So. Many. Books.

Our reading list was all over the map in the best way, ranging from Parable of the Sower to Bad Summer People to A Head Full of Ghosts. From thought-provoking to dark and creepy to downright entertaining, it felt like the perfect mix for long, quiet days by the ocean.

Here are some of the books we read (though we didn’t both read them all).

• Parable of the Talents by Octavia E Butler
• Before We Were Strangers by Renee Carlino
• A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
• 1984 by George Orwell
• Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham
• American War by Omar El Akkad
• A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
• Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
• Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan
• Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

THE Tree

We’ve stayed at this spot in Kauai before and always love using this big, beautiful tree as the backdrop for photos. With a little creativity and the iPhone self-timer, voilà – pictures filled with memories we’ll always treasure, especially the bloopers that you don’t see here!

Biking the North Shore

After our first night on the island, Mike had two town bikes delivered to our bungalow. They were a bit battered and rickety, but that didn’t stop us from hopping on and exploring the nearby beaches – Hāʻena, Tunnels, and my personal favorite, Ke’e Beach.

On the way to the beaches, there’s always a stretch of road flooded by a stream flowing into the ocean. Naturally, I had to lift my legs high – Wicked Witch of the West style – while crossing it. Mike sneakily snapped a few (live) photos, and I still giggle every time I see them. Sometimes it’s the little moments like these that are the most fun!

Hiking the Kahala Trail

Mike did the “family friendly part of the Kahala Trail, which is four miles round trip to Hanakapi Beach. We’ve done this section as a family back in 2017 and Mike has hiked it another couple of times since then.

The Kahala Trail winds over slippery rocks and rolling streams, with lush greenery all around. Along the way, you get sweeping views of the rugged coastline that make the hike truly special. I can still see it in my mind!

The hike can be extended to Hanakāpīʻai Falls for roughly eight miles round-trip, adding a scenic inland trek to a waterfall. More experienced hikers can continue along the full Kalalau Trail to Kalalau Beach, which is 11 miles one way and requires a permit. This longer route is steep, narrow in places, and best suited for serious, well-prepared hikers.

Small Adventures

Ke’e Beach is a stunning spot tucked at the end of the North Shore, where golden sand meets clear, turquoise water with a dramatic mountain view in the background. We pedaled here twice – once (seen below) on a cloudy, misty day and another, on a picture-perfect sunny day. Don’t ask me why I didn’t photograph the second day, LOL.

The beach is perfect for a swim because a natural reef-protected lagoon keeps the water calm and gentle, especially for kids or casual swimmers. The shallow, clear water makes it easy to wade in and enjoy without worrying about strong waves. We rotated between napping and swimming, and of course, people watching.

Note: The beach is inside the Hāʻena State Park so you’ll need a pass for access (you can get it 30 days in advance).

Beauty Everywhere

I must say that Kauai is the most beautiful island out of the ones we’ve visited (Kauai, Oahu, The Big Island, and Maui). We especially love the north shore because it’s got epic beaches, lush mountains, and chill vibes that make you never want to leave. We also love the small town of Hanalei – a charming little spot with colorful shops, great food, and that laid-back aloha energy you can feel the moment you arrive.

The main downside of staying on the North Shore of Kauai is the weather, especially in winter and spring as it tends to be rainier and cloudier than other parts of the island, which can limit beach and outdoor activities. Roads and trails can also get muddy or slippery, and some areas are more remote, meaning fewer restaurants, shops, and services compared to towns like Lihue or Poipu. 

While we did have more drizzly, rainy days than we’d like, we made good use out of them by reading and resting. Admittedly, we were thrilled to get several sunny days at the end of our time in Kauai and got plenty of beach time.

Mai Tai Testing in Hanalei

Hanalei is basically a Mai Tai lover’s playground, and we took our taste-testing very seriously. From fruity and sweet to dangerously smooth, we sampled enough to declare ourselves the unofficial cocktail connoisseurs of the North Shore.

Local Food Scene

While we love hitting up food trucks on the north shore of Oahu, the north shore of Kauai is more restaurant focused for us. We made several reservations and enjoyed most of the meals we ate there (all in the town of Hanalei).

• AMA – is a casual, flavorful spot focused on fresh, delicious ramen and other noodle dishes with a modern twist. We enjoyed both pork and ahi ramen bowls along with a mai tai, of course.
• The Dolphin – a long‑loved spot on Kauai’s North Shore serving everything from hand‑cut fish and sushi rolls to classic island dishes, plus there’s a fish market attached if you want to take fresh catch (or sushi rolls) home with you.
• Tahiti Nui – a lively, colorful spot serving tropical drinks (our favorite mai tai!) and Hawaiian plate meals, with live music that keeps the aloha vibes flowing.
• Bar Acuda – a cozy, farm‑to‑table restaurant serving creative small plates, local ingredients, and great wine in a warm, laid‑back setting. (our favorite restaurant on the north shore)
• The Hanalei Gourmet – local favorite for fresh made‑to‑order fish and chips, sandwiches, salads, and deli eats perfect for picnics or beach days.

Our Favorite Coffee Spots (plus smoothies and shave ice)

Our favorite coffee spot was hands-down our Toddy cold brew made in the comfort of our vacation rental. We even made “coffee cubes” which are essential in the humid air of Hawaii. We also enjoyed coffee from The Haven (can you see the cat in the background) and from The Wishing Well in Hanalei (made in jars for sustainability – plus you get a discount if you bring your jar back).

We also enjoyed delicious smoothies at The Wishing Well and shave ice at JoJo’s. Here is a little rundown of some of our fave spots.

• The Haven – local coffee shop
• Aloha Juice Bar – a juice, smoothie, and Acia bowl spot in Hanalei
• Hanalei Bread Company – great coffee and breakfast spot (plus loaves of bread to go)
• JoJo’s Shave Ice – a great spot in town for shave ice
• Wishing Well Coffee – coffee, smoothies, and small breakfast items (plus they have a cool clothing shop next door)

A Last-Minute Trip to Europe

When your hubby ramps up business travel and asks you to join him, you say YES. What a trip!

We kicked off our Amsterdam adventure with six nights at the Sir Adam Hotel, perched inside the city’s iconic A’DAM Tower. Since Mike still had a few days of work, we chose a spot near Amsterdam Central Station so he could zip off to wherever he needed with ease.

Sir Adam Hotel occupies the first eight floors of the A’DAM Tower, an architecturally striking 22-story building perched directly across the IJ River. Each day, we’d wheel our bikes onto the free ferry right outside the hotel and glide across the IJ to the heart of the city. I was surprised at how often the ferries went back and forth and how many people/bikers got on board at any given minute.

Bike Tour

We booked a bike tour with Bike City on the first full day I was in Amsterdam, and it turned out to be perfect start of our trip. The bikes were classic Dutch style—comfortable, sturdy, and perfect for cruising through the city’s charming streets and along the canals. We pedaled past rows of narrow, gabled houses, hidden courtyards, and flower-filled window boxes, stopping now and then for little history lessons or fun tidbits about the city from our guide, Shakira.

The tour took us through some of Amsterdam’s most iconic and picturesque spots, like the Jordaan, with its cozy cafes and boutique shops, and along the Amstel River, where the Magere Brug – also known as the Skinny Bridge – stood proudly in the sunlight. Legend has it that “couples who hold hands and kiss passionately while crossing this bridge will be in love forever.” 😍

Canal Boat Cruise

One afternoon, we decided to see Amsterdam from a completely different perspective—by water. We hopped aboard a small private boat and instantly fell in love with the slower, more peaceful pace.

The tour took us through some of the most famous canals as well as quieter stretches where locals sipped coffee on their stoops alongside the water. Passing under centuries-old stone bridges and spotting charming houseboats along the way gave us a glimpse into everyday life in the city and an idea of where we want to visit “next time”.

Amsterdam’s iconic leaning canal houses aren’t just quirky—they’re clever too! Built slightly forward to hoist goods up safely and settled over centuries on soft marshy ground, these crooked façades give the city its charming, storybook look that’s instantly recognizable along the canals.

Biking the Streets

Amsterdam is home to more than 880,000 bicycles, surpassing its population of around 800,000 residents. Roughly 60% of Amsterdammers use their bikes every day for commuting and errands.

Biking isn’t just a mode of transport in Amsterdam—it’s woven into daily life. With one of the highest cycling rates globally, the city’s infrastructure, culture, and geography all support the pedal-powered lifestyle. Locals and visitors alike were absolutely everywhere, with the former getting somewhat irritated (at times).

If you know us, you’re already aware that we try to bike when we travel if at all possible. It’s a great way to see a new city and since I have a foot thing, it makes it easier for me to move around. On the days that Mike had to work, I zoomed around the city by myself taking in the sights and sounds, and doing a little shopping along the way.

In Amsterdam, bikers are impressively confident, fast-moving, and very accustomed to sharing the road – though their “polite” often comes with a hint of Dutch directness. If you’re a tourist, you need to get onboard with this way of moving or stick to walking!

Ambassade Hotel

After enjoying the views from the Sir Adam Hotel, we packed our bags and headed to The Ambassade Hotel for the last four nights of our stay. Nestled along the scenic Herengracht canal, this historic hotel offered a completely different vibe – old-world luxury infused with literary charm. Swapping skyline panoramas for peaceful canal-side views was the perfect way to experience two very different sides of Amsterdam in one trip.

We found it interesting that the Ambassade occupies 16 historic canal-side houses (canal mansions) along the Herengracht and Singel canals to host their 56 guest rooms, lobby, kitchen, etc. The steps throughout the hotel were made for tiny people, so Mike stuck to the elevators most of the time.

Zaanse Schans

One sunny morning, we biked from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, enjoying the Dutch countryside along the way. Green fields, grazing cows, and charming farmhouses made the ride feel like a real-life postcard.

At Zaanse Schans, the windmills stole the show. We biked through the quaint streets, admired the turning sails, while artisans worked in traditional workshops crafting cheese, clogs, and other Dutch treasures. Plus, we picked up a few local souvenirs to take home.

On the way back, we biked into Zaandam and stopped to enjoy some local beer and a bite to eat, soaking up the lively town atmosphere. After a relaxing break, we hopped on a train back to Amsterdam Central Station, happy and a little tired from a perfect day exploring the countryside.

Pride Parade

We were lucky enough to catch Amsterdam’s Pride parade, and it was an absolute blast. The city was alive with color, music, and energy – boats floating down the canals were decked out in rainbow flags, and everyone was celebrating love and inclusivity with pure joy.

Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels

Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels is a must-visit spot in Amsterdam, renowned for its freshly baked, warm stroopwafels made using a traditional family recipe. Located in the heart of the Albert Cuyp Market, you’ll find the food truck near number 182, marked by the historic building with the golden angel on top.

We first learned about Rudi’s from the “Somebody Feed Phil” show. Phil said that these stroopwafels were the best place to try them, and wow, we agreed 1000%!

Upstairs Pancakes

Upstairs Pancakes is a hidden gem in Amsterdam, renowned for its intimate setting and delicious Dutch pancakes. Located in the city center of Amsterdam in the historic Grimburgwal area, this cozy restaurant occupies a historic building dating back to 1539. Established in 1961, it proudly holds the title of the smallest pancake house in Europe, featuring just four tables and seating for 18 guests. 

Upstairs Pancakes serves traditional Dutch pancakes that are thin and large, perfect for both sweet and savory toppings. We split a strawberry banana pancake and a bacon and cheese one – both so delicious!

Delicious Food

Amsterdam’s food scene is a delicious mix of traditional Dutch and inventive modern cuisine. From fresh stroopwafels and hearty Dutch pancakes to herring stands and artisanal cheese shops, there’s something to satisfy every craving – and we tried it all (almost).

Mike and I loved our breakfast outings the most, savoring fresh coffees, buttery croissants, warm crumpets, and a variety of other delicious morning treats. We also indulged in classic Dutch dishes, from hearty beef stew and savory sausages to fresh, flavorful goat cheese salads and tomato soup.

More days than not, we found ourselves settling into a cozy café to enjoy a cold beer and soak in the local atmosphere. Whether tucked along a quiet canal or in a bustling square, these little stops became the perfect way to relax after pedaling around the city.

The following are some of the restaurants we enjoyed:

• The Pantry for traditional Dutch food
• Smelt for fondue
• Wolf Bakery for breakfast and pastries
• ONS Cafe for goat cheese salads, red pepper soup, and cheese platter
• Cafe Cris for Bitterballen and fried cheese
• The Butcher for burgers and fries
• The restaurant at Ambassade Hotel for ravioli
• Proeflokaal A. Van Wees for everything!
• And more!

Coffee and Such

We love stopping for coffees and beers on trips because it’s the perfect way to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. In Amsterdam, these pauses weren’t just about the drink in our hand – they were about enjoying the view, watching locals pedal by, listening to the hum of conversation, and feeling part of the city’s daily life.

To be clear, if you ask advice on coffee shops, you’re NOT getting coffee. A coffee shop in Amsterdam is a licensed establishment where you can legally buy and consume cannabis (marijuana and hash), LOL. They’re different from a “café”, which in Amsterdam means a normal place to grab coffee, food, or sometimes alcohol.

Pike Place Market

Our trip to Washington kicked off with a day in Seattle, and no visit would be complete without a stop at the iconic Pike Place Market. We arrived early but it was buzzing with people by the time we left.

We wandered through rows of colorful produce, watched fishmongers tossing fresh fish through the air, and couldn’t resist sampling local bites – from warm pastries to local seafood chowder. It was the perfect start to our Washington adventure before heading toward the The Lodge at St. Edward State Park and then the peaceful shores of the Hood Canal.

The Lodge at St. Edward State Park

We spent two nights at The Lodge at St. Edward State Park, and it totally surprised us – in the best way. It’s this beautifully restored old seminary tucked into the woods just outside of Seattle, and it feels like a mix between a peaceful retreat and a boutique hotel.

See that photo of the doors without doorknobs? Those appear throughout the hotel because during the restoration, they combined two rooms into one larger space – so some doors are purely decorative reminders of the building’s original layout.

Another fun part of our stay? Stepping right outside the door and onto the trails. We biked beneath towering trees, soaked in the crisp, fresh PNW air, and got a great workout along the way – truly a hidden gem!

Salty’s on Alki Beach

One of the highlights of our time near Seattle was dinner at Salty’s on Alki Beach, a waterfront restaurant with stunning views of the city skyline across the bay. We went to a dock nearby the restaurant and found an actual photographer to snap a few photos.

The salmon and halibut were exceptional – fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. We also learned that our waiter was from the same tiny suburb outside of Dallas. He and his young family spend summers in the Seattle area. Small world!

Our Airbnb on the Hood Canal

After the energy of Seattle, our Airbnb on the Hood Canal was just what we needed – quiet, cozy, and tucked away in the trees with a beautiful view of the water. It felt like our own little hideaway, where mornings started with coffee on the deck and nothing but the sound of birds and waves.

One of the sweetest surprises of our stay on the Hood Canal was getting to watch seals swimming by almost every day. We’d spot their little heads bobbing in the water, just drifting or diving for fish.

The Tides on the Hood Canal

The tides in the Hood Canal were something we noticed right away as they changed the whole look and feel of the shoreline throughout the day. At high tide, the water came right up to the edge of the rocks and close to our Airbnb. But at low tide, the beach transformed, revealing a stretch of barnacle-covered rocks and an incredible number of oysters clustered along the shore.

So Many Seals

One of the highlights of our trip was watching the seals in Hood Canal. Every day, we’d spot them bobbing their heads above the water, curiously peeking at us before slipping back under. It became a little ritual – we’d grab our coffee or a glass of wine and head out to the dock to see what the seals were up to that day.

While eating at a little pizza spot on the canal, we spotted a seal (see below – with a fish in its mouth) bobbing up and down as it tried to swallow a fish that seemed far too big. He worked at it for the longest time, and we couldn’t help but cheer him on – completely entertained by his determined dinner battle.

On one of our pontoon rides, we spotted a lively seal and I even managed to catch him leaping out of the water! It was such a thrill to see, and by the end of our trip we were joking that we’d become professional ‘seal watchers’. Yes, I’m obsessed!

Pontooning

One of the most fun parts of our trip was renting a pontoon boat for a couple of two-hour adventures. Cruising along the calm water with the mountains in the distance and the sun on our faces felt like the ultimate way to soak in the beauty of the area. We took our time exploring, spotting seals, jellyfish, and even a few bald eagles overhead.

Kayaking

Kayaking on the Hood Canal was such another fun way to get out on the water and explore from a different perspective. We paddled along the shoreline several mornings, checking out the other homes along the way while getting a little upper-body workout at the same time.

One morning I took off on a SUP board with my cup of coffee. I even enjoyed an encounter with a friendly seal!

Other Delicious Food

We enjoyed other delicious food during our stay in Washington, including a seafood dinner (including lemon blueberry cake) at the Alderbrook Resort just a mile down the road from us, delicious fish tacos at Hook and Fork, wood-fired pizza at Hood Canalé, and some good old fashioned Mexican food at Two Margaritas (hence the TWO MARGARITAS, LOL).

The Caribbean

Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean known for its stunning turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. It’s made up of 40 low-lying islands and cays, only a handful of which are inhabited, with Providenciales (or “Provo”) being the most developed and tourist-friendly.

Turks and Caicos has been a bucket-list item for many years now and we finally got to experience it. The beach is our happy place and it did indeed make us happy!

Our boys overlapped their stay with us, and unfortunately, we had a couple of the girls get sick which was a bummer. But we made the best of our short time together.

Pool and Beach Time

I-AIN-GA-LIE, our first Airbnb had an infinity-type pool where the water appeared to merge with the ocean. We spent a lot of time in it cooling off with a beer in hand and playing with Amelia. A gorgeous view with some of our favorite people.

Kayaking the Ocean

Several flights of steps down from the infinity pool was a dock with two kayaks. Mike and I went out each day, kayaking along the coast and exploring the pristine waters. The water was very calm on this side of Provo which made it easy to navigate. Plus we got a great workout!

When Zach and Kirsten arrived, we all went out on a rainy journey to a shipwreck where the youngsters climbed on top of it. Not us old folk!

Book Club

Before we took our trip, Tiffany mentioned doing a book club and to discuss when we were together. We all decided to read Project Hail Mary – a science fiction novel by Andy Weir. It involved lots of science but the story of friendship was my favorite part.

We had a great family discussion, and while there was a little controversy (mmmm, Mike?!), we all fell in love with the characters, especially Rocky – an alien from another planet. I was surprised at how quickly I became emotionally invested in this story!

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Taylor Bay was around the bend from our Airbnb on the south side of the island. When Mike and I went kayaking, we parked the kayak on the beach of Taylor Bay many days and took floaties out into the very calm, shallow water. One day we took turns on a paddle board and Josh did some push-ups! (Show off!)

Private Chef Dining Experience

Our best meal HANDS DOWN was our private chef experience. We hired Chef Jonathan from Caicos Cuisine and enjoyed the best food. We had sushi rolls, coconut crusted shrimp with Asian slaw salad, pan seared local catch with mango miso glaze, surf n’ turf, and key lime pie.

What a treat to have two talented chefs cook for us. We won’t forget it!

BTW, Chef Jonathan shared his Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust with me and I won the family pie-making contest at Christmas time with his recipe, thanks to the judging of Chef Mike!

Family Photo Shoot

Before traveling to Turks, we ordered matching Hawaiian shirts for a family photo shoot. Unfortunately, Josh and Tiff took Amelia home a couple of days early when she got sick. (No worries, she’s ok!) So we did the shoot with Zach and Kirsten and had a great time while doing it. I was hoping that we’d easily have a Christmas card photo but not without three of our family members.

Private Boat Tour

On the day that we moved from one Airbnb to the other (south side of Provo to the north side), we enjoyed a private catamaran with Caicos Catalyst. Our two guides, Ahmad and Scooby, were super fun guys and showed us a great time. Despite choppy waters, we stopped to see iguanas (on Iguana Island), held jellyfish on another stop, walked around on the cushiest sand bar, swam in the ocean, and just enjoyed the boat ride.

Smith Beach and Bight Reef

We spent the second half of our trip at an Airbnb on the north side, right along Smith Beach near Bight Reef. We spent hours sitting on the beach enjoying the scenery and reading (one of our favorite things to do on vacation).

Since we were very near the reef, we donned our gear on several occasions and headed out to see the wonders of the ocean – schools of colorful fish, an abundance of sea turtles and manta ray, and even a few small’ish sharks on occasion. It was such a treat to see so many magical creatures of the sea!

Airbnb Views

There is nothing more soothing than the sound of the ocean, and we were lucky to experience it from both of our Airbnbs – the slow rhythm of the southern side and the loud, crashing sounds of the north. We enjoyed coffees in the mornings and wine at night, of course – plus lots of either chitchat or books. We’ve been married for 35 plus years so silence is also just fine with both of us.

Dining Out

Be warned. Food and beverages are VERY expensive in Turks and Caicos because they have to import about 90% of their goods.

Since we stayed in Airbnbs with kitchens, we were able to eat some meals IN which saved us money. But even the groceries were pricey!

That being said, we enjoyed some of the following restaurants. Las Brisas and The Farm were our favorites.

• Las Brisas
• Omar’s Beach Hut
• The Farm
• Mr. Groupers
• Turk’s Kebab
• Chinson’s Grill Shack
• Somewhere Cafe
• Flamingos
• Provoli Pizza
• Da Conch Shack
• Hemmingway’s
• Mango Reef
• Crest and Berry
• Lemon2Go Coffee

Beach Lovers

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know how much we love the beach. Hawaii is our go-to but it was fun to branch out and explore another beautiful island.

For now, we’ll be going back to our favorite place – Beautiful Oahu (and the best Airbnb)!

P.S. Be aware that if you travel to beautiful Turks and Caicos, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. A little tricky, but you’ll be fine.

Our Airbnb

We struck gold the first time we stayed at the sweet spot along the ocean in Molokei – a quiet residential area along the northwest side of Oahu. Each time since then, we like to proclaim “We’re home!” when we pull into our parking spot. It really does feel a little like home away from home now.

Heavy Rains

During our most recent trip, we experienced some heavy rains. On one particular day, the rainwaters from the mountains actually flowed via a stream and wiped out a large portion of the beach. See below! It was something we’d never experienced and was pretty crazy to see. The water turned brown as the flow of water from the stream crashed into the ocean waves – causing a spectacular stir.

Exploring

Since we love our quiet time along the beach, we have to force ourselves to go out and explore. Some of the things we’ve enjoyed include the following.

Shark Diving

We went on a Pelagic Shark Dive in January of 2020 (out of Haleiwa) where we snorkeled and free-dived with (Galapagos, Sandbar, and Tiger) sharks. It sounds scary but the sharks were quite a distance below us the entire time and we had instructions on how to handle a rare shark encounter.

Koko Crater Trail

Also known as the “Koko Head Stairs,” this abandoned WWII railway track is a steep and challenging hiking trail with over 1,000 steps. It’s a busy trail with folks often having to lean over on the way up and get on their butts on the way down to cope with the incline. As you can see, we both did this very thing in 2023. It was BRUTAL but we made it! The views from the top were amazing as expected.

Bike Riding

During our most recent visit to Oahu in 2024, we rented mountain bikes at Turtle Bay Resort (on the very northern tip of the island). It was fun to ride the trails in that area and bike along the coast – stopping for pictures of banyan trees, beaches, and tide pools. We hung out at the resort for a while too, enjoying lunch and an IPA on the beach.

Sky Diving

I recently shared a LOVE Story regarding Our Sky Diving Adventure on our most recent getaway. We had an amazing experience and enjoyed every exhilarating second of the jump. Head to the post to learn about all the deets!

Surfing

We enjoyed “trying to surf” at Waikiki with our dear friend, Lauri, who used to work with me at Southwest Airlines back in the day and lives with her family in Honolulu now. We met up, grabbed some boards, and let Lauri coach us regarding pedaling out, catching a wave, and riding it. It’s WAY harder than it looks, people!

Catamaran Tour

We enjoyed a private catamaran tour out of Haleiwa in January of 2023. We tried to chase some whales but mostly relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful ocean breeze.

Waimea Valley

On one of our trips, we took a short little hike in Waimea Valley to the waterfalls. It was a gorgeous walk in a unique Hawaiian botanical garden within a significant cultural and archaeological site. 

Other Adventures:

• Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
• Exploring Turtle Bay
• Hitting the North Shore Beaches including Sunset Beach, Bonzai, Pupukea, and Waimea Bay.
• Exploring Honolulu and Waikiki Beach
• Driving around the entire island

Food

One of the things we love most about our stays in Oahu has been our laid-back agenda. Swimsuits, hats, stretchy clothes, no hairstyling, no fuss. All of this makes sense when you spend your days on the beach and then head to the food trucks in Haleiwa for meals. Here are some of our favorites in the area where we stayed:

35 Years!

We met in the 3rd grade, started dating at 16, went to the same college, and married one month after graduating. We have two incredible grown sons who are with their high school sweethearts (it runs in the family I guess!), and are blessed with one beautiful granddaughter.

Where We Stayed

While in Ireland, we stayed six nights in Dingle, six nights in Westport, one night in Galway, and one final night in Dublin.

• Dingle Skellig – When we approached the charming town of Dingle, we immediately saw the Skellig Hotel, situated on the most westerly peninsula in Europe (and truly one of the most beautiful places in the world). The hotel has exemplary service and is located just a short distance from the center of town. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the hotel each morning before we started our day.
• Westport Plaza – Our second half of our trip was spent at the Westport Plaza, located in County Mayo in Ireland. It’s located at the southeast corner of Clew Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland. With a population of under 7,000 people, Westport offers beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and vibrant culture.
• Corrib House B&B – Before we headed home, we spent a night at The Corrib House, a beautifully restored historic Georgian townhouse located on the edge of the Salmon Weir, in the heart of Galway City. We enjoyed views of the spectacular River Corrib from our window and delicious coffees, pastries, and a made-to-order breakfast before heading to Dublin.

Driving on the “wrong side” of the road

We rented a small’ish car for our two-week stay. Lucky for me, I’m married to a brave man who volunteered to drive on the “wrong side of the road”! He did an excellent job and it was interesting as I watched him get more and more comfortable with the many MANY roundabouts, the right turns into traffic (sketchy!), and mostly, the VERY VERY narrow country roads.

I took my turn on two occasions where I drove in town so I could go slow. Even so, I drove about six blocks before calling it good. I’m an Ireland driver now. LOL.

Beauty Everywhere

The Irish countryside was truly the most beautiful we’d ever soon. We marveled at the tapestry of rolling green hills dotted with ancient stone walls and grazing sheep. Misty mountains and clear lakes framed charming villages with vibrant pubs.

Some of the older, more unique homes also piqued our interest – traditional cottages with thatched roofs and stone exteriors, or brick facades with climbing ivy. The air was fresh and filled with wildflowers everywhere we turned.

We took special notice of the numerous sheep farms, most of them branded in pink or blue by owners. Wild flowers lined most of the country roads and we couldn’t get over the beautiful colors as we drove or pedaled around the lush countryside. The azaleas were plentiful and we couldn’t help but to stop and smell them along the way!

Cliffs of Moher

In between our stay in Dingle and Westport, we traveled north along the coast where we took a car ferry over a portion of a bay instead of around it. Then we continued to the Cliffs of Moher where we journeyed to the top of the cliffs followed by a ferry ride out in the ocean to get a look from below.

The Cliffs of Moher are a stunning natural wonder! They rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, stretching for about eight miles along Ireland’s western coast. They reach a maximum height of about 702 feet at their highest point and we were truly in awe.

Bicycling Ireland

Over the last several years, we’ve traveled to northern locations for our summer anniversary trip so that we can do some biking in more acceptable temperatures (NOT Texas weather). Oregon in 2021, Jackson Hole in 2022, Banff in 2023, and Ireland in 2024.

Cycling Slea Head Drive along the Dingle Peninsula is now our #1 ride thus far. We rented e-bikes in town for the week and Rode Slea Head three different times in slightly different fashion. We enjoyed both the winding coastal road (along the Atlantic) past dramatic cliffs, ancient ruins, and golden beaches, as well as the serene and scenic journey through rolling green hills, sheep farms, and along quiet country lanes. 

In Westport, we e-biked the Greenway Trail, which follows a former railway line and winds through lush countryside, past sparkling lakes, and along the base of the majestic Croagh Patrick mountain. We rode between Westport and Achill Island and enjoyed beautiful car-free paths where we came face-to-face with sheep roaming the trails.

So Many Sheep!

Before we left for Ireland, I told Mike that my dream was to come across sheep on the roads and biking trails as we traveled along the lush countryside. My dreams were met many times as the sheep farms were literally everywhere! We also had the pleasure of feeding and holding baby lambs along the Dingle Peninsula.

Counting sheep has taken on a new meaning after being on holiday in Ireland!

Croagh Patrick

After a few too many miles on the bike (aka sore butts), we opted for a short ride one day and headed to Croagh Patrick, a striking, conical mountain in County Mayo, Ireland. The hike is revered as a pilgrimage site, its summit offering breathtaking vistas of Clew Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

While Mike did the challenging hike, I sat at a coffee shop and visited with some friendly locals. The people were not only extremely helpful and kind, they were curious about life in America too.

Dublin

We spent just one short night in the city of Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital, but hit the two places that were top of our list.

1. The Guinness Storehouse – For beer lovers like us, this attraction is a must! The storehouse takes visitors through the history and brewing process of Ireland’s iconic stout and then culminates in the Gravity Bar, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the city and sipped a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.
2. The Temple Bar – We took a horse buggy from the Storehouse to The Temple Bar, a famous pub in Dublin known for its lively atmosphere, traditional Irish music, and historic charm. We lucked into a front row seat in front of some talented musicians and enjoyed a glass or two.

Delicious Food and Lots of Pubs

While in Ireland, we enjoyed a variety of lively pubs and unique restaurants. We ate a ton of fish – and seafood chowder every darn chance we got! I even made my own homemade chowder when I got home! Here are a few of our favorites stops we noted.

Pubs

• Gallagher’s – We took a detour after landing in Ireland and drove through Cork where we stopped for our first pint, fish and chips, and meat pie.
• Dick Mack’s – Mike had his eye on this pub in downtown Dingle with its light blue exterior and fun outdoor area.
• Kruger’s – Kruger’s is known as Ireland’s most westerly bar and conveniently located along Slea Head Drive. We stopped for a beer on our first e-bike ride when we bumped into the e-bike show owner (Hi John!) and realized we were going the wrong direction (but it didn’t really matter).
• Paddy O’s – During the end of one of our rides, we stopped at Paddy O’s for a pint, fish tacos, and some seafood chowder. As we relaxed, we were entertained by a group of Irish lads who were singing and having a great time (and flirting with a group of young women!).
• Foxy John’s – A pub serves as a hardware store during the day and a pub at night. We sat along boxes of tools while sipping a beer. Kinda crazy!
• The Porterhouse Bar – We enjoyed this packed pub in downtown Westport where we listened to live Irish music on several occasions.

Restaurants

• Dingle Hotel Restaurant – After a long day of travel, we opted for the hotel restaurant the first night in Dingle. We were very pleased with their seafood chowder and seafood pasta. We shared both and deemed the chowder to be one of the best we’d tried!
• Out of the Blue – This seafood only restaurant was a popular place in Dingle and we opted to go early to get a table. Mike enjoyed the scallops risotto and I had monkfish in mustard sauce.
• Fish Box – Another very popular place in Dingle and more casual than most. We enjoyed sharing seafood chowder, fish tacos, and crispy chili monkfish (the favorite and spicy!).
• By Land and Sea – This was probably the best meal we had and located in downtown Dingle. We were lucky to get a reservation! Mike had lamb chops and I had a delicious steak. Yes, meat this time but a welcomed break from all the seafood we ate!
• Solas (Dingle) – This tapas style restaurant was amazing. We enjoyed sourdough and roasted tomatoes, chorizo croquettes, hake with pesto, fig and goat cheese, and crab tartlets!
• Cornrue (Dingle) – This sweet coffee chop was high on the list for Mike. We stopped on our way before one of our rides and enjoyed coffees, a sourdough cookie, and orange cake. The sourdough cinnamon rolls were sold out (Mike’s reason for going!) so we ordered a couple for the following day.
• Arno’s (Westport) – Another one of our favorite meals! We enjoyed sweet potato coconut soup, lamb shoulder, monkfish, and split a chocolate brownie!
• Servd (Westport) – This was a more casual stop but we thoroughly enjoyed it on one of our last evenings. Mike had a burger and I enjoyed street style chicken stack – spicy and delish!
• This Must Be The Place – This was another coffee shop high on our list. We enjoyed coffees, a yogurt bowl, a berry streusel, and a sausage roll.
• Brasserie (Galway) – One of our favorite dinners out and Mike surprised me with fresh flowers and a sweet anniversary card. We enjoyed another top-rated seafood chowder, monkfish, and hake – one last delicious seafood meal!

Lake Louise

After a quick 3.5-hour flight from DFW to Calgary, we headed toward lovely Lake Louise. The Fairmont Hotel is nestled at the base of the lake – where we stayed for three nights.

One of the main attractions at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the lake itself. Lake Louise is known for its turquoise-colored waters, fed by glacial meltwater. It offers opportunities for walks along the shoreline, canoeing, or simply enjoying the awe-inspiring views. We did it all!

Lake Louise is also a popular subject for Instagram posts, with countless visitors sharing their photos and experiences using hashtags like #LakeLouise and #LakeLouiseCanada. Check out the beautiful photos on IG!

Sunrise Canoe on Lake Louise

Mike planned our actual anniversary with precision. We began the day with an early, chilly (we came prepared with hats and gloves!) sunrise canoe trip on Lake Louise where hotel guests have the opportunity to paddle out onto the lake in a canoe during the early morning hours to witness the sunrise. BTW, sunrise in Canada is 5:10 a.m. We noticed that we rarely saw darkness while visiting!

Our sunrise canoe was one we won’t soon forget. As the sun rose over the peaks, the colors and reflections on the water created a magical sight. We snapped as many photos as we could during this peak hour.

E-biking to Moraine Lake

Next on our anniversary agenda was an e-bike ride from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake. We were awestruck.

Lake Moraine is a stunning glacially-fed lake renowned for its vibrant turquoise color, which is caused by the presence of rock flour suspended in the water. The lake is surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, including Mount Fay, Mount Babel, and the Ten Peaks, which provide a breathtaking backdrop. Can you believe the color? We’d never seen anything like it.

The lake is accessible by a scenic road that leads from the main highway. Once you arrive at the lake, there is a parking area, a lodge, and various hiking trails available for visitors to explore the surrounding area.

It should be noted that during peak times, the road is closed off to motor vehicles (except for shuttles). We were pleased to be able to e-bike along the road with minimal traffic.

Dinner with a View

Mike treated me to a massage at the Fairmont (before dinner) and it was probably the best I’ve had. Ask for Naomi! While I was pampered, Mike took a hike to Lake Agnes Tea House.

Our evening concluded with dinner at The Fairview Dining Room. We enjoyed stunning views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains, and the food was excellent as well.

What a day – all planned by my amazing husband. I’m a lucky girl.

Drive on Iceland Parkway

Our last day in the Lake Louise area was spent driving on the Iceland Parkway, a popular scenic highway in the Canadian Rockies. It stretches for approximately 144 miles and runs through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, connecting the town of Jasper to Lake Louise in Banff.

The Icefields Parkway offers breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, with towering mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and pristine lakes along the route. It is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, showcasing the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

We drove about halfway from Lake Louise to Jaspar. Here are some of the scenic stops we made along the way:

• Bow Lake – Bow Lake is framed by Bow Glacier. Some of the water in Bow Lake (melt from the glacier) flows all the way to the Bow River that bisects Calgary, 136 miles away!
• Peyto Lake – Bow Summit is the highest elevation point on the whole Icefields Parkway at 6,787 feet. We enjoyed a fantastic view of the famous Peyto Lake in the Canadian Rockies. The snowball fights we had along the short hike was probably our favorite part, admittedly! It’s been a long time since we’d seen snow.
• Mistaya Canyon – This natural wonder can be accessed via a 1.1-mile loop trail. The Mistaya River here rises in Peyto Lake and then leaves the flat-bottomed valley to plunge into this narrow canyon.
• Saskatchewan River Crossing – Located within Banff National Park at the junction of Highway 93 and Highway 11. We turned around at this point on the drive. NEXT TIME (hopefully!) we’ll drive all the way to Jaspar for more amazing views!

The following are photos of our jaunt to Peyto Lake. Along the way, we played in the snow and threw snowballs at each other. In fact, our snowballs actually crashed during one of our tosses (and I caught it on camera)! So funny – and pretty amazing too.

Mistaya Canyon was particularly scenic and the water was crashing through the tight spots in the canyon. We walked along the rocks and sat down for a little meditation (well, we were just wishing we had a cooler of beer – LOL).

Beautiful Banff Fairmont

After three glorious nights in Lake Louise, we headed to the world-famous Banff Springs Hotel, a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff, Alberta. Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies,” has been providing legendary hospitality to guests for years, and we were lucky to be two of those guests during our stay.

During our five-night stay there, we enjoyed a fantastic breakfast buffet each morning and an appetizer spread each afternoon. We also relaxed by the heated outdoor pool several times after our biking adventures and made time for some easy reading.

We were fortunate to have rented bikes through the hotel, making the transition from breakfast to bikes particularly smooth.

Bear Country

We saw two bears in the wild during our stay in Canada, including a Black Bear on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93-N) and a Grizzly Bear on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A).

Since I was worried about seeing a bear in the wild, I feel like I should share some education on these beautiful but scary creatures. We ran into some park rangers on one particular day and received some great visuals (they were carrying furry paws) to differentiate these massive animals.

Bike Riding

Bike Riding is always a major part of our anniversary trip each June. Mike spent many hours planning this trip, and he had all of the biking figured out before we arrived. Here are some of the “easy to moderate” rides we did along the way, totaling about 200 miles. (I’m including the e-bike ride to Moraine Lake and our easy rides to dinner each night.)

After seeing the grizzly on Highway 1A, I convinced Mike to skip the bike ride he had originally planned on that route. Good thinking, Sue!

• The Minnetonka Loop – Starting at the Fairmont, through Cascade Ponds, along Two Jack Lake, and back again. The ride was moderate – meaning hilly and difficult for me. I was “almost” hyperventilating climbing the hills in elevation!
• Legacy Trail from Banff to Canmore – Built in 2010, this dedicated bike trail went along the highway in areas but felt quiet and serene as it weaved into treed areas along the way. It’s family-friendly and not too hilly, thank goodness. We did this beautiful 30’ish mile round trip ride twice, stopping in Canmore for coffee each time.
• The Golf Course Loop – The golf course loop begins below the cascading waters of Bow Falls. From here, the route crosses just about every type of mountain scenery through the forest and along the golf course. We rode this loop several times during our stay in conjunction with other shorter rides around town.
• Ride to Vermillion Lakes – The views from this road are some of the most iconic in Banff, with multiple lakes and views of Mount Rundle in the background. This is a relatively easy ride that includes a section of bike path and a slow-speed-limit road.

If you’ve been following along with me for a while, you already know that we tend to hit the breweries after biking and that is precisely what we did each day. Biking and beer just go together, eh?

Gondola Ride to Sky Bistro

We took the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and were awestruck. There are plenty of areas to take in views of six different mountain ranges and nearby rivers, including the town of Banff. We also strolled the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson’s Peak.

Dining at Sea Bistro was also spectacular. We both enjoyed Strawberry Caprese and Alberta Bison Sirloin. So good!

Food and Drinks

During our stays in Lake Louise and Banff, we enjoyed great food and drinks. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Three Bears Brewery – Their pizza was outstanding (and the beer too)!
• Park Distillery – We enjoyed brisket quesadillas, a yummy Buddha bowl, and a Caesar (Canadian’s Bloody Mary).
• The Bison – Our last evening in town and we were impressed.
• Elk and Oarsman – Burgers and beers on a rooftop.
• Sky Bistro – Dinner and gondola (mentioned above) – perfection.
• Block Kitchen and Bar – A popular tapas restaurant in downtown Banff.
• Banff Ave Brewing Co – The best Charred Brussels Sprouts (with whipped feta) plus beer.
• COWS – The touristy ice cream shop in town that drew in large crowds. We were not that impressed. My homemade ice cream is better – LOL!

While in Lake Louise, we dined right in the Fairmont because the small town didn’t have many choices. We enjoyed eating at the Lakeview Lounge, Fairview Bar and Restaurant, and Louiza.

Our Airbnb

Mike rented a sweet one-bedroom Airbnb in the area between Wilson and Teton Village. We had beautiful views of the mountains and were super close to the biking paths which was perfect for our trip. We took advantage of the bike paths being so close and hopped on them each day.

Bike Riding

Thankfully, my foot behaved enough to get out on our bikes every single day. We averaged about 20-25 miles per day with plenty of stops along the way to take in all the beauty. What in the world would we do without our iPhone cameras and the handy dandy belt I stored it in?

The Food

Food and beverages are always a priority when we travel, and our tummies were very happy during our time in Jackson.

Other Restaurants

The food was particularly delicious on this trip. Here’s a list of some of our favorites.

• Persephone – For coffee and brunch (the quiche was YUM) and it was close to our Airbnb.
• Cowboy Coffee – Great for coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
• Jackson Drug – We sat at the bar and ate elk burgers and huckleberry milkshakes after a long bike ride.
• Palate – We stopped here on another ride and it overlooked an elk refuge. There was also a museum on site and it was quite scenic.
• Gather – We enjoyed a delicious burrata appetizer, arugula salad, and bison.
• Bin 22 – Dinner included tapas with the best shrimp croquettes and paella.
• Trio – We loved the truffle fries with buffalo sauce, a burger, and grilled pizza.
• Snake Brewery – Our first night included a stop at Snake Brewery.
• Dornan’s – The gorgeous stop mentioned above.
• Piste – The mountaintop bistro (also mentioned above).
• Blue Lion – Our anniversary dinner.