Utah and Bryce Canyon

 

 

 When I was younger, I never would have thought Utah would end up on my bucket list. Fast forward a few decades, and I can honestly say that Utah is one of the most beautiful states I have visited.

 

 

 

A visit(or 2) to Bryce Canyon helped sway my decision. I can't find words to explain the beauty of the area, so I'll let my pictures do the talking....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bryce Canyon is such a beautiful place to visit, and  it's only a slice of what Utah has to offer.

 

 

 

 

 

RoadTrippin' on Route 66 thru Tucumcari , NM

"Highway 66 is the main migrant road. … 66 is the path of a people in flight. … 66 is the mother road, the road of flight." -John Steinbeck

 

 

Tucumcari is a small town in east New Mexico and a popular stop for those of us "who get our kicks on Route 66"

 

 

 

When traveling on Route 66 through Tucumcari you can see the remains of another era.

 

 

 

 A part of me was thrilled to be able to be able to photograph this historic part of Americana.

 

 

 

 The other part of me was sad to see so many buildings and businesses shut down and in disrepair.

 

 

 

 It was nice to see some businesses still up and running though

 

 

 

 

Tepee Curios is one of the last remaining curio shops in New Mexico.

 

One of the best known landmark's in Tucumcari is the Blue Swallow Motel. Open since 1939, the motel is still in operation!

 

 

 

 

 Let's hope the sun isn't setting in the world where people hit the open road in search of fun and adventure. In fact, with more people hitting the road after COVID-19, let's see if we can revive the Mom and Pop shops along Route 66!

 

 

 

Something for Everyone in San Diego

 It seems every time I visit San Diego, I find something new. 

From picturesque beaches, to historical landmarks, there is something for everyone in this magnificent city.

 

 

In the mood for some shopping and people watching?? Take a walk in the "Heart of San Diego", the Gaslight District.

 

 

 Visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to experience the city's Mexican-American Heritage. Good food, wonderful shopping and historical museums can all be found here.

 

 

 

 

 Want experience some of San Diego's gardens and culture? Take a stroll in Balboa Park. From a Japanese Garden to the city's Museum of Natural History, one could spend a week visiting this park alone!!

 

 

 

The Navy, Marines and Coast Guard all have bases in San Diego. This made it a great place for the USS Midway to retire. You can tour the Midway(for a modest fee of course) everyday of the week.

 

 

 

After touring the ship, grab a cold drink and go back in time as you admire the Kissing Sailor Statue and right behind it you can find the wonderful Bob Hope Memorial.

 

 

 What ever else you may do while visiting San Diego, make sure to visit one of the many beaches. Bring your dog to one of the friendly dog beaches, or get sand in your toes at one of the quieter beaches in La Jolla. The San Diego coastline has so much to offer and has some of the best beaches on the West Coast.

There you have it, San Diego has so much to offer for so many making it a wonderful California destination(and one of my favorites)!

 

 

 

 

The Red Rocks of Nevada

 

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located about 45 minutes West of Las Vegas and is the perfect place to escape the casino crowds.  Take your time and drive the loop around the park, or spend the day stopping to enjoy the scenery by hiking or rock climbing. In the spirit of a Less Wordy Wednesday, I'll let you enjoy the beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 If you are ever in Las Vegas and need a break, get out and enjoy a bit of red rock nature!

 

 

 

 

French "Quarter" of New Orleans

 

New Orleans quickly became one of my favorite cities even before I had the chance to visit.   A big fan of Ann Rice,  I was introduced to the New Orleans through her infamous Witching Hour book series, almost exclusively set in New Orleans.  Rice did a wonderful job with her description of both the city and the outlying Garden District. When I had the chance to tag along with my husband on a business trip for a few days, I jumped at the chance.

 

 

When I headed out that first day into the French Quarter, I didn't know where to look first! So much history, beautiful architecture and let's not forget the people watching!

 

Let's start with the architecture, a mix of Spanish and French design, Creole Townhouses built after the 1788 New Orleans Fire, line the street.

 

 

 

 There are so many things I enjoy about the town houses. First, the hanging plants and flower pots that occupy almost every level lining the streets with color!

 

 

 

 Then there are the gas lights found, not only along the upper apartment floors, but also in front of many storefronts.

 

 

 

 Finally, beautiful wrought iron balconies and beautifully crafted wrought iron fences can be found just about everywhere!
I love me some wrought iron!

 

 

 

 One of NoLa's more notable historical landmarks is the St. Louis Cathedral. Named after the Sainted King Louis IX.

 

 

Marie Laveau, the famous New Orleans Voodoo Queen, is said to be buried in the famous Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1. To this day people still leave gifts for Madame Laveau, in hopes of having their wishes granted.

 

When it comes to people watching, Jackson Square is a nice place to sip on a cup of coffee and watch the artists mingle with the tourists. 

 

 

But if you want a nice warm beignet with your coffee and people watching, make sure to stop by the Cafe du Monde.  

This is just a small taste of what New Orleans holds and I hope you get a chance to experience some of the charm and romance NoLa has to offer!