If you want a front row seat for Windsurfing, Kiteboarding and Stand up Paddleboarding action in Hood River then sit yourself down at Full Sail Brew Pub. P.S. they make Full Sail Beer in Hood River. They even offer free tours of their brewery which has been in business for 26 years. 

After two visits to Full Sail I can tell you there is no better spot in the area to drink, eat and stare at the stunning view. I definitely made some memories here! Just one more thing to add to the "Why Oregon is so incredible" list! 

Yes- there is an affordable place to stay on the southern coast of Orange County, CA.  The Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel is not only affordable but only two blocks from Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach. 

This hotel is a great choice for anyone,  including families,  who are planning a trip to this part of California.  It is especially ideal for those in the Stand Up Paddle Community who are planning to attend the Battle of the Paddle 2014. Save this information for next year so that you remember to book a room for the race at the Best Western Marina Shores. 

This hotel is located on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point. They have complimentary breakfast, a newly remodeled fitness center and a heated outdoor pool. The best part though is how close and convenient it is to some of the most beautiful beaches in California. I was able to walk to the start of the Battle of the Paddle Race in no more than 10 minutes. 

I was definitely on a budget during this trip and was struggling to find a remotely affordable place to stay that was close to the race. I was so happy when I came across this hotel. I will add that I hadn't stayed at a Best Western property in quite some time and I wasn't sure what to expect from a quality standpoint. I was so impressed!! Best Western has come a long way over the past few years. This property recently invested $1.5 million in renovations and you can see from the pictures below how nice it is. 

The parking situation was easy and the service was great. It is also a pet friendly hotel in case you are planning to take your dog SUPing. 

I could not wait to get home and share these photos from the 2013 SeaWheeze Half Marathon AND the information about The Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside. If you are traveling to Vancouver for any reason prepare yourself for one of the most memorable trips of your life. Finding a great place to stay is key on any trip. There is no doubt in my mind that "location, location, location" is important. 

The Renaissance was the perfect choice for this trip. The hotel is literally steps from the start line of the race and a very short walk to the water front restaurants that line Coal Harbour. Coal Harbour lies between Vancouver's downtown and Stanley Park. I can't think of a better area to stay in when visiting this city. 

My favorite thing about this hotel was the convenience for the race but there were many more positives. It is modern, fresh, clean, affordable and full of good energy from the helpful staff. I overheard many of the racers who were staying there say that the staff was very informed about the race events and logistics. This is invaluable when you are not familiar with the area or the event. 

When I travel I like to find out secrets about the area that only the locals would know. The Renaissance helps you to do that through their "In-The-Know" recommendations which are compiled weekly and made available to the guests. I was also impressed to learn that the Hotel Association of Canada has awarded the Renaissance with the 4 Green Key Eco-rating. In order to receive this rating the hotel had to excel in nine areas of sustainable hotel operations including energy conservation, indoor air quality and community outreach. Congrats to the staff of the Renaissance for achieving this!!! 

I hope that if you get a chance to visit Vancouver that you will book at room here. You are forgiven if you cry when you check out! 

What do I love about The Cowfish? Where do I start? The burgers made with grass fed beef, the best sushi in town and the 40 seat bar that always has fun energy! By the way there is now a Cowfish location in Raleigh......I didn't want to forget to tell you that. 

I don't think there is anywhere else that you can get "Burgushi". If you can't decide if you want burgers or sushi go to Cowfish where you don't have to choose. You can have both. Burgushi is a fusion of burger and sushi. No matter how many times I eat here I never get tired of the menu because there are so many choices...even hand spun milk shakes. 

I am a huge fine of patio dining.....I'll almost always choose to eat outside if I have the option. At cowfish you can dine inside at the huge bar, in the dining room or on the outdoor patio. The restaurant is located beside Southpark Mall near Crate & Barrel. If you have wine or their famous 10 oz martinis and you don't want to drive home....don't! The Cowfish bus will take you home (if you live in the area). I think it is fantastic that they offer to drive people home so they can eat and drink and still get home safely. 

If you live in the Charlotte or Raleigh area and haven't tried Cowfish....you should! Definitely one of my favorite places to eat. 

This is my second year attending (this year I actually participated! yay!) the Carolina Cup Stand Up Paddleboard Race in Wrightsville Beach, NC. The Blockade Runner is the host hotel & resort. I LOVED staying here! I wasn't the only one. Every morning at breakfast I overheard people commenting on how much they were enjoying their stay at the Blockade. 

One of the winners of the Harbor Island Race, Ernie Eller, couldn't say enough about the resort. Ernie is a Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor for My Aloha Paddle Sports & Fitness in the Charlotte, NC area and a water fanatic! He turned the race weekend into a family event so that his wife and kids could enjoy this great spot. He said “The Blockade Runner is the perfect destination for a vacation or quick get away.....with a staff that provides over the top customer service....to the oceanfront location - seated between the Atlantic and sound...it's truly a vacation paradise. Surfing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, fishing or whatever your interest may be on vacation...the Blockade Runner can provide it all”.

If you decide to attend the Carolina Cup in 2014 you'll most likely get the opportunity to meet some of the top Stand Up Paddleboarders in the world. This year I got the opportunity to meet Danny Ching, Candice Appleby, Anthony Vela, Travis Babtiste and many of the other "stars" in the SUP race community. 

I definitely agree with Ernie about the staff. They were extremely friendly and helpful…I was impressed that they were up to date on the multiple events taking places at different times and places in and around the resort. I was chatting with Maria Tafalo who has been in guest services at the Blockade for about a year and a half. Maria had nothing but great things to say about the work environment at the resort. I asked her what she enjoys most about working at the Blockade and she said the “laid back” environment which appeals to young professionals looking for a career in hospitality. She was excited about some of the upcoming events including “Surfer Healing” and “Flotilla”. 

The grounds are GORGEOUS! All rooms have an ocean view and the "back yard" is lush and green one of my favorite parts of the weekend is the awards ceremony on the back lawn greens. The lobby is so modern.....South Beach meets Key West...best of both worlds. I have to mention the continental breakfast too. I travel all over the country for work and this is by far the BEST complimentary breakfast that I've come across. Every morning we had a full buffet of fruit, eggs, bacon, yogurt, potatoes and my favorite the French Toast. 

The Blockade is host to many top events including: 

5 annual SUP events
The Carolina Cup (May)
Sunset SUP Series (Every Thursday in the June-Aug)
NC Surf to Sound Challenge (Nov. 23)
Cold Stroke Classic (January)
Wrightsville Beach Biathlon (March—the first and only SUP and Run in the area).
*special rates for participants

Exciting Happenings
Launch of the Blockade Runner Surf to Sound Academy

The resort is now a hub for SUP, Surf, Kayak, Kayak Fishing, Birding and Sailing lessons through partnerships with only THE BEST instructors in the area  

Jarrod Covington, defending champ of the Wrightsville Beach Biathlon, will be teaching SUP lessons on an on-going basis for the Blockade. He is a PaddleFit Level 2 Certified Coach. Very exciting to have him on board at the Blockade! 

I had lived in Charlotte for six years and always wanted an opportunity to visit the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge. I had driven by it many times and couldn’t help but notice the spacious grounds and the beautiful green golf courses. FINALLY my company decided to have a corporate event there so I was able to attend and spend a night at what is now my favorite resort in Charlotte.

The resort is a member of the Luxury Collection by Starwood Hotels and is also recognized by Forbes as a Four-Star and AAA Four-diamond category hotel. I am not surprised at all! The spa is incredible. If you live in Charlotte it is a great girls outing to go to the spa for the day. If you are traveling to Charlotte on business it is an ideal place to hold your meetings or corporate events.

I have several friends who have been fortunate enough to have weddings at the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge and the pictures are beautiful. If you are looking for a place to hold your wedding and / or wedding reception definitely look in to this location. Your guest will be in heaven with the indoor and outdoor pools, spa, fitness center and championship PGA golf course.

It is very easy to access being just 18 miles from the Charlotte airport. and very close to major shopping areas like Southpark Mall. Southpark Mall has more than 100 shops including Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

AFTERNOON TEA
Traditional afternoon tea in The Ballantyne Lobby Tuesday - Saturdays from 1pm - 5pm. Reservations required in advance at 704.248.4100.
View Sample Menu
Adults $32, Juniors $16

Gallery Bar Tastings
Reservations are recommended at 704.248.4100.  







Friday, March 22 at 6pm – South American Wines $25 pp Friday, April 5 at 6pm - Spanish Whites $25 pp

Friday, April 19 at 6pm - Mother Earth Beer $25 pp

I wanted to share with you one of my favorite hotels in Washington DC, The W  Hotel. When thinking of a place to stay while in our nation’s capital ….well The  W had me at  ”flirty, fun, fresh  experience” !! And it is that!
It has incredible views of the White House and other historical landmarks  like the Washington Monument. You need to experience this  if you are in DC.  FYI they have some special rates coming up on the following dates:  November 1-7,17-25 and December 16-30. The most appealing thing  about this hotel besides the view is the fact that is is within a close walk of  some major DC landmarks. Basically, you’ll be in the perfect spot for experiencing all that DC has to offer.

Check out the incredible view of the Monument and of the White House  from the
P.O.V. roof terrace.

Even if you don’t stay overnight at the W you really need to experience the
view from P.O.V. For more reviews on P.O.V check out what my friend wrote on her
blog about our experience there http://www.coastaljetsetter.com/5/post/2012/10/pov-w-hotel-washington-dc.html

 The overall service was more than we could have expected. Their description
of the experience is spot on! “We cannot tell a lie—with 317 rooms featuring the
signature W bed, fully wired technology, fabulous in-room entertainment,
delightful Munchie Box and our Whatever/Whenever® service, the First Amendment
of luxury, you’ll never want to leave.”  – W Hotel

The rooms were SWEET/SUITE (ha) and I have to point out the interesting selection in the “munchie box”. My only complaint is that there was only one  lolly pop so my friend and I had to fight over it!  

Yes my pink purse had to make it into at least one photo. The signature “W” bed  is more than comfortable! The rooms are stately and have a modern/cool feel to
them.

Their “Living Room” is really a “living room” with so many cool amenities. The style and decor is stunning!
DJ
High Speed Internet Access
W Signature Cocktail List and Bar Service
Books
Board Games

Last but not least they offer the Acura experience……….and what an
experience!!  They call it their “Whatever/Whenever Service”. The Concierge set
us up with a complimentary ride to dinner in their Acura MDX. They want you to
“arrive in style”!

Oh wait…….one more thing! How cool is this………they even provide your pets with
posh service! Love their “P.A.W. – Pets are Welcome” Program. P.A.W. – Pets Are Welcome™

Woof/Meow! Who loves your pet? We think the furry friend you love should
travel in luxury with you. That’s why Pets Are Welcome™.

The following services are available for your four-legged friend at W
Washington D.C.:

 
• Pet Welcome Kit


• Pet Toy


• Pet Treat


• W Hotels Pet Tag


• Clean-Up Bags


• Custom W Pet Bed


• Food and Water Bowl with Floor Mat


• “Pet In Room” Door Sign


• Special Turndown Treat


• Dog-Sitting and -Walking


• Vet and Grooming Services


• Special Treats


• Leashes and Toys


• Litter Boxes and Wee Pads


• Pet First Aid Kits

For more information on the W go to their website http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3279

One of the main reasons I started my blog is so that I would capture unique experiences that I have while visiting cities during my business travels and share them with others. I know that business travelers often find it challenging to stay in an exercise routine while on the road. City Running Tours is a perfect way to experience a city AND burn some calories while traveling. The
running guide actually meets you at your hotel and runs with you (and a group if you choose group tour) along themed routes. Of course it isn’t limited to business travelers. If you find yourself in one of the major cities in the U.S. (listed on city running tours website) then you might find it fun to take a running tour.

I’ve done two tours in Chicago in the past couple of years and had an absolute blast both times.

The Tragic events Route showcases Chicago as a world class city. In addition
to the impressive architecture the route includes the locations of 5 major tragic events that occurred during the city's early history. Those events include 1) The Fort Dearborn massacre 1812, 2) The Great Fire Oct 8-10, 1871, 3) The Iroquois Theatre Fire Dec 30, 1904, 4) The Eastland Disaster July 24, 1915, 5) The Wingfoot Dirigible Jul 21, 1919. This route also includes 3 notable sculptures; 1) The Flamingo, 2) The Miro, 3) The Picasso.

The Tragic Events Route is just ONE of many tours offered by the group. You can see the complete list on their website. See and experience Chicago like few others get to! City Running Tours - Chicago allows visitors and locals alike to get their miles in while they learn about the financial, business and cultural capital of the Midwest. Their professional guides will lead you to the spectacular sites, share fascinating stories of our history, and will fill you in on all the "best" places to visit during your stay.

City Running Tours offers both guided personalized and group running tours of major cities across the United States, accommodating your needs as both a runner and tourist. Share your love of running with us as we share our
city with you!

More about Marlin: Marlin Keesler, "The Reluctant Runner"

Marlin has completed over 60 marathons including one in each of the 50 U.S.States. He authored his experience of running, travel, and family in "Our Life on the Run - A Story of Running 50 Marathons in 50 States: A Family Quest". Available on Amazon.com) The irony is that Marlin does not like to run hence "The Reluctant Runner". However, he understands the benefits of a good running cardio.

Marlin's mission is to make sure that YOU leave Chicago satisfied having accomplished YOUR cardio goals while experiencing the most complete and fulfilling tour Chicago has to offer. You will leave knowing you gained the absolute most out of your travel experience.

Contact:
[email protected]

Run requests within a 24 hour period are subject to guide availability.

Our runs take place 7 days a week, all year long excluding Christmas day and Thanksgiving

http://www.cityrunningtours.com/chicago.html

When it comes to dining I am definitely more about atmosphere than the actual food. If the restaurant is on a roof top or has a view of the water then I’ll most likely love it. If you are in to food AND the view, then I have a feeling Nepenthe will go on your list of favorites in the U.S. I don’t know that I’ve ever been to a place with equally spectacular views of the ocean and the mountains.

Here are a few of the cool people who were also mesmerized by this spot...........

If you find yourself in this part of CA you'll definitely want to make a memory at Nepenthe.

www.nepenthebigsur.com

www.luciavineyards.com

I can't say enough good things about the Sonoma California area. Why in the world did it take me so many years to make it to the beautiful California Wine Country? I am not urprised that I fell in love with it. Here is my recommendation on a memorable place to stay if you are making a trip to Sonoma. The Sonoma Fairmont Mission Inn & Spa is not only convenient and beautiful but it is one of the only luxury spa resorts in that area.

I could not get over the incredible plants and trees on the property. The flowers, palm trees and lush landscaping made for some fantastic photos.

The service was impressive too! I was staying there for a company meeting and I decided to check in a day earlier that the rest of the team. What to do with a solo day in Sonoma with no car?? The conceirge suggested "Sip and Cycle". That
sounded interesting. It turns out I could rent a bike on their property for 24 hours for $25. They provided me with a map of local wineries along a 12 mile path in and around Sonoma. You must do this if you are out there. It was so fun to combine a little exercise (the 12 mile path was flat), sight seeing and WINE! It turned out to be one of my best days in the wine country.

Thank you to the entire staff at the Fairmonot Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa for such an experience. Our entire team had a great time and they are still talking about it!

http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma/