England that reminds me of the on in the book. Gwithian Beach in England has golden sand and a lighthouse and little cafes and towns along the coast. I can just imagine Martha working at her little library along this beach, going to the different cafes and spending time at the beach and lighthouse. This is a picture from a tripadvisor visitor.

This beach got excellent reviews! Out of 427 reviews, 348 were rated as excellent. The travelers describe the beach as golden and the water as clear as the Caribbean. They say it is great for surfing and has a view of the Godrevy Lighthouse. The lighthouse was made famous by Virginia Wolf in her book To the Lighthouse.

Where to Stay?

St. Ives is the closest location to this beach. St. Ives actually has four beaches in its vicinity. Gwithian Beach, Porthminster Beach, Porthmeor Beach and Porthgwidden Beach. It is also close to Cornwall, England which is a popular tourist attraction in the area. From bed and breakfast to hostels to stunning hotels there is something for everyone and every budget in this location.

Cohort Hostel

This hostel got great reviews on Tripadvisor. They rent by the bed and it is located near the four beaches, galleries and cafes. They offer storage for bikes and surf boards. They boast a common area with games and couches for visiting and a common kitchen area.

Blue Sky Bed and Breakfast

This bed and breakfast has fantastic views of St. Ives Bay. They got 210 reviews and all of them were excellent. The travelers said the breakfast was wonderful, the location perfect and the rooms comfortable.

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate

This is a luxury hotel with it’s own 25 acre private beach. It’s got all the fancy stuff and beautiful views. It is not as close to St. Ives as the others, but is only a 10 minute walk to the train station to travel to St. Ives. They do offer beach lodges and family suites, but I think it would be a perfect place for wedding or honeymoon. It looks very romantic.