Nevada Mount Rose Highway
AAA Washington John King is really a guru when it comes to information about the richness of the scenery from the Silver State. First he direct me to a side trip to Pyramid Lake when I was in Reno this past May in the course of a study trip (read my recent blog about the real body of water visible).
And when it was time to return to San Francisco, John recommended a short detour: Instead of jumping on I-80, it is proposed to take SR-431 better known as Mount Rose Road in Incline Village. He promised to be a good drive.
Is it ever. From downtown Reno, my colleagues and I am access to U.S. 395 South and get off at exit 59 (Damonte Ranch Parkway), following the directional signs at the beginning of this scenic route designated. Not only be a narrow road from four lane to two, but the landscape changes quickly, leaving the Washoe Valley flat and gently rolling, the brush-dotted foothills of the Sierra Nevada behind all the mountain climbing begins.
Mount Rose Highway is not really up Mount Rose, but Carson Range to negotiate the rough from the Sierras, and Mount Rose, at 10,776 feet, is one of several impressive high mountains some areas. Timely elevation to achieve a series of twisty bends, pull-off at a designated offering views of the valley far below.
It is one of the drive where Vista is different every time you assert itself along the curve. At times like this I really appreciate having a friend do not mind doing the driving, because Rider really should keep their eyes on the road.
Add beauty to the landscape is a story recently fallen snow covered mountains still, at altitude, July and August is just about the only snow-free months of this year. Glistening white layer beneath the bright blue sky like a diamond.
Mount Rose Summit, at an altitude of over 8900 feet, is the point where the peaks of the Sierras highway. After you start the descent to Incline Village and Lake Tahoe in another series of tight curves. Every time I got another picture yet very fresh smelling air is clear and lively.
The first view of Lake Tahoe, distant mirage blue sapphire framed by tall pine trees, is beautiful. We continue to fall until the highway ends at SR 28 (Tahoe Boulevard), turn left and go to Incline Village, a resort town with expensive-looking homes that condominium developments and shaded by pine trees and lush growth of conifers.
A right turn took us to the village of Rue Rue Lakeshore, we took a left and soon found Incline Beach (967 Lakeshore Blvd.), A small park along the lake.
Enjoyed the cool, fragrant scent of pine in the air and the pebble beach almost free. The water is calm only the slightest ripple on the shore-Primary waves and amazingly clear. Why, you ask? Nearly half of rain that falls in the Lake Tahoe Basin lands directly on the lake, remaining rain and snow to flow through the decomposing granite soil, to create a filter system. An hour spent in peace and tranquility of magnificent outdoor setting is fun really.
Our next order of business was to find a place to enjoy late breakfast. A staff Incline Village Visitor Information Center recommended Wildflower Cafe (869 Tahoe Blvd.).
Tucked in a small shopping center, mom n pop ‘it does not eat much in the environment, but it is a lot of coffee, omelet is loaded with fresh vegetables and fried potatoes flavored home has a crisis.
Of Incline Village is a short hop on SR 28 in the border states of California and then the intersection with SR 267, which connects to I-80 to Truckee. From there back to San Francisco.
I should mention a further point of view: Donner Lake. It is smaller than Lake Tahoe, but also beautiful, although it was named the Donner Party, the California-Bound pioneers who had been snow in the Sierras in the winter of 1846 and was forced to act really desperate to live.
Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta in New Mexico
Santa Fe has long been known as a place to visit for art lovers who want to browse the 250 gallery located throughout the city, a small accessible, located on Canyon Road near the Plaza and the historic Rail District.
But for lovers of culinary art, Santa Fe restaurants promise a similar gift to explore and enjoy.
Calls itself “The City Different,” Santa Fe is accurately named. For decades, has become a mecca for artists, writers, wealthy retirees and high-level scientists (Los Alamos National Laboratory near), which creates a kind of atmospheric intelligent, cosmopolitan and chic of a larger city. And no praise is a lifestyle of a big meal.
My first trip to Santa Fe this past September. One of my best friend and frequent traveling companion, Evelyn, is a major foodie and great Cook himself, so I try to attend a vacation spot where he plans to eat part of the itinerary. Our visit coincided so we’ll be in town this week from Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta and the Grand Tasting event, which is the culmination of the celebrations.
The 2011 event marked the 21st annual festival, and all claim to somehow get better every autumn. The festival hosts a number of culinary and wine event designed to show an amazing amount of Santa Fe restaurant ‘of fine cuisine, coupled with the best wines from vineyards across the country.
The seventy restaurants in Santa Fe to participate in the celebration with a weekday such as wine dinners and seminars. It is the perfect week to try to eat the best of Santa Fe and mix and mingle with hundreds of professional wine and food in the cities and hosting events to work on the Great tasting Saturday.
Plus, during the festival season is better than I could ever dream of-a cold, light jacket in the morning quickly became hot, shorts-and-sandals afternoon with clear blue skies to bright day in which only the right heat without the humidity.
One of our first restaurant in Santa Fe is a sample of the shed, an old favorite of locals and visitors alike. Favorite restaurant is known for Hispanic and pueblo very true as Tacos, enchiladas and green chile stew.
Chris Burroughs from Alma Rosa WineryThe owner of the shed, a fourth generation, family-owned restaurant, proud of their James Beard Foundation Award (one of the highest honors for food and beverage professionals) and more “Best of Santa Fe” award from which they can be calculated.
In the spirit of holiday fun week, we make new friends in the shed, Chris Burroughs, who was in the city of Alma Rosa Winery represents Santa Barbara, and that turned out to be a great friend to hanging in great tasting weekend. Chris has a small role in one of my favorite movies, sideways, and give us clues to people with alcohol not been answered to the sample.
For us the most formal “dress for dinner,” we have an unforgettable experience at Anasazi Restaurant, choose to eat in Santa Fe by the New York Times. Menu remarkable, original and creative. Some of the highlights was the chorizo octopus salad, appetizer sprinkled with blue corn crab cakes and grilled elk tenderloin dish that showcased the talent executive chef Oliver Ridgeway.
We woke up Saturday morning in front of the line for breakfast at Pasquals cafe, another favorite for decades. It is small and packed, and filled with eclectic art on every inch of the walls and ceilings.
We Sat around the table and eat a good breakfast, chatting all the people sitting there in Santa Fe, casual style. Again, we are fortunate enough to meet one of the representatives of the wine, the Grand Tasting, give us a pour enough.
Sangre de Cristo MountainsAttendance Saturday Grand Tasting is now limited to 4,000 people and sells for $ 140 per person! But even then the size of the crowd, the event was planned and scattered in many large, white tent on a hill in the Santa Fe Opera, which overlooks the rugged scenery of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There is a regular scramble for position among wine enthusiasts and food to get their favorite flavor, but the spirit of the whole class, fun and enjoyable.
To taste the best 70 restaurants and 90 wineries in an afternoon feast means remembering that only the “sample” a bit, something like the awe-inspiring even tasted or guacamole grilled fresh lobster Tails prepared. Have Pace yourself, because there’s so delicious as the next table.
While in Santa Fe, we stayed at the historic La Posada, Four Diamond resort and spa. La Posada was built from and around the original home of the Family Staab, Santa Fe influential landowners in the late 20th century and early 19.
Fuego at La PosadaAfter day a comfortable dining, tours and tasting, we indulge in the spa state-of-the-art and enjoy the wonderful history of the house tour of the original Staab, a discussion led by the administrator of the pieces of original art on display there.
The Fuego restaurant famous La Posada was placed on the wine, fun and free food tasting every Friday afternoon in the kitchen right? Get there early for a place to nosh, sip and chat with the chef in his own style of Santa Fe casual but so-so-chic.
Fort Worth: Cowboys and Culture, Part Two
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said, “There is no such thing as fun for the whole family,” but Fort Worth is a place that can prove him wrong.
My previous post at Fort Worth Stockyards is the (Fort Worth: Cowboys and Culture, Part One) emphasizes the influence of a good cowboy is part of city’spast and currently live here, however, could be more proud of the cultural gems offered by the Fort Worth Museum and a myriad of attractions that can accommodate every family member.
For art lovers, the city set up three of the best museum right next to each other, so when you are done with one can just walk to the other. Begin at the Kimbell Art Museum, which is arguably one of the best museums in Texas and probably my favorite.
Museum Exhibition attracts top notch trip such as Picasso, Monet and Renoir. But as an impressive permanent collection and includes works of Cezanne, Caravaggio and Rembrandt.
I love the fact that it had been carved out its place so that, depending on time of day, natural light effect how you see the piece. My favorite part is free! Although the collection of travel costs, entrance to the permanent collection is always free.
Modern Art Museum of Fort WorthAcross road is Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. The museum is not free, but the architecture alone is worth gracing the front door. Designed by architect Tadao Ando of Japan, contemporary design of the building can be best appreciated by walking straight at the entrance to the outdoor seating area. This museum seems to “float” in the reflection pool.
As mentioned by name, the museum has a modern masterpiece and focuses on pieces from the 1940s and later. Modern art is difficult. In this case, it can be quite charming activities such as displaying a suspended staircase is narrow because rising toward the ceiling.
Or, it can be confusing common fluorescent light tube fixture is positioned at an angle to the wall. That’s all, just a wall of neon elbow. I do not even remember seeing a name for it. So do not say I did not warn you.
A few blocks west, and only returned Amon Carter Museum and the Kimbell is. I mentioned in my previous post, beautifully recorded collection of western art by Frederick Remington and Charles Russell. Pieces that are beautiful in itself, but what I really want to be with them reflects the history lesson that explains what the artist wanted to represent the work.
The Amon Carter is also home to one of the special of the largest collections of photography in this country. Museums can not show all images at once, so that they rotate the screen, which keep fresh visit.
Amon Carter Museum is also free! Parking for all three museums are free, too. Keep in mind, like other institutions of this kind, the three closed on Monday.
For young people, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History has many exhibits, including a permanent exhibit that teaches visitors about the history of energy, to improve and dinosaurs in Texas.
They have the coolest-shaped dome Imax theater (must-do if you go) and the planetarium. Some areas are encouraged hands-on learning for young children. There is also the Fort Worth Zoo, the oldest zoo in the state, and home to more than 5,000 animals.
Appreciate the culture takes time, and you can starve. You can go to lunch, but I do not even bother because there are some good food there. The Kimbell, the Modern and the Museum of Science and History all have a place to get a bite.
Modern cafe can make your cool quotient up several notches, and see not hurt either. I like the Buffet Restaurant at the Kimbell since the concept is a little funky. They call themselves a slap, but a little wrong. You can eat all you want, but must match the size of the plate that you choose (there are several options) and you can only pass one time.
So if you have some talent that the organization can handle it for you. In each case, the food is simple but useful and delicious. Sandwiches, quiche, soups, salads and desserts are served with drinks based. I go today, people are waiting for a table so that should say something.
Playing bass HallThe best place to end the day at Sundance Square. This is the heart of downtown Fort Wealth and has many restaurants and stores, including Bass Performance Hall, the theater and inviting hotel. This part of the citizens of Fort Worth is your favorite scene so it is always alive, but at night it will be a playground for adults.
When the weather cooperate (in other words, not in summer) there are plenty of outdoor terrace to enjoy a drink and a place for live music. If you can time it right, a show at the Bass is considered and there have been several times, I can tell you that there really isn’ta bad seat in the house.
When it came time for dinner, Sundance Square offers everything from Mexican to sushi, but if you are still traveling, why not go to Cowtown to eat. Here again is a bit of a misnomer unless you usually think of space as an area with upholstered chairs, full bar, great lighting and meat were identified. Presents Cowtown Western-inspired comfort foods like Frito pie, smoked chicken mac and cheese and chicken fried steak.
My favorite menu item is chicken talk, true Texas plates. It is spoiled by a layer of pure chicken, corn tortillas, tomatoes, mushrooms and poblano cheese sauce. I would lick the dish is served if I knew no one was looking.
Ranch chicken casserole DinerOf Cowtown of course I would be remiss if I did not mention that there are several places to park free in downtown Fort Worth in the evenings and weekends. There’s even a parking garage, should love it.
I once had someone say that Fort Worth is the purpose of the journey, and I have to step back and think that because I do not really look like that. But after I took the time to experience all the things that makes this city so interesting, I realized he was right.
Also in east Fort Worth Arlington, which is home to the Dallas Cowboys (even as a non fan, I find the worth of stadium tours), Texas Rangers, Six Flags Over Texas amusement park and many other more family-friendly attractions. Going a little further to the east, and you in offering his own views of downtown Dallas.
Thus, the Fort Worth travel destination? Sure, I’ll buy, and it’s fun for the whole family.
Baltimore – The city is appealing
Baltimore is known as Charm City – and I must admit, I was fascinated by it. Since I was tasked to send my son a car in Germany at the Port of Baltimore, I thought I might as well spend time poking around the city.
It is fun and stress-free six-hour trip from Cleveland to Baltimore. As usual, AAA TripTik provided accurate, easy to follow instructions. (And I still do not trust the GPS.)
My home for my two nights stay is Hampton Inn Downtown Convention Center. Three Diamond hotel located across the street from Camden Yards Brown Park and close to several attractions that I plan to visit. Public transport stops are just a few blocks.
Mapped routes through AAA.comI TripTik Trip Planner ‘stayed in many hotels that offer a unique decor, but Hampton did something I had never seen before. There is a small black and white photos of visitors at the door space and radio buttons, including pictures with phrases of the type on the inside of the elevator door. I found a very convenient and comfortable enough, and special mention here.
My first stop is the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards. As a sports fan, I was intrigued by the number of displays describing the accomplishments of sports figures from the Maryland and Baltimore. Explore the museum, I was a bit of nostalgia as I see exhibition featuring Jim Palmer, Orioles pitcher extraordinary. (I have a big crush on him when I was in high school he was the most amazing blue eyes ..)
Sports Legends Museum at Camden YardEddie Murray stand out as brown, but there is a connection in Cleveland, when he reached 3,000 th member of the Cleveland Indians beat. Course featuring Babe Ruth, Baltimore’s most-favored children.
I’m having the time I leave disappointed because baseball is displayed and entered the football field. Copper Art Modell probably, at one time the most hated man in Cleveland to move. (He moved the beloved Browns to Baltimore in the 1990s, but I think LeBron James has since replaced Art on the list.) Maryland lacrosse is too large, and part of the museum is committed to the sport.
Little is congruent with the sports theme, the museum also includes exhibits about the Civil War and President Lincoln visited Baltimore during the war, and when his body back to “lie” after his assassination.
Walk a few blocks, I found the Baltimore Inner Harbor. This area is home to the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center and the Maritime Museum, which includes the USS Constellation, as well as restaurants and shops are countless.
Baltimore Visitor Center is located here as well, and I suggest you do it in one of your first stop. I do not visit there until I had just ended and regret. Visitors can collect all kinds of useful information, from brochures available as well as information from personnel.
Cormorant in HarborI mind spending a few hours to explore the Inner Harbor, watch the activity both on and off the water. Some of the tourist road funny entertainer. I saw a cormorant diving for dinner and watched in amazement while trying to swallow the fish that seem too big for his mouth.
Decide where and what to eat seems to me the biggest challenge. Because Baltimore is located in water (Patapsco River), seafood is a specialty. The city is very famous for its crab cakes. Unfortunately, I’m not a big fan of seafood.
There are many options and a choice of hotel chains are expensive, and eventually I stopped at a place just around the corner from Hampton. Frank and Nic comfortable place in a variety of food choices. I tried a fish dish and was not overly impressed, but the service is good and the price is right.
For baseball fans, Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum is a “must see” on my schedule. For some reason, I always believe that Babe hard-charging, hard-partying football player. And, yes, he is. But I also learned that she was kind and generous and has a soft spot for children.
Household is not an orphan as I believe, but sent to St. Mary’s Industrial School for boys because he’s a bit of a handful of parents. He learned to play football under the guidance of Xaverian Brothers, particularly Brother Matthias.
After my visit to the museum, I walked into the Inner Harbor, considering my options. I decided to climb aboard the Baltimore Water Taxi, which carry passengers to various destinations along the Patapsco River. Tickets are $ 10 and are good for all day.
Historic point falls down historic point is my goal. Staff answering the many questions my cab, plus other interesting snippets of information and teach the signs as we walked to the Point fell into the day, a gray cloudy scene.
As I wander open-mouthed at the many bars and interesting architecture, a man walked out of the Point Visitor Center fell. Unfortunately, the center was closed, but she mentioned a walking tour is scheduled to depart later that day, I decided to join.
While I waited for the appointed hour tour, I explore the way different parts and visiting a store called Sheep. This is mostly to get rain for a while, but I ended up with a long conversation with the owner. He and his wife the shop owner for over 30 years and offers many insights into how the area changed from a place in the main interstate road construction in areas designated as National Historic District.
When I returned at the scheduled time, I was the only patron. I asked the Urban Ranger (who happens to women who originally met) if he is to tour a year to this day wet. To my delight, he was. He led me through the streets of Point fall, providing an appealing picture of the history that was once home to Frederick Douglass and Billie Holiday.
The American Visionary Art Museum After this tour is back on the water taxi to downtown Baltimore. American Museum of Visionary Art is the next stop on my tour. This museum is one of the museums, the most interesting art amazing I have ever visited. Filled with unique pieces made by artists who are not formally trained, the museum has become an interesting experience.
Not words to describe the art here. Visit the website they have a little taste of what’s on the screen.
Eat again presented a problem (if you think that the decision was easy when traveling alone – but you can not blame anyone if you make a bad thing). I tried the near Beer Building Pratt Street. It is pretty cheap, and food and beer is a pleasure, too! (A good choice, which Heidemarie).
The next morning the day of departure. Only a five minute walk from the Hampton Inn is a light rail stop to take me to the airport. Public transportation in Baltimore pleasant but nowhere near as good as in Boston or New York City.
Having a car will be given the opportunity to see more cities. Traffic does not seem too horrendous, but then again, I was walking everywhere.
January is Disney Month at AAA and CAA
Disney in January of AAA Travel and CAA Travel is the time for the AAA / CAA travel professionals to develop your extra magic to your next vacation.
In addition to the special and exclusive AAA benefits are available throughout the year, when you order between 1 to January 31, 2012, you can take advantage of the limited time exclusive AAA / CAA benefits and savings on select vacation AAA ® package to the Disneyland ® Resort, Walt Disney World ® Resort, the resort Aulani Disney Cruise and select Line ® and Adventures by Disney ® vacation. A visit to DisneyMonthAtAAA.com for details.