I wish I was flying now!

This plane flying into the sunset over my house made me itch to go somewhere. Where next??

Girls' Weekend - Amelia Island Ritz Carlton

 When plans fell through for a trip to Miami Beach, I remained determined to sit my derierre on a beach SOMEWHERE, and not just any somewhere, a NICE somewhere.  I flipped through my "1000 Places to go Before you Die" travel bible and landed on the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island.  I rounded up a couple girlfriends and off we went for a girls' spa weekend.

Although Amelia Island has a relaxing vibe now, it wasn't always so.  Its history is full of stories of slave trading, pirates, and land battles; 8 different countries have claimed it throughout its history. Now, the island is a gracious host to newlyweds, serious golfers, families and luxury hounds (that would be me).  Fernandina Beach is Amelia Island's go-to town for history buffs.  It boasts both the oldest saloon in Florida (Palace Saloon) and the oldest hotel in Florida (Florida House Inn).  Restored Victorian houses turned Bed and Breakfasts, quaint shops, and Fort Cinch round out just a few reasons for reserving at least half a day to explore beyond your comfy beach chair (although it was tempting to never leave the beautiful Ritz grounds).

The Palace Saloon claims to be the oldest saloon in Florida, where pirates tipped one back between their marauding adventures.

The grounds of the Ritz Carlton are gorgeous.  Take a video tour and imagine yourself there!

The grounds were beautifully manicured and featured several pools, including an indoor pool and a kiddie pool with little waterfalls for tykes to cavort under.  During the day, the large outdoor pool area featured live reggae music.

Kiddie pool video

The indoor and outdoor pools

Beef Tartar appetizer at Salt restaurant (Look at that perfectly poached egg!)

Salt is the fine dining restaurant at the Ritz.  The lowest priced entree was $35, so I opted for an appetizer and a side.  I had the beef tartar and a side of spinach.  Our waitress was very friendly and didn't blink an eye when my dining companions did the same.  My bill was $25, without wine or dessert.  If I would have added those, dinner for one with an entree could easily have gone over $80.  But you get what you pay for.  After a traumatic let down at Husk in Charleston, it was wonderful to experience food that, while not flamboyantly creative, was REALLY well done.  Just be prepared to pay.

Lots of fun for you shell lovers out there!

As for any self respecting girls' weekend, the crowning glory of the trip was our day at the spa.  I almost melted into the massage table during the heavenly hot rock treatment, which after the automatically added gratuity, was about $170.  The signature treatment, developed by a on site masseuse, is the "Heaven in a Hammock" massage.  It sounded wonderful but I didn't try it.  The other two ladies in my group got a massage with Propolis, a substance created by bees they claim to be good for your immune system.   The ladies were sighing with delight when they got through.  If you choose not to have a treatment, the facility is still a wonderful way to spend the day for $25.

The spa facilities just kept going and going, with two relaxation rooms, an indoor wet lounge featuring a jacuzzi with a waterfall, an outdoor co-ed private pool and yet another jacuzzi with a waterfall (see picture above), a sauna, steam room and well appointed treatment rooms.  Ammenities included cucumber iced face towels, tea, flavored water, nut mix, apples, and pretzels free for the taking.  The pool area has access to the outdoor restaurant.   

The beach was clean, wide, full of great shells, and quiet.

Amelia Island is a perfect getaway for families, couples, golfers, history hounds, girlfriend getaways and honeymooners.  They were setting up for a wedding the day I left and I saw a couple brides flitting about.  There's also golf nearby, so there's something for everybody!  One thing I would have done if I had more time is to take advantage of the hotel's rental bikes.

Best of my travel to Zurich Switzerland and Rome Italy

I am also a painter, and one day, when I was looking for pictures to paint, I made a discovery that would have a huge impact on my life.

 I found Karin's cats.  Karin lives in Switzerland, and she posts beautiful pictures of her cats on Webshots.  I was so excited when she gave me permission to paint her Siamese.

This is my painting of Karin's Kennedy - he's a HUGE character

We began to correspond, and after a year of knowing her, we decided to take a trip to Costa Rica (to be posted later).  I've always wanted to travel to Switzerland to see the Alps, so a couple summers later I invited myself to meet her, the cats, and her amazing country.  We threw in a visit to Italy for good measure, and here are the fruits of our travel labors...

There's Karin doing ONE of the things she does best, taking pictures!

Europeans sure know how to do yumminess.

We took the train from Zurich to Rome through mountains.  The alps were so mysterious, wrapped in mist.

Pinch me, I'm in Rome??!!

Nuns by the Forum in Rome

The smallest country in the world - the Vatican - they even had their own little post office

We went to Florence next, but I'll save that for another post.

Husk restaurant in Charleston, SC

My husband had to go to Charleston on business and so we made a short weekend of it. I've been wanting to try the much acclaimed Husk restaurant, which Bon Appétit magazine voted as America's best new restaurant in 2011.

I had the, ahem, "NC Confit Duck leg with creamy farro, spinach and charred leeks, brown butter crumbles, and peanut jus"  I'm sad to say that it wasn't the best meal I've had in a while.  But we went for lunch, and this dish was only $13, and it was definitely worth that.  Our waiter explained that the farro is an heirloom grain, and  it was chewy and nutty; quite enjoyable.  My husband had the BBQ sandwich and his wasn't spectacular either.  Maybe the whole point for this place isn't about being spectacular; it's more about using well researched, locally sourced ingredients.  And this they do well.  You can go on their website and read about all the local farms they buy from.  So would I eat there again?  Probably for lunch; I do enjoy tasting foods that are no longer used in our mainstream culture.  

One of my favorite things about husk were the tools they used to serve the food.  This little French press by Frieling was adorable, and I loved the mini glass cream jar.  Also, the drinking glasses (made from lopped off wine bottles) are made by a local of my Columbia, SC hometown.  He also makes glass slides for playing guitar.

We stayed neared the Ashley River and I got out to take a little photo tour...

This old house was in spectacular disrepair.  I enjoy looking at the run down houses more than the refurbished ones; they give you a sense of the true history of the place.

More proof I can say "Been there, done that"

 

To Disney, Animal Kingdom, and Beyoooonnnnnnd!

We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.  It is one of the deluxe resorts, but is also one of the least expensive.  I visited several of the other more expensive deluxe resorts and the only thing about them is they're a little closer to Disney.  I'd rather stay here with the animals and amazing staff and ride a bus 10 minutes longer!  One evening we stood around a bonfire while a guy from Victoria Falls in Africa shared stories about his country, and about all the animals that are attracted to Victoria Falls.  The sounds of the crashing water filled his town, and when he moved to the US he couldn't sleep because it was too quiet.

The real Victoria Falls in Zambia

The lobby was gorgeous, and right outside were zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and more

When we booked the room, we didn't have what they call a "savanna view".  But when checking in, we asked for a free upgrade and got a partial savanna view.  I really didn't expect such a wonderful room with great views of the animals.  There was a huge bird building its nest right in front of our patio.

Here's a good little secret tip - when in Animal Kingdom, get a table in the sun room at Yak &Yeti restaurant about 15 minutes before the parade starts.  You won't have to battle the crowds, and you'll have a beautiful view of the parade eating delish and reasonably priced food!  I had a sushi appetizer for $10.

I faced my fears of roller coasters and rode this one - the first since I was in second grade!

 The Grand Floridian will set you back $600+ a night! I liked my hotel better, and it was fun to come enjoy this place for lunch.

 Dinner at Sanaa.  The food is really unique and not just "dialed in"  I really expected Disney to be a lot more cheesy.  I've traveled all over the world but I was so impressed with the attention to detail in the parks, the food, the staff, and the hotels.

Tao's ready to eat at Yak & Yeti!

Gorgeous tigers in Animal Kingdom

Disney does an amazing job capturing the essence of countries a world away.  If you can't get to them, Disney is the second best place to experience the feel of travelling internationally.  I've been to some of the places Disney replicated, and was so impressed with the authenticity achieved.

Safari at Disney if you can't go to Africa!

Coastal Georgia Tour - Cumberland Island to Savannah Georgia

Between my full time job as a school social worker and painting at night, I had run myself ragged and needed a little weekend getaway.  I recruited an old friend I had met working on a horse farm, a fellow horse lover, and planned a weekend in Cumberland Island and Savannah.  Here, the Kennedys wed, the wild ponies wander, and the moss seems to soak up the sunlight and hold on to it, drenching the ancient oaks in an ethereal glow.

See the ethereal glow??


For me, the ponies were the stars of the show.  You can get very close to them, but if you get close enough to touch, they'll squeal and start turning their hindquarters to you - an equine signal that you're about to get kicked.  Hard.  These ponies have a combination of many breeds, mostly those owned by the Carnegies who eventually set them free.

Cumberland Island used to be a playground of the rich and well automobiled.  There was a row of these old cars, rusting in the elements.  They must have once been so grand.

This is the mansion that is now in ruins on the island.  

Here's my wonderful friend Pamby, climbing one of the majestic old oaks.

There are two ways to spend the night on Cumberland Island.  You can either camp (we tried to do that, but it was fully booked) or you can stay at Greyfield Inn.  We also had wanted to rent bikes when on the island, but when we got there, all the bikes had been rented (The ranger claimed that this is a rare occurrence).  To make sure you get a bike, you may want to bring your own.  Bikes are not allowed on the ferry, but there are private charter companies that will bring your bike over.  Also, be sure to bring bug spray with deet.  Even if the mosquitoes aren't biting, spray your feet to keep ticks off!


The Greyfield Inn, which has appeared on many of the travel industry's best-of-the-best lists, including those of Condé Nast, Travel & Leisure, and National Geographic. Built in 1900 by the Carnegies for their daughter, it is still run by descendants of the original family.

We stayed the first night in St. Mary's, caught the 9 am ferry to Cumberland Island, spent the day there, then spent the second night in Savannah.  We stayed in The Thunderbird Inn, which is one of the few budget accommodations in the historical district of Savannah.  Actually, it's more on the periphery of the historic area, but it was within walking distance and didn't break my starving artist budget.  It was clean, quiet, updated, and served as a restful place to sleep, if nothing more.

Patagonia in Chile

This photo of Torres del Paine is courtesy of TripAdvisor