Weekend Road Trip: The Arizona Salsa Trail

A few weeks back my husband and I decided to load up the tots and take a little jaunt over to Safford, Arizona and explore an Arizona culinary attraction: The Salsa Trail. The “trail” runs along Southeast Arizona’s Old West Highway and consists of thirteen restaurants, a tortilla factory and a chile factory.  

When we pulled into the parking lot of the Best Western Desert Inn, our home for the night, the parking lot was filled with a rainbow of polished classic cars. The owners were walking around in hats and t-shirts that said, “I Survived the Salsa Trail”. It was the Classy Car Club from Wickenburg, Arizona in town for the weekend cruising the Salsa Trail. 

Not only were the car club members friendly, the entire town welcomed us with open arms. Locals waved as we drove by, while a smile and warm hello became the norm every time we passed someone on the street. Even when I tried to push the double stroller up a curb and my children almost ended up splattered on the concrete locals ran up to help.

 

Over two days we hit five of the restaurants (Safford is home to eight of the restaurants, tortilla factory, and the chili farm) and believe me when I say this is an experience where polishing off an entire bowl of chips is not recommended. Our first stop was at the Salsa Fiesta in Wilcox. We ate a full lunch there, which was quite good by the way, but from then on we simply tasted the variety of salsas with a few chips. Each restaurant’s salsa was so unique and tasted so fresh.

 

After we all had our fill, we took the kids back to the Best Western to splash in the pool and watch a stunning Arizona sunset. The next day we hit the local coffee shop on Main Street called A Step Back in Time where barista Mikayla made us a couple of great cups of java.

 

Next, we crossed the street for breakfast at El Coronado Family Restaurant where it seemed everyone knew each other by name. The kids indulged in yummy pancakes while Jeff and I had some tasty breakfast burritos, with their special salsa of course. Delish! I can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the Salsa Trail restaurants.

 

 

Summer Bargain: Mendocino Inns Offering Gas Deals

This summer the DesertFamily is beating the desert heat by taking off on a road trip up the coast of California. Our final stop is three nights in the Mendocino/Fort Bragg area where there are tons of family fun activities. We have a terrific itinerary including the Skunk Train, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden, a stop at the Anderson Valley Brewing Company and much more. I promise to tell you all about it. But in the meantime I thought I’d share some summer gas deals several Mendocino Coast inns are offering.

Fensalden Inn in Albion is offering $50 off a two-night stay. The Stevenswood Inn & Spa in Little River is giving guests checking-in between now and September 30, 2008 a $50.00 gas card. Guests arriving in a hybrid or bio-diesel auto will be given a $100.00 cash rebate (now that is a sweet deal!).

The MacCallum House Inn & Restaurant in Mendocino is giving guests booking a two-night mid-week stay a $200 credit meant for gas costs. If you only want to stay one mid-weeknight or a two-night weekend stay and they’re giving a $75 gas credit.

The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek in Little River is offering a $75 gas rebate with a 3-night stay Sunday – Thursday.

Don’t let those gas prices get you down this summer…there are great travel deals out there.

Happy Travels!

Traveling Mamas On The Move Approved: Cold Seat

Here we are in the throws of summer. Swim lessons are in session, ice cream cones have melted all over my patio, and when I open my car door in the afternoon I get slapped in the face with a blanket of heat. As I write this it’s 104 degrees outside.

My kids dread getting in the car this time of year because they know how hot their car seats can get – that was until I came across the brilliant, and I do mean a brilliant, invention called Cold Seat.

The Cold Seat is a freezable seat cooler. Simply freeze the rolled-up Cold Seat then bring it along on your next outing. Cover the car seat when you get to your destination. Upon your return remove the Cold Seat, roll it up and store it. Your little one now has a comfortable seat to ride in. The Cold Seat has a Velcro tab to keep it rolled while stored and it fits easily underneath adult car seats. When you get home just pop it back in the freezer. (It fits nicely in my freezer door.) They come in the cutest patterns: Blue Camo, Sport and Pink Flower with little flip-flops.

The first time I put it to use I was so impressed how well it worked. It even kept the metal seat belts (which are normally on fire) a nice cool temperature. For the first time my little girl didn’t say “Hot!” when we put her in her car seat.

This is one product that definitely gets our Traveling Mamas On The Move Approved seal.

Shari Griffin, mom of two, is the brains behind this amazing creation. Nice job, Shari. Talk about a Super Mama!

Interview with a Traveling Mama: Author Karen Quinn

We Traveling Mamas are jumping with joy to have author Karen Quinn with us today. Her third book, Holly Would Dream, came out this month, just in time for summer reading. When you read it, keep an eye out for the saucy character Beth Blair (does that name sound familiar?). During the promotion of Karen’s last book Wife in the Fast Lane I entered her contest and ended up the grand prize winner of a Canyon Ranch gift certificate and a character in her next book (Holly Would Dream) named after me. My mom (who had met Karen at her Denver book signing) and I met Karen and her mom at Canyon Ranch last September and what fun we had. Now that you know our history, let’s chat with Karen about Holly Would Dream…

1. What a fabulous idea to write a book with an Audrey Hepburn slant, what inspired you to do so?

I just adore Audrey Hepburn and I know that so many other women do as well. One night, I happened to be watching Sabrina and I thought how nice it would be to live in that world. It seemed so much simpler and more elegant. That gave me the idea of creating a character (Holly) who wished her life was like a 1950’s romantic comedy. She is so obsessed with Audrey that she convinces her fashion museum to have a retrospective of the costumes she wore in all her movies. Later, she borrows some of those costumes and that’s when the trouble begins. Ultimately, my goal was to write a book that felt like an Audrey Hepburn-Cary Grant caper from the 1950’s.

2. What locations did you personally travel to researching the book?

A big part of the story takes place on a cruise ship — this segment parallels An Affair to Remember. So, I made my husband go with me on four cruises to research that. I am committed to truth in fiction, you see. We went on the Crystal, Silverseas, and Princess lines. Crystal was my favorite. We visited all of the ports that my characters visit — Athens, Istanbul, Ephesus, Santorini, Naples (for Pompeii), and Rome. When I wrote about Rome, I looked up all the hotels and restaurants my characters visited on the internet. Then I went there to make sure that what I wrote made sense. I had put my characters at the Hassler, a wonderful hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps. When we arrived, we learned that this is where Audrey Hepburn stayed while making Roman Holiday. I had set a dinner and dancing scene on a river barge on the Tiber (like in Roman Holiday), but when I saw the Tiber, it was a marsh that didn’t smell too good so I had to move that scene. One of my favorite spots I researched was Ephesus, an ancient town in Turkey.

3. Did you have any memorable moments along your “research journey”?

I experienced many moments myself that inspired scenes in the book. My mother had told me a story about a woman who was doing the world cruise on Crystal one year. At the beginning of the journey, she was with her husband. There were pictures of the two of them up near the photo gallery (you know how they photograph you constantly on cruises). Anyway, he died a few days into the trip. But his wife refused to get off the cruise. She insisted they keep him in the morgue while she completed her trip. My mom said that this woman met another man on the cruise and by the end of the trip, there were photos of the two of them at the photo gallery! This incident inspires something kind of similar in Holly Would Dream. I told this story at my reading last week. A young woman came up to me and said that the man who died was her grandfather! It was her step-grandmother who continued cruising. This other man “comforted” her during the trip because of her husband’s death. Anyway, they ended up getting married. The young woman said it caused a terrible family scandal.

4. What is your favorite place on the planet to escape to?

I like nothing better than to take a European cruise on a Crystal ship. To me, that is the perfect vacation. Every day you end up in a different, interesting port. The service is amazing. I’m not the kind of person who likes to rough it while traveling. Here is something interesting I learned about cruises. We took the expensive Crystal cruise and the less expensive Princess cruise on one of those giant ships. The Princess cruise nickels and dimes you over everything. We even had to pay extra to sit on a less crowded deck. In the end, the less expensive Princess cruise cost the same as the expensive Crystal cruise. You have to be careful about those hidden extra charges.

5. Now that your kids are older is there a special destination you hope to take them one day?

Every year my mother and I spend a week together at Canyon Ranch in Tucson. I look forward to doing that with my daughter someday.

Thanks, Karen! Good luck with the book!

The Gratitude Campaign

Back when I was a flight attendant I worked a flight to Norfolk, Virgina. Several military men and women boarded our plane in Mississippi. It was the final leg of their journey home from Iraq. The civilian passengers were amazing. They kept approaching the men and women and offering their thanks for their duties and buying them drinks. One of the soldiers was going to meet his six-month-old baby for the first time. Another was planning a marriage proposal to his girlfriend. It was one of the most memorable flights of airline my career.

After we landed and the plane stopped at the gate the captain came over the PA system and asked the passengers to remain seated so our American soldiers could deplane first – just a little token of thanks. As the men and women proudly walked down the aisle in their crisp uniforms the entire plane broke into applause. It was a beautiful moment.

Today a friend of mine whose husband is in the military passed along a great link that shows another form of thanking those who serve in our military. It’s called The Gratitude Campaign and was created by Seattle’s Scott Truitt. Please watch this short 30-second film and as you make your way though the airports this summer, especially with the Fourth of July approaching, this little gesture will mean more to these men and women than you know.

Surreal. Magical. A Kaua’i Sunrise.

I sat up straight in bed, jarred from a deep sleep, and looked around the Kaha Lani Resort bedroom. What was that noise? There was enough light coming through the windows to tell dawn was approaching. I heard “it” again, now realizing “it” was Mother Nature’s colorful alarm clock. I lay down, but it crowed once more, this time with a friend.

I cringed and cover my ears.

The roosters, hens and baby chicks seen on Kaua’i are products of Hurricane Iniki’s September 11, 2002 destruction when the caged birds escaped, never to be held captive again. Instead, they were fruitful and multiplied and multiplied and multiplied and now run wild all across the Hawaiian “Garden Island”.

Some people find them annoying while others such as myself find them charming, that was until my early morning wake-up call.

There was no way I was going to be able to fall back to sleep. I wandered to the window overlooking the ocean to see a dull looking sky with a hint of brightness in the distance. The sun had yet to rise. I quickly changed into cropped pants and a navy blue tank top and grabbed my camera. Barefoot, I flew down the three flights of wooden stairs and across a short spread of grass. I climbed down a few boulders and jumped into the sand. A woman dressed in black was situated in the sand, involved in the yoga stance downward facing dog as the ocean’s waved crashed only yards from her feet and hands.

The wet sand felt soft between my toes while telling of the ocean’s recent presence. My feet were the first to walk the beach that morning. Just like every new day, the slate had been wiped clean and new adventures were to begin. The sun slowly crept into the sky, dodging behind clouds, occasionally allowing its reflection to dance on the water. The waves rolling onto the shore were the only sound except for the occasional rooster’s crow. As the waves kissed my ankles and the light taste of saltwater glossed my lips I was surprised to find my heart filled with gratitude for the little creature whose purpose is so often overlooked.

Once the sun was in the sky I found myself looking forward to the day and the next morning’s sunrise.

A Chilly Arizona Memorial Day Morning

Memorial Day in Arizona is usually hot, very hot. At our home burgers and corn on the cob are on the grill. The pool is being put to good use and the first sunburn of the year has already come and gone. But not this year. In fact, yesterday my husband was wearing a sweatshirt as he cleaned the 64 degree pool.

We have had the windows open all month and I keep thinking it’s April. My kids are going crazy to play in the sprinklers, and I did let them once, but they ended up freezing with goosebumps.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. After all, the weather forecast is showing the heat is making its way here. But until then, I’ll happily enjoy the 55 degree mornings and wear my sweatpants as I lay by the pool this Memorial Day.

But, the truth is, weather isn’t what Memorial Day is about. The TravelingMamas want to thank all of the men and women who have died for our country. You are not forgotten.

Teen Queen For The Day

I feel so lucky to have a little girl. She’s only two, but recently she has gotten into playing dress up. She tromps around in her too-big princess shoes, lacy dresses, clip-on earrings and fancy purse on her shoulder. She announces to her father and I that she is “The King”. I cherish these moments because I know one day playing dress up like this will cease.

If you already have a preteen or teenager and are longing for those cute dress up days again, the Lakeside Spa at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort here in Tucson has a spa package called Queen for a Day. The “royal treatments” include: A No-More-Chores Cinderella Classics mani/pedi, the Marie Antoinettea up-do with a tiara, and the Perfect Princess Pout lip service. I think this is such a cute idea for a mother-daughter getaway, birthday girlfriend getaway with your best friend and her daughter, or even a grandma-granddaughter getaway.

So if you’re longing to see your “little girl” get that glimmer in her eye one more time as she plays “dress up”, this is your chance.

Road Trippers Hit All 48 States In Four Days

May 4th Joey, Josh and Adam, three guys in their 20’s, took on a wild venture: to go on one road trip and hit all 48 contiguous states and never stop (except for gas). Josh’s father was the original planner who mapped the trip and was going to take the challenge himself several years ago. The trip never happened due to the death of his mother shorty before the journey was supposed to begin. And so the baton, or map rather, was passed on to Josh and his two buddies. The world traveled with them on their blog.

The trip began in Boston and ended at the Four Corners (Brilliant!). To make a very long story short here is what these three guys accomplished in FOUR DAYS:

• 7,008 Miles
• Exact time: 106 Hours and 43 Minutes
• Saw 90 cops
• And never got pulled over (Wow!)
• Highest gas price: $4.15
• Lowest gas price: $3.45
• Showers taken: Zero (I guess ya gotta do what ya gotta do.)

Congratulations, guys! While you are not mamas – you make us Traveling Mamas proud!

Travel On!

Zoobie Pets: Traveling Mamas On The Move Approved

From the moment my kids hear we’re going on a trip they begin packing everything in sight: books, toys, pillows, favorite blankets, and three or four stuffed animals each.

When I heard about Zoobies Pets I knew there was a good chance a huge portion of my problem had been solved. And I was right. What exactly are Zoobie Pets? Zoobies are a brilliant three-in-one stuffed animal, pillow and blanket.

The new Zoo Line came out this year and let me tell you, they are adorable. My daughter is in love with her pink Hada the Hippo (in photos) and my son thinks his furry Bobo the Baboon is the coolest (he even has a pink bottom!). Some of the others are: Jafaru the Giraffe, Winda the Wildebeest, Cheche the Cheetah, Mashaka the Monkey, Kojo the Croc (I love this one), Gogo the Gorilla, Rhaxma the Rhino, and my personal favorite, Tama the Tortoise.

Are you curious how this fabulous innovation works? Let me explain:

The stuffed animal keeps its shape via two Velcro straps. When you undo the straps the animal transforms into to a pillow. On one side of the pillow there is a zipper opening where inside you will find the softest fleece blanket you have ever felt. The blanket attaches to the animal with a zipper. This makes for super easy washing. The best part: the blanket is huge!

I am seriously considering snagging one of my kids’ Zoobies for my long flights to and from Hawai’i with my fellow Traveling Mamas later this month. Seriously, the blanket really is big enough for an adult and oh so soft.

If you are traveling this summer this is one Traveling Mamas On The Move Approved item I highly recommend.

1. Because Zoobie Pets are all in one you won’t have to keep track of several items.

2. Did I mention the blanket is super soft?

3. Zoobies are easy to use. When my children are ready to pull out the blanket they can do it themselves. Hada and Bobo even helped make a successful road trip.

4. No more airplane pillows and blankets. In fact, the last plane I was on didn’t have blankets and it was freezing.

5. There is a wide assortment of Zoobies to match every child’s (and adult’s) personality.

6. On one final note, this Traveling Mama says,

Zoobie, Zoobie DO!

Happy Travels!

You Forgot Mother’s Day?

You forgot Mother’s Day? You’re not alone.

I’m sure there are many husbands and kids out there who forgot or at least procrastinated in planning this glorious day honoring every mother. This day is supposed to send mom into utter elation as the ones she loves pamper, dote and express their gratitude for everything she does all year long.

But you forgot. So, what do you do now? Her favorite restaurant is booked and you didn’t get her a gift or even a card. Well, don’t give up. Here are a few tips to help save the day for that dear Mama in you life.

1. Greet her with a big “Happy Mother’s Day” hug and kiss.

2. Gather the kids, some construction paper (fine, computer paper will do) and markers and make Mama a card.

3. Insist Mama stays in bed while you make her a cup of coffee and bring her the newspaper.

4. Make Mama breakfast in bed (pancakes, french toast, eggs, oatmeal) Come on you can do it!

5. Really? You can’t do it? Okay, pick up the phone and order breakfast to go! Yes, most restaurants really will pack your breakfast to go even if there is a line out the door.

6. Load up the family for a day at the zoo.

7. Pack a blanket and stop at your local sandwich shop before heading to that pretty park in town for a lunch picnic.

8. Give her coupons for a massage, warm bubble bath, clean kitchen, car wash- the only rule is they have to be used today.

9. No matter what you do today just tell her how much you love her and what a terrific, beautiful, lovely Mama she is.

134th Kentucky Derby – A Day of Joy and Sadness

I love the Kentucky Derby, with the big, fancy hats, Mint Juleps, and the thrill of the most exciting two minutes in sports. My son, daughter and I just cheered from home for our picks in the 134th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The excitement was evident as Big Brown #20, the favorite, won the 134th Kentucky Derby. 

Sadly though, the filly who came in second place, Eight Belles #5, broke both ankles and had to be euthanized immediately. I admit I began to cry as I watched the teary-eyed doctor, who was on the scene when it happened, make the announcement on NBC. I just hope Eight Belles died doing what she loved best. We should all be so lucky.

Stay Fit on Vacation

A few days ago in the post Avoid Vacation Weight Gain I talked about healthy vacation foods, but it’s not just the good-eats we need to worry about when we’re away from home. Staying active is also very important. You can whine it’s vacation, and getting up to run on the treadmill is the last thing you want to do, but I can tell you now that you can stay fit and active on vacation and never see the hotel gym.

1. Join the Kids. Remember when you were sitting pool side while the kids and hubby were off riding waves? This vacation it’s time to get off your duff and join them. Didn’t you know a boogie-boarding mama is a hot mama?

2. Walking Tours. Leave the car behind and check out some local sites. Carlsbad, land of Legoland, has a painted fire hydrant walking tour, while New Orleans has numerous ghost tours.

3. Forget the Car. This is a great way to really experience a city. Many destinations have attractions that are within walking distance from hotels and most cities have terrific public transportation if you happen to find you’re too tired to make the trek back to the hotel – plus you don’t have to worry about paying for parking and you’re being good to the environment.

4. Inline Skate. One of my favorite vacation memories was rollerblading along the Galveston, Texas beach. This could be another “hot mama” moment. But try and practice before you give it your all, it may not be pretty if it’s you first time, especially if you wander into traffic.

5. Rent Bikes. This is fun for the whole family. And it doesn’t even seem like exercise. Pretty much every vacation destination has bike rental shops and many hotels and resorts offer free bikes to guests.

6. Rise and Shine. Some of you might think vacations mean sleeping in, but one of my favorite things to do is sneak out while the rest of the family is still snoozing and walk or run along the beach or hike the mountain trails. Sometimes a little alone time on vacation is a good thing.

Q & A with a Traveling Mama – Natalie MacLean

The Traveling Mamas feel really lucky today to have the award-winning, wine-writing goddess Natalie MacLean with us sharing her experiences as a traveling mama. Natalie is the author of the book Red, White and Drunk All Over. It doesn’t matter if you are new to the wine world or a seasoned wine drinker, you will likely enjoy Natalie’s entertaining book that takes readers on a fun journey “from grape to glass.” If you would like to learn more about wine, sign up for Natalie’s free newsletter Nat Decants (what a cute name!). I learn something every issue. Thank you for joining us, Natalie!

1. You travel throughout your fabulous book Red, White and Drunk All Over as a sommelier experiencing the world of wine. Have you always been a traveler?

Yes, I’ve always loved travel, something I inherited from my mother. As a child, we’d travel together every March break and summer vacation. She was a school teacher, and single parent, so we’d use our holidays to visit various places across North America and other countries.

2. How do you keep in touch with your son while you are on the road, especially with time changes?

I didn’t travel much until he turned four. Since then, in the last five years, I’ve taken two major trips a year and we keep in touch by phone and e-mail. (He now writes his own e-mails to me.) While I was away, my husband would show our son where on the globe I was and he’d get a kick out of asking me if I’d eaten breakfast yet and what time was it and were there many toy stores in the area.

3. Do you have any advice for other moms who travel for work?

I think it’s ideal when you can blend working from home, which is what I do most of the time when I’m writing, and occasional travel when your children are young. Even though I miss my son and husband when I’m away, it’s also a wonderful way to reinvigorate my own sense of self and independence, and then to come home to them refreshed.

4. What is your favorite family destination? How about romantic?

My favorite family destination is Turks and Caicos: beautiful beaches, warm, not too crowded. It has everything we want: quiet spaces to read and relax, and a pool and beach for my son Rian (plus an endless supply of chicken nuggets).

For most romantic, I think of particular restaurants rather than cities because for me, romance is linked to great food and wine. So I recall the wonderful, romantic meals I’ve shared with my husband in Napa, New York and our own backyard with the barbecue.

5. Finally, all four of us Traveling Mamas love wine so we have to ask, what is your favorite wine to drink when just hanging out with the girls?

I love wines that aren’t too alcoholic so that you can sip on a few glasses over the evening without getting tanked. German Riesling and Oregon pinot noir are among my favorites in this style: great conversation wine.

Avoid Vacation Weight Gain

Have you ever gained weight while on vacation? Okay, I can hear you laughing. I think most people find themselves staring at the scale with an open jaw after a trip. “How could this happen? I didn’t eat that much. Well, I did have a few pinches of the kids’ cotton candy, then there was that Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cone and the all-you-can-eat buffet with those yummy little fried egg rolls. Did I really taste every dessert?” I won’t even mention those strawberry margaritas you had while lounging poolside while your husband and kids were off frolicking in the ocean.

This summer let’s avoid those chubby consequences of vacation eating and return home as hot mamas by watching how and what we eat. Who knows, you might even lose weight. Here are a few tips to keep us all on track:

1. Eat local. Part of traveling is enjoying the foods unique to the region, just don’t over-do it and order smart. Enjoy that bowl of clam chowder as your meal instead of eating it as a starter and order your shrimp grilled not fried. Try splitting your meal with your kids. Restaurant portions are so over-sized these days.

2. Don’t eat at the airport. I have spent enough time in airports to know there are very few healthy food options between gates. If you’re lucky, you might find a low-fat yogurt or piece of fresh fruit, but don’t count on it. Bring you own. By the way, those yummy Pecanbon Rolls by Cinnabon are a sin. They have 1100 calories and 56g of fat!

3. Know your “good” choices. Before I hit the road or air, when I know fast food is inevitable, I check out the fast food menus online and seek out the healthiest choices. Right now Taco Bell now has the new Fresco menu. None of the items are over 8 grams of fat or 350 calories.

4. Drink water. Not only does drinking water avoid extra calories (unlike soda or lemonade), it hydrates you. Playing in the sun and running between roller coasters means you need agua more than usual. Plus, water is great for the skin.

5. The healthy food really is there, you just have to know where to look and don’t think only you will benefit. On our last trip to Disneyland I was thrilled to find containers of fresh fruit, sticks of pineapple and trail mix at a tropical fruit stand by the Jungle Cruise in Adventure Land. My kids tossed their Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream for my grapes and strawberries. Next time, I’ll forget the ice cream and buy them their own fruit.

Six Tips: Surviving a Family Road Trip

Last week, while I was on my way to Lexington, Kentucky, my sweet husband did a pretty daring thing. He took my two preschoolers on a seven-hour road trip to Palm Desert, California to see his folks. The trip was a success. How did a dad survive such a challenge? In case you’re wondering, we do not have “perfect” kids. In fact, we are often “that” family – you know what I’m talking about.

With that said, here are the six secrets that helped DesertDaddy survive this long road trip with a two and three-year-old in the backseat:

1. DVD player. We scored some $7.99 DVDs at Wal-Mart and let’s just say the kids were as happy as the Berenstain Bears they were watching.

2. Zoobie Pets. Stay tuned for a rave review on these three-in-one critters. Zoobies are a travel-friendly plush animal, pillow, and blanket. The new Zoo Collection just came out this year. The kids don’t even want to take the short ride to the gym without them. Actually, my daughter is cuddled with hers on the couch as I type this.

3. Snacks. This one goes with out saying. But how can dad dish out snacks while he’s driving? I simply packed them each their own lunch box with their favorite snacks in Ziploc bags for easy access.

4. Water. Just say no to sugar on road trips, especially if you have a son like mine who will bounce on a trampoline for three hours after one M&M. Enough said.

5. VTech Tote N Go Laptop Plus is a terrific educational, interactive toy with an LCD screen that teaches the alphabet and numbers. Both of my children have their own “laptop” and it keeps the kids entertained for quite a while.

6. Finally, DesertDaddy was simply a good daddy. He stopped when the kids were hungry, required a potty break, or just needed to get out of the car. And that, my friends, is how my wonderful husband survived a seven-hour road trip with two preschoolers in tow.

Two Days on the Bourbon Trail

Last Monday I began a glorious adventure along the Bourbon Trail near Lexington, Kentucky. My timing was perfect, the rains had just departed, leaving behind sunny skies and fields of wildflowers. Before I tell you about my journey, take note that a window seat is a must when flying into the Lexington Blue Grass Airport. The views of lush rolling hills, green pastures, horses, church steeples and brightly colored barns are priceless.

 

My first evening in Lexington, the perfect base for touring the Bourbon Trail, my group and I ate at Dudley’s Restaurant. The building’s history dates back to 1852 when it opened as a school house. After a delicious meal (I had the recommended antelope), we headed to the lovely Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa for a good night’s sleep. Between the plush beds and the chocolates left on my pillow each evening, I was not disappointed. While I didn’t make it to the spa, I did hear it’s fabulous.

 

Just walking the grounds of Griffin Gate is a treat. The property sits on a former horse farm which explains the historic two-story antebellum mansion next to the hotel. Appropriately, it is called “The Mansion” and is the resort’s four-star restaurant. It has an extraordinary menu as well as a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Don’t be surprised if you feel someone tapping your shoulder and find no one behind you when you turn around, it’s just one The Mansion’s ghosts teasing you.

 

My first morning in town we began our trek along the Bourbon Trail. The plan was to visit four of the seven bourbon distilleries over two days and to observe the bourbon making in its every stage, just as it has been done for generations. Each distillery tour is free, except Woodford Reserve charges $5 which includes a tasting.  

 

The drive to the distilleries is mesmerizing with the miles of charcoal black plank fences lining the roads and terrific views of the limestone cliffs of the Kentucky River. Our first stop was the rustic Wild Turkey Distillery where we went on a tour with the knowledgeable Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, a man who has been in the business a long time. Later that day we were greeted by the charming Master Distiller Chris Morris at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark. We toured the distillery and enjoyed an enticing lunch prepared by Chef David Larson who also guided us during our dabble in bourbon pairings (who would think Parmesan and bourbon paired well together?). The most fun was the opportunity to make this year’s Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep. Yummy!

 

That evening we relaxed with a spectacular dinner at the classy Jonathan at Gratz Park Inn and had the honor of meeting Chef Jonathan Lundy. The next day it was back to the Bourbon Trail. We spent the morning with Master Distiller Jim Rutledge of Four Roses Distillery (the photo of the blooming tree was taken on the grounds). Jim is a wealth of information and, like each distiller I met, has a deep passion for his craft. After an informative morning, we stopped in for a lovely lunch at Serafini’s Restaurant in Frankfort. The restaurant sits right across from the Old State Capitol. Sou Chef Asa Johnson took a few minutes to sit and chat with us for a bit. Asa is a man who is in love with creating the perfect dish and the sweetest part is his father was his inspiration.

 

After lunch we headed to the beautiful grounds of Buffalo Trace where my group, along with Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley (the youngest of the master distillers), helped the Lexington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau pick out their own bourbon barrel. That was great fun.

 

We ended our day with with a beautiful Kentucky sunset and bourbon cocktails on the patio of at the charming Holly Hill Inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Chef Ouita Michel is a delight and an extremely talented chef. She uses the freshest ingredients possible and favors local produce, making Holly Hill one of the area’s beloved restaurants.

 

 

Frontier Airlines Filing Chapter 11

The last few weeks have been very disheartening for the airlines. We said goodbye to Aloha Airlines, ATA, and Skybus. American Airlines has grounded over 2,000 planes to correct a wiring issue, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. I may be one of the unhappy passengers Monday morning when I’m supposed to board a flight to Lexington, Kentucky.

Today Frontier Airlines made headlines with the announcement the airline is filing for bankruptcy. The good news for Frontier passengers is the airline will keep flying. The problems Frontier is experiencing isn’t comparable to the other airlines’ problems. Rising fuel prices are not being blamed; instead the isssue is with Frontier’s principal credit card processor’s announcment to increase the “hold-back” of customer receipts, an action that could be a real blow to Frontier’s liquidity.

According to Frontier’s website: “Frontier Airlines intends to continue normal business operations throughout its reorganization process. Specifically, we expect to continue to:

• Operate our full schedule of flights;
• Honor tickets and reservations and provide refunds and exchanges per our standard policy;
• Maintain our EarlyReturns frequent flyer program and other award-winning customer service programs;
• Provide employee wages and benefits without interruption; and
• Pay suppliers for goods and services received during the reorganization process.”

Hang in there, Frontier. We wish you the best!

Las Vegas Cheap Eats and Drinks

When I was a kid, long before my first trip to Las Vegas, I heard about the cheap buffets and 99-cent shrimp cocktail Vegas offered. But years later my first trip there was a sore disappointment. Not only did I lose a few bucks, but the buffets were pricey and I didn’t see any 99-cent shrimp cocktail. (Hey when you’re in your early twenties a dollar is a dollar.) It ends up, I was just in the wrong areas. 

Today, I can’t even guess how many times I’ve been to Las Vegas. Between road trips, vacations, weddings, girlfriend getaways, visits to see family (my husband’s), and of course overnights with the airline I worked for, it’s well over 50.

After a little research on the ‘net recently I did find that the “cheap eats” are still in Vegas, you just have to know where to look.

The Super 8 Motel Ellis Island casino (located on Koval near East Flamingo) has a 10 oz steak, baked potato, vegetable, bread and get this – a microbrew (or an EO rootbeer) of you choice all for $7. It’s served 24 hours a day, but it’s not on the menu, so just ask. Think I’m kidding? I’m not.

Terrible Herbst Hotel and Casino (located on Paradise and Flamingo) has a cheap buffet, last I heard it was $5 for the breakfast buffet and $9 for the dinner buffet and on Sunday evenings the main course is prime rib and shrimp ($15). I stayed here many nights while serving peanuts and Cokes as a flight attendant. The multi-flavored fries (jalapeno, garlic, and cajun) in the bar on the main casino floor are pretty good for a late night fried-treat with a pint and the breakfast crepes were quite tasty.

Sadly, it looks like Chapter 11 for Terrible Herbst. Yikes! So get give ‘em some support and throw a few nickels and quarters in the slots while you’re there.

I know you’re wondering – What about the shrimp? The famous 99-cent shrimp cocktail is still in existence at the Golden Gate Casino downtown on Fremont Street or you can go big with the “Big Shrimp” for $2.99.

And yes, free drinks are normally offered to gambling patrons. To keep the cocktail waitress coming your way always tip at least $1-3 a drink if you tip more you are guaranteed to never go empty.

Now, go throw the money you just saved into the slot machines, just don’t let the money you brought to Vegas stay in Vegas.

Name That Airport Voice

A couple of months ago when my parents flew from Denver to Tucson for a visit my dad thought I would get a kick out of the fact that the voice on the Denver International Airport (DIA) train was that of Denver’s Mayor John Hickenlooper and apparently, a lot of Denver residents recognize the voice. Being that I once worked at DIA for Frontier Airlines I did find it funny.

It just so happens Denver isn’t the only airport using a famous voice at the airport. In fact, it’s been going on for quite sometime. Last month in USA Today columnist Harriet Baskas wrote an article about familiar voices on airport moving walkway PA systems. According to Baskas’ article, Lee Ann Womack greets passengers in Nashville and the Las Vegas McCarran Airport has been featuring entertainers over the moving-walkway PA system since the 70’s.

So, the next time you’re killing time in the airport, tune in and see if you recognize the voice. You might just be able to name that voice.