That’s a Wrap!

2016 was a great year. Personally, it was pretty cool because I got to marry my favorite boy; my little sister moved to Columbus and we had an inaugural Christmas party in our new home. Oh yea, and I started this blog!  In the world of travel, I got to do some pretty cool things this year and it’s been a great experience sharing it with you. I thought it would be wise to sum up 2016 in the event you missed some of the highlights – it’ll be a photo-heavy recap, some food is involved (duh!).  Enjoy!

I wouldn’t even want to suggest that the first quarter of 2016 was boring for me. I was trying to remember what I was preparing for a year ago today and had to consult the calendar. The multitude of colors on my calendar was kind of frightening.  No wonder I couldn’t remember what I was doing… all of which was overshadowed by the planning of our wedding. For those of you that don’t remember, I’m a meeting planner as well, so I was devoting lots of energy to throwing the PERFECT party come April. Unbeknownst to me, I must have been saving up my travel energy for what was to come…

March 2016

I visited Kalahari for the first time ever (!) and also the first of three times in 2016. In March I was attending the Meeting Professionals International Mid America Conference (MAC).  I learned a lot and met some great new friends. I was also recognized for receiving my Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Certification, which is pretty cool!

MAC 2016 – Photo Credit: Chris Joyce Photography

Also in March, I got to see two brand new hotels – one open and one not quite open!  I was able to visit the new Kimpton Schofield Hotel, just after opening. We returned to stay overnight in May, when the idea for the blog came to fruition!  I was fortunate enough to get a hard hat tour of the new Hilton Cleveland Downtown. It was SO COOL. If you haven’t been there yet (it’s open now!) please go check it out. Whether you’re there to see the living wall in the lobby, the lake views from the rooftop bar or to eat at one of their awesome restaurants, it’s worth the trip.

Hard Hat Tour @ Hilton Cleveland Downtown
Hard Hat Tour @ Hilton Cleveland Downtown

April 2016

I can’t help but first point out – I got married!  This was by far the coolest thing that happened in 2016.  But, before all of those shenanigans, I had a Bachelorette Party.  Don’t worry folks, this blog is pretty PG.  I’m not your typical Bachelorette Party Go-er. I’m super lame. Really, all I wanted were my best friends in one place that had sunshine. After all, I didn’t want to be the same color as my wedding gown (Boo!). My girlfriends and I got to stay at the BRAND NEW Residence Inn Miami Beach South Beach. The hotel has just opened and it was super flashy. It wasn’t anything like what you’d see in Ohio, but then again, is anything in South Beach like Ohio?

South Beach – Photo Credit: Jackie Runion

Following our wedding, we visited Punta Islita, Costa Rica. We chose to stay at the Hotel Punta Islita which is an Autograph Collection property frequented by the rich and famous.  We didn’t get to meet any celebrities, but we had an awesome time. When I’m on vacation like this one, my routine is pretty simple – wake up, do a non-traditional workout (hike a mountain, swim in the ocean, beach side yoga…), eat breakfast, sit by the pool and read, eat lunch, sit by the pool and read, eat dinner – repeat. This is the view from my book.

Hotel Punta Islita - Costa Rica
Hotel Punta Islita – Costa Rica

May 2016

What happened in May is pretty spectacular. TJ and I were sitting in Adega after a long holiday weekend.  I’m sipping my tea, TJ his coffee. We’re playing one of our favorite post-trip games, “What was your favorite part?” when it happens. It was TJ’s idea. I can take no credit.  InnLove was born.

Cleveland Breakfast Hot Spot
Adega at Metropolitan at the 9

June 2016

One of the coolest things in June was the ability to share one of my favorite things with other people.  Maybe you haven’t picked up on this yet but I work in the hospitality industry. One thing I know you have picked up on is that I love to eat. Any chance I have to put those two things together for work – IRRESISTIBLE! In June, I was able to host a hospitality reception of sorts at one of our favorite places in Columbus – Wolf’s Ridge Brewing. TJ goes for the beer, I go for the brunch – Toad in a Hole is hands down the BEST BRUNCH food I have ever had. Sadly, I didn’t get to share brunch with my guests, but we did get to break in the brand new WRB Taproom. If you haven’t been there yet, go. I’d start with brunch.

Wolf's Ridge Brewing Taproom - Columbus, OH
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing Taproom – Columbus, OH

July 2016

Oh July, how I miss you. That might seem crazy, but more crazy is that I divide my year up into two major events – Christmas and July (not to be confused with Christmas IN July).  We go on our family vacation every July to Ocean Isle Beach. It’s the best. It is so easy and we just sit around in the sun for a solid week.  This year was particularly cool because we actually discovered something new! Guys, when you go the same place nearly 30 years in a row, it’s hard to break the mold, but this year it happened. My parents found this super cool hotel that I guarantee will become part of the annual experience because our time there was that great.  Tucked in the little town of Wytheville, VA along I-77 is the Bolling Wilson Hotel (and, also important…their restaurant, Graze on Main). What a fabulous find. If you want to read more about it, let me direct you here…Ascending to New Heights in Wytheville, VA.

Great new hotel find in the middle of Virginia. Great stop along I-77!
Ascending to new Heights @ the Bolling Wilson Hotel

August 2016

Summer was super busy for me both personally and professionally. I had the awesome opportunity to round out a fabulous summer travel season with my first trip to Gervasi Vineyard. Gervasi is located near my hometown, so the chances that I’m in that area and not just staying with mom and dad are slim. I am SO GLAD I went! The Villas at Gervasi are super romantic and luxurious.  I had a fire by my bed (I totally turned it on at bedtime even though it was easily 80 degrees out.), refreshments in the common area and a beautiful patio overlooking the pond. The dinner served at The Bistro was top notch and the atmosphere was that of the valleys of Sonoma or Napa, not Canton, OH.  If you haven’t had a chance to lose yourself at Gervasi – do it, before everyone finds out!

The Villas at Gervasi - Canton, OH
The Villas at Gervasi – Canton, OH

September 2016

Not to be outdone by Summer, Fall came swirling in in grand fashion. Remember that post about sleeping in 5 different hotels in 10 days or something absurd like that? That was in the month of September. So here, I feel like I really need to narrow down the best of September, but truthfully it’s easy and in the light of the most recent events, I think it’s important to highlight the beauty of Gatlinburg, TN. We were called to Sevierville, TN for a wedding the last weekend in September. It was the final stop on a month long travel rodeo and we were beat. I couldn’t have been more relieved when I discovered where we would be spending a long weekend, celebrating the marriage of one of my childhood friends.  The setting was majestic and the cabin we stayed in was super cool. We had a lofted bed in a room with floor-to-ceiling glass on three walls that made you feel as though you were quite literally sleeping in the trees. I cannot wait for the opportunity to go back, because Gatlinburg and the surrounding communities will come out of this year’s tragedy with a stronger and even more impressive travel experience to share with the world, mark my words!

Looking for a luxury cabin experience, great for groups and families? Check out Brother's Cove in Pigeon Forge
Mountain Side/Pool Side @ Brother’s Cove – Pigeon Forge, TN

October 2016

So, October was a super crazy month for work and I didn’t get to travel very much. I did, however, discover a lot of cool new places in my own backyard while working hard to put on a big travel industry conference with the rest of the OHLA crew. Some of the hotspots we discovered are:

Brunch: Hoof Hearted Brewery – Columbus, OH Those house-made biscuits. 

 

Drinks out: Pins Mechnical – Columbus, OH TJ threw the ball so hard he broke the lane we were on.  #ProBowlerProbs

Entertainment: Columbus Blue Jackets How have I never been to a hockey game?! SO. FUN.

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets

November 2016

November was cool because we got to do some fun things for TJ. In all honesty, my calendar dictates a lot of our schedule. He is a good sport for going along with everything I try to cram into our lives. Each year, my West Virginian plans a trip to Morgantown, WV to visit with his friends.  We all know by now I love traditions and one of my favorite fall traditions is the drive along the West Virginian “ridges” (those are the winding roads of the mountains for us Ohio folk) to Morgantown. I haven’t had a chance yet to cover this expedition in the blog, but I want to share a quick snip of this particular trip because it was so fun. We had our first snow of the season on a frigid night in Milan Puskar Stadium. I actually had one of our property members tell me that she has always wanted to experience a football game at Mountaineer stadium.  I’ve gotta tell you, kids, the emotion wrapped up in 60,000 fans singing Country Roads at one time is something else…even for a Bearcat. This photo does depict how similar WV weather is to Ohio… one day it’s sunny and warm, the next day it’s snowing and frigid. Here’s to seasons!

Morgantown, WV

December 2016

December. Much like July, it has really been a highlight of our year. We were able to take a trip to Napa that was unreal.  You haven’t read about it yet, as it will be the opening piece for 2017. But, I do like to share gifts this time of year, so here is a little snip it to tie you over until then. Isn’t it beautiful?

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I will not be posting again until January 6. See you next year!

xo

I’m Back! And My Belly is Full of Cookies!

 

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Beautiful Ohio Amish Country

I’M BACK! I seriously missed you guys. Traveling is hard work! A quick “thank you” to Christi and Cindy for stepping in and sharing with you some of their most recent experiences!
Guys. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I love everything about the “holiday season.” I need the cheer, I want the decorations and I gotta have the snow. Good lord, how do people in no-snow places even do it? TJ and I were in California recently (you’ll hear about that next week!) and it just isn’t the same. It’s like, Christmas on the surface – Christmas music playing, holiday décor, cinnamon pine cones everywhere… but it just isn’t. It doesn’t have the same…feeling. But you know what puts me in the holiday spirit? Holiday traditions. And I am so happy to report that we successfully completed the 9th Annual Amish Country Cookie Tour for the second year in a row. If you have no idea what I’m talking about or for some reason don’t associate cookies with Christmas – I guess I’ll just have to show you! To explain further, this is a tour of inns in Amish Country (OHIO!) that comes complete with Christmas decorations, Christmas cookies, Christmas music, this year – snow (!) and even a goat. So! Feet and hands inside the sleigh…

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Guggisberg Swiss Inn – Charm, OH

1st Stop – Guggisberg Swiss Inn

If someone blindfolded you and dropped you at the Guggisberg Swiss Inn you would think you were in Switzerland. Holiday décor aside, innkeepers Julia and Eric Guggisberg have done an excellent job of making this inn feel authentic. One of my favorite aspects of the inn, although I didn’t get a chance to snuggle them this year, are their horses. They roam free on the property and are happy for a pet or to take you on a trot around the property. Decked out for the holidays, the Guggisberg Swiss Inn is exactly where you picture yourself with a warm mug of hot chocolate and a book. As always, at this stop, you can taste some of their Doughty Glen Wines!

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
The Barn Inn – Millersburg, OH

2nd Stop – The Barn Inn
Every. Time. Innkeeper Loretta Coblentz out does herself. The Barn Inn is magnificently decorated for the holidays – although she gives her staff all the credit. Each guestroom is immaculately appointed, each with its own holiday theme. Some extra special touches are always waiting for you at The Barn Inn – quilts handmade by Loretta (check out this one that is the 12 Days of Christmas!) and during the tour, this sweet little goa—ahem—reindeer greets you at the door.

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Berlin Resort – Berlin, OH

3rd Stop – Berlin Resort
Yowza! Talk about a non-traditional Amish Country lodging experience. The new suites at the Berlin Resort are top of the line. Covered in all things shimmery and glittery for the holidays, the Berlin Resort is the type of place I want to have a Girls Weekend. The massive suites building is ideal for a Bridal Suite or the whole family! Rooms are cleverly situated to continue to be joined until you have just the right number of impressive bedrooms, fireplaces and enormous bathrooms to suit you and your guests. I couldn’t get over the views from the suites facing the lake. The crew here did a great job of accenting the contemprary nature of the design with the contemporary Christmas pizzazz!

 

4th Stop – Comfort Suites Berlin

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Comfort Suites – Berlin, OH

It’s a funny feeling when you think you know what something will be like and you’re wrong. That is exactly what happens every time I visit a Comfort Suites, particularly the one in Berlin. With so many great lodging options around the area, the Comfort Suites Berlin has made sure you have a unique experience while enjoying the comforts of brand recognition. I absolutely loved what the staff did for the holidays. The rooms were festively decorated in different ideas of Christmas – from blue, gold and all things glitter, to a classic farmstead Christmas with plaids and wood. The Comfort Suites Berlin always does a great job of showcasing local

businesses in the area at the end of the tour too – those cupcakes were phenom!

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Berlin Grande Hotel – Berlin, OH

5th Stop – Berlin Grande Hotel
Always one of the hot spots on the tour, the Berlin Grande Hotel was pulsing with holiday spirit and people! The tree that greets you in the lobby is nothing to contest with. One of my favorite decorations on the tour was what we playfully called the “Winter is Coming” room (Game of Thrones – anyone?). The white fur blanket on the bed was a luxurious touch! At this point in the tour, I was ready to cozy up for a nap with that blanket. This stop is also the hub for the shuttle that takes you to two more stops – onward!

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Carlisle Country Inn – Berlin, OH

6th Stop – Carlisle Country Inn
Wow. This is the first time I’ve been to this property and I was glad we went. Innkeepers were welcoming guests into a warm cozy living room (it was freezing that day!) and Jim was busy cookie (I’m going to leave this typo here to give you a sense of where my mind is at…) COOKING** up a special Apple Cider on the stove top – complete with whipped cream and spice! The rooms at this inn had the highest ceilings! I found one of the best wingback chairs near a fireplace at this stop. If I’d only brought my kindle!

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Garden Gate Get-A-Way – Millersburg, OH

7th Stop – Garden Gate Get-A-Way
Also a new stop for me on the tour and we were impressed. Far removed from the bustle of downtown Berlin, this little spot is a great “get a-way.” The main room was packed with people clamoring for an iced Ginger Cookie (my favorite cookie of the tour!) and some of their German Tea. We snagged a tea and headed to one of the cottages. The cottages would be a great place to spend a weekend away from home – no doubt! I also loved their Teddy Bear Christmas Room – something unique for the tour!

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Oak Ridge Inn – Walnut Creek, OH

8th Stop – Oak Ridge Inn at Walnut Creek
Exhausted yet? We should have done this in two days for sure. Luckily, the crew at Oak Ridge Inn was ready to save the day. Not only did they have our cookies, but little containers of grapes and cheese. After all, it was almost dinner time and we were working hard! I have visited several Nivea Hospitality properties but the Oak Ridge Inn was something different. Right around the corner from the ultra-modern Wallhouse Hotel Walnut Creek, this quaint little inn is tucked back off the main drag. The guest rooms here are massive with big Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces waiting to help you unwind. Definitely worth a longer visit (and soak!) next time I’m in town.

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek – Walnut Creek, OH

9th Stop – Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek
Talk about competing with your siblings. The Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek and Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek were battling it out for most over the top, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping holiday display. The Christmas tree at the entrance to the Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek is impressive to say the least. Actually, the cool thing about this place is there are many entrances. We came in from the “bottom” level and were greeted by a secondary lobby display where we were able to snap an official blog picture (Check out that shirt!). Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek is a big property and they made sure not a corner went unturned. Every inch of the property was dressed for the holidays.Thank you for a great back drop!

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Inn at Walnut Creek – Walnut Creek, OH

10th Stop – Inn at Walnut Creek
New Kids on the Block – Welcome! Not totally new, just new to the tour! We are SO GLAD you joined us this year and it sounds like your staff is too! I was pleasantly greeted by the new innkeeper’s mother who was handing out handmade French Madeleine’s – YUM. I was on my way out of the Welcome building when I overheard someone was getting a room tour – so I jumped in line. The guestrooms were classically decorated for the holidays with festive wreaths and Christmas trees. This place is a great stop for a visit to Amish Country – centrally located, easy to access and great hospitality.

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek – Sugarcreek, OH

11th Stop – Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek
We made it! Not to be outdone by its sister property, the Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek has an even more impressive tree and lots of them. I have to give them kudos for my favorite room of the day. I took so many pictures of this room and immediately turned to TJ and asked, “could we do this?” to which he rolled his eyes and said, “No. We’re missing a jacuzzi tub, a four-poster bed, a fireplace and a miniature lamb.” SHOOT. I wasn’t the only one taking pics of this room. The photos say enough. Nice work.

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour
Inn at Amish Door – Wilmot, OH

12th Stop – Inn at Amish Door
Sadly, we hit our step count by tenfold, stood in the frigid December air for the shuttle and digested as many cookies as possible, only to come up short of hitting the LAST STOP before the end of the tour. Luckily, I’m from Amish Country so I’ve had the fortunate pleasure to visit the Inn at Amish Door many times before and know that it is an excellent addition to the tour this year. The team there was happy to share some pictures with me to share with all of you so please check them out in the Visual Adventure Gallery!

Lesson learned. Two Day tour tickets next year!

Of course, I can’t miss the opportunity to thank Leon Troyer and the staff of the Wallhouse Hotel Walnut Creek for hosting TJ and me for our 2nd Annual Tour. The Wallhouse is one of my favorite places to stay for an awesome breakfast, beautiful views, and excellent hospitality. Until next time…

Ohio Amish Country Lodging Council Christmas Cookie Tour

“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

Guest Blog: Meet Cindy!

You may have not have heard my name yet, but I can be found in the OHLA office with Halle, I’m Cindy. The office historian and lover of all things Columbus, Halle asked me to step in while she has been on the road for a few weeks. Don’t worry, you’ll get to hear all about that soon! Until then, follow me on an overnight in one of my favorite places – Columbus!

My husband Greg and I had the opportunity for a weekend excursion, “close to home”.  We arrived at our Columbus Staycation hotel in time to watch the OSU Buckeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins kick-off — Go Bucks! (I had to get that in here somewhere, you’ll never hear Halle say it!) We were staying at the Crowne Plaza Columbus-Downtown  for an evening of dining out and a Columbus Blue Jackets game. Our room was on the 10th floor with a fantastic view of Nationwide Arena and the surrounding Arena District.

 

Although Halle and I don’t have the Bucks in common – we do both love to eat. Knowing we could watch part of the second half of the football game while dining, we walked to the Short North Arts District to BareBurger on N. High Street.  We enjoyed Bison and Elk burgers while sharing some of the best [Onion] Rings & Fries we’ve ever had. They come with awesome dipping sauces. The restaurant is in a section of the old Yankee Trader party store, an icon of fun costume and party goods in Central Ohio. A section of the old stair case was kept to keep the historical nature of the building.

 

It was a short walk on a gorgeous November Saturday night to Nationwide Arena, where fans were lined up see the Columbus Blue Jackets play the St. Louis Blues. Fans were quickly pleased by an early goal which lead to an 8-4 win! A brief walk back to the Crowne Plaza = No traffic hassles, No long drive home!

Sunday morning found us at one of our favorite breakfast spots downtown, Mound St. & S. High St.-Dempsey’s Food & Spirits. Always a great quality breakfast in their quaint bar setting.

One thing you might not have known about me, I love art and fashion.

We left just in time to arrive at the Columbus Museum of Art upon opening to see Bodies@Work: The Art of Ruben and Isabel Toledo. The couple shows how they work their creativity together. I’m reading her book, Roots of Style and to see the exhibit, brings their stories and creativity to life! {Link to buy this book for someone you know who loves fashion! It’s the Christmas season after all!}

We arrived home in the afternoon and took a walk at Walnut Woods Metro Park in Groveport.

It’s sometimes easy to forget all of the great things your own community has to offer. Next time you’re in need of a day or weekend away, consider looking in your own backyard! If you’re in need of some inspiration, Halle and her guest bloggers provide new ideas every week and of course, you can always pick up the phone and call us!

Thanks for coming along on my journey with me!

 

“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

Guest Blog: Christi Loves Kauai, Hawaii

Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail views

I’m back, It’s me Christi. (Halle’s Co-worker)

I love to travel.

You may say, everyone loves to travel, but I am super passionate about it and I fall in love with most every place I go and Kauai, Hawaii was one of them. I’m in love with several different cities across the U.S and even other countries. My parents are still shocked I haven’t already moved somewhere that I’ve visited.

My first time visiting Kauai, was the most unique way to experience a place, Habitat for Humanity: Global Village Trip. You get to take in the culture, meet the locals and work side by side with the families you are building homes for. I got to experience some of the touristy attractions when I was there the first time, but didn’t get to see as many of the sites as I would’ve liked, so of course I had to go back and this time around, I went all out! I planned my trip to Hawaii revolving around a Half Marathon run!

Kauai Hawaii- Poipu Old Koloa Sugar Mill Half Marathon
Christi Runs Kauai- Old Koloa Sugar Mill Half Marathon

What better way to plan a trip then by absolutely having a reason to go! I was set to run The Old Koloa Sugar Mill Half Marathon that started in Old Koloa and ran down through Poipu along the beachfront and back past the Mill.

I joined up with my parents in Kauai (their first time). We stayed in a pool and partial ocean facing room at the Kauai Marriott Resort. You enter the drive to get to the Marriott and my parents said it made them feel like they were entering Disney World!

The entrance to the Marriott Kauai Resort through tons of trees
Marriott Kauai Resort Entrance

The trees and greenery were unbelievable! What they didn’t know yet is that Kauai and greenery go hand in hand – it is the Garden Island you know. Most people go to Hawaii and visit Maui, Oahu or the Big Island, and we will let them keep going to those, but what they don’t know is that Kauai is the most breathtaking of them all. (Now I may be a little partial, but let’s keep it our little secret)

The Kauai Marriott was nothing short of AMAZING. I mean it was HUGE. It has 5 hot tubs! And a breathtaking pool with a kid pool and slide off to the side! The pool is one of the LARGEST RESORT POOLS IN HAWAII! The pool and the Marriott are all right next to the Kalapaki Bay! THE RESORT HAS IT’S OWN BEACH!  There are four different restaurants that are inside the

Kauai Marriott Resort Room View Pool Facing
Kauai Marriott Resort Pool Facing Room View

Kauai Marriott Resort as well! So many options just in one central area! We tried Duke’s Barefoot Bar and Kukuis and I highly recommend both. The nachos are fantastic- at both. One thing I wish I could’ve gotten around to doing at the resort while I was there was the morning yoga on the beach! Such a cool option, but I did get a lot of jogging in with beautiful views of the Resort’s Golf Course. (If you are into golf, the Ocean Course– it’s Jack Nicklaus signature course)

I love everything about Kauai! There are so many fantastic areas on the small island. So I am going to leave you with some of my favorite spots.

Kalapaki Joes (The Westernmost Sports Bar in the U.S, in Poipu and Kukui Grove) – This time to Kauai was my first to Kalapaki Joe’s and I recommend it 100 %! You MUST go in with a BIG appetite because the serving sizes are HUGE and you won’t leave hungry! I’m telling you it is fantastic. Please order the onion rings as an appetizer, but make sure you have a big party or else aren’t ordering a bunch of other food! They literally bring you a BOWL FULL of onion rings covered in parmesan and they are DELICIOUS. I wanted to cry leaving some in our bowl, but we didn’t have anyone to warn us of the portions and had also ordered tacos! I had the pork, Skip had steak and mom had the shrimp. They were delicious and very filling as well. We loved the place so much we ended up back at the Poipu location later in the week for breakfast. It wasn’t a disappointment either!

Koloa Mill Ice Cream and Coffee shop in Old Koloa Town Kauai, Hawaii
Koloa Mill Ice Cream and Coffee

Koloa Mill Ice Cream and Coffee (in Historic Old Koloa Town) – If you don’t know me, you wouldn’t know that I am lactose intolerant. So, now you’re probably thinking, “what can you get at an ice cream shop?” Well, ice cream of course! I fell in love with this place when in Kauai on my first trip (we went SEVERAL nights – well worth the sacrifice of my stomach) and I had to take my parents back! It is DELICIOUS. Go try it for yourself.

Anuenue Café (In Poipu in Koloa in the back of Poipu Shopping) – This is where I discovered my love for Hawaiian Breakfast. STICKY RICE, PORTUGESE SAUSAGE AND EGGS! YES. YES. YES.

Try The Tourist at Anuenue Cafe in Kauai, Hawaii
Try The Tourist at Anuenue Cafe

This is what “The Tourist” breakfast platter entails and it doesn’t disappoint. I ended up getting this platter at several other restaurants throughout the week but Anuenue’s version definitely remained my favorite. Skip recommends the Loco Moco, I’m sure. (He got it almost every morning as well)

I could go on and on about great restaurants but a few others you should try: Pietro’s Pizza, Chicken in a Barrel BBQ, Brennecke’s Beach Broiler and Bubba’s Burgers! Now on to Beaches and the Fun!

Polihale State Park Beach View in Kauai Hawaii
The beach at Polihale State Park

Polihale State Park (Waimea) –  Please drive there (but take a Jeep or a Truck or even hitch a ride in the back of a truck!) It is down a LONG bumpy road, which is not a good mix if you have to pee! But well worth the ride to the isolated white sand beach with a fantastic backdrop of cliffs! Swimming isn’t necessarily recommended at this beach though for the rough waters.

Larsen's Beach in Kauai, HawaiiLarsen’s Beach (Kilauea) – Let’s keep this one a secret. It’s quiet and a little bit of a hike to get down to it. But if planning to visit Kauai, go soon! For the locals fear that Zuckerberg is trying to make it not accessible to public anymore.

Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail, Shipwreck Beach Kauai, Hawaii
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

HIKE at Shipwrecks Beach– My parents and I took in an EXCELLENT and BEAUTIFUL hike starting out at Shipwrecks Beach along the cliffs and beach. We went off the path a lot to get closer view of the water. Try out the cliff jump if you are up for it, all the locals are! I however, chickened out.

Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii, Sunset, The Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail, Na Pali Coast

ALSO, HIKE THE KALALAU TRAIL ON THE NA PALI COAST! JUST DO IT. No explanation needed. Then hop in Ke`e Beach!

ATV'ing on Kipu Ranch - The Waterfall Tour, Kauai, Hawaii
Mom, Skip and I taking an ATV break to enjoy the view on the Kipu Ranch

ATV’ing on the Kipu Ranch! – So. Much. Fun. We had two excellent guides which made for an even better experience. We did the Waterfalls Picnic Tour and took in all sorts of gorgeous untouched beauty on the Kipu Ranch (many movies were filmed here) via ATV’s. We also took a swing on the Indiana Jones rope into the Kuleia River and splish-splashed under a waterfall!

Kayaking with Wailua River Guides and Ziplining with Koloa Ziplining in Kauai, Hawaii Old Koloa Town, Old Koloa Sugar MillZipline! (Kauai’s longest zip line) – Both are fantastic options! With EXTRAORDINARY views and LOTS of FUN! I even went upside down on the zip line and others zipped away in “flyin’ kauai’ian” harnesses. Kayaking in the morning is
recommended before all the crowds join in and you hike to a waterfall hole that is practically empty!

 

As you can see, I could go ON and ON about Kauai. But I will just let you go and experience the rest for yourself!

A hui hou!

North Shore Beach Kauai, Hawaii

The world is a book and those who do not travel only read one page. -St Augustine