Happy Birthday to the Coolest Superhero there is.
You make everything look easy and chill.
Let’s Celebrate Colin Loftus!!!
You make everything look easy and chill.
Category: Loft Travel Club
You make everything look easy and chill.
Why I still believe in the Magic of Disney World and the impact of Walt’s extraordinary, courageous vision of dreaming big!
Disney World. Lake Buena Vista, Florida
For years now…oh, and I mean years, way too many to count (but over 45), I’ve been blessed many times with the ability to go to the fabulous magical land called Disney World in Lake Buena Vista Florida. My older sisters’ were among the very first to grace the grounds along with my grandparents. They took the wonderful drive down I 75 to Disney in their RV from Michigan was still in my mother’s womb. Well, I must have carried the excitement, anticipation oh, and jealousy of not being able to attend this brand new world, because I certainly adopted all of the fascination, childlike nuances and excitement every time I think about going back every time.
They say it is the sheer Joy of watching a child’s expression experiencing something fantastical and whimsical for the first time that fills your heart with glee and is more addictive than sugar.. But I believe it is even more than that. I believe that even as adults we are reminded that dreams can come true, great stories can transform, and the imagination can take us as far as we allow it to go.
Walt Disney World is an extraordinary symbol of what is possible when we stretch our limits, ideas, imaginations and even belief in what is possible.The knowledge that one location has brought billions of people everyday together from all walks of life, many different experiences, and cultures to share in it’s peek into the future is mindblowing. Disney World, taps into the possibilities of what if and forces all that walk down magical mainstreet to be absolutely present in the moment creating memories for a lifetime.It seems the ultimate goal of sharing a golden vision of someone else’s and showing what is possible with love, hardwork and endless perseverance to make others marvel and smile with pure joy are at the core of Disney’s existence.
I am so proud to still say I’m a Disney kid, the fact that our kids Ace and Kingston are Disney kids as well and are just as excited if not more than me to attend and find new activities and things to explore excites me to no end. When able, Disney is more than an escape; it is an extension of someone’s belief that you could create something so powerful, innovative and demonstrative that it becomes infectious. That is a gift to us all.
Let’s take it back decades, when Walt Disney was buying up literal swampland back in the fifties and sixties with the belief that he could take his Gold Mine Mickey Mouse cartoon idea and create a World of Magic. Imagine trying to buy up land and for an idea that didn’t even exist as of yet, with the land that wasn’t even there (swamp land to be built upon) the sheer blank canvas of swamp land in the middle of Orlando Florida oh, my gosh the thought that someone saw that and then said here is where ‘Paradise on Earth’ is going to be just blows my mind. And I am so grateful for his Insight, intuition and quite possibly spiritual intervention that touched him with such a thought and then the drive to actually believe he could pull it off. But then the fortitude, willpower, dedication, and desire to see it through has made this new existence possible. Wow.
As an avid traveler, dreamer, entrepreneur, reader, adventurer, I draw so much inspiration and happiness every time I travel back to Lake Buena Vista and to Disney World to see what is new. Every time we go, there is new found treasure. I can recall traveling to Disney with my family over the years when I was a kid then going with my friends and then going with my family. As a mom now, I truly believe that over the 40 times I’ve been, there’s still so much more to see and do. Just like my life, I feel like although there is so much that I have accomplished, failed at, seen and done, oh, I am still a wonderful work in progress just like Disney!
Growing and adapting to a new world around me. Where Disney is an organized wonderful well-run machine however, I feel more like beautiful chaos. Which is perfectly fine and wonderful in itself. Because just like the many different exhibits, rides, attractions, food selections we are all so different and unique and have our own desires, experiences, goals, and dreams.
It’s just so amazing to be among so many other people experiencing the shared experience of Walt Disney. Traveling to Disney to grab the magic and sampling a slice of one man’s dream. I wonder if he even imagined where his vision has grown today. With movies, Disney+ streaming channel, International Park,toys, adventure games and more, his dream grew wings and is soaring like a mighty phoenix. Thank you Walt Disney for your vision and the singular goal of tapping into everyone’s innermost fantasy. Disney World represents a magical world of possibility and pure joy.. I hope I am always a Disney kid at heart and truly wish that everyone at least one time in their lives can experience lightning in a bottle that exists at Walt Disney World.
Wish upon a star…
Happy Holiday Rising
Downtown Denver is Poppin!
Denver Colorado.
For those in the know Denver has been on the rise for years offering culture, sports and amazing nightlife.
Even ski bums often fly into the city enjoying a couple of nights before or after their ski vacations in Aspen, Breckenridge, Keystone and many others. With colleges, breweries, museums and tons of attractions galore, Denver is a vibrant city with a quaint charm all it’s own.
There are so many places we can speak of here at Holiday Rising, however In this feature we are just going to highlight a small area right near Coors Field. Coors Field is the amazing field for the Colorado Rockies proffesional baseball team. You could spend an entire day just inside the extrodinary field partaking in simulated baseball activities, shopping and eating all you can eat until being entertained by the game itself.
There are several local restaurants and roof top bars that serve as a great back drop for a bite and baseball talk. But today I want to highlight 1930 Blake (Sports Column). It’s an awesome sports bar and lounge with delicious food that hits the mark every time we are hosting out of town guests!!
Let’s travel to Crazy Horse Memorial
Black Hills, South Dakota.
Time to get our Yellowstone on yes, I am so incredibly thrilled to be telling you all about one of my favorite spots and vacations in the entire world and that is none other than the Black Hills in South Dakota. I remember traveling to this wonderous place in my Grandparents RV as a child with my family and my Cousin Nate and I were mesmorized every second! The protruding sharp hills appeared to shoot up like daggers reaching for the heavens called our names as we rolled through each stop taking all of the majestic sights in. As we stopped and took in each famous stop to the next it was almost as if we could feel a huge build up and longing for the final stop which was so much more than I had anticipated.
The Crazy Horse memorial monument is something that is so special to my heart and impactful. I was younger than 10 years old when my Grandfather led the family vacation out to see this mamoth undertaking. I remember him being so moved by the fact that the Sculptor and artist, Korczack Ziolkowski set out to take on this task just by himself, his wife Ruth and their 10 children! He was so mesmerized by how one man and his dream and his 10 kids commissioned by the Native American council, set out on a journey to accomplish such a daunting and invigorating task.
The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument under construction on privately held land in the Black Hills , in Custer County, South Dakota, United States. It will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land. The memorial was commissioned by Henry Standing Beaar, a Lakota elder, to be sculpted by Korczack Ziolkowski. It is operated by the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization.
The monument has been in progress since 1948 and is far from completion. When completed as designed, it will become the world’s second tallest statue!!
According to Wikipedia: Crazy Horse (Lakota: Tȟašúŋke Witkó, ”His-Horse-Is-Crazy”; c. 1840 – September 5, 1877) was a Lakota war leader of the Oglala band in the 19th century. He took up arms against the United States federal government to fight against encroachment by white American settlers on Native American territory and to preserve the traditional way of life of the Lakota people. His participation in several famous battles of the Black Hills War on the northern Great Plains, among them the Fetterman Fight in 1866, in which he acted as a decoy, and the Battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876, in which he led a war party to victory, earned him great respect from both his enemies and his own people.
In September 1877, four months after surrendering to U.S. troops under General George Crook, Crazy Horse was fatally wounded by a bayonet-wielding military guard while allegedly resisting imprisonment at Camp Robinson in present-day Nebraska. He was honored by the U.S. Postal Servicein 1982 with a 13¢ Great American series postage stamp.
To carve a monument honoring this great warrior, Crazy Horse is awe inspiring. The sheer magnitude of it’s size and the shape and position of him commanding the mountain and pointing forward is such a poignant and moving tribute to a Man, a people and the Native American Culture. It is so large and the scope of it is just some thing that is utterly amazing. I encourage everyone to research the Korczack Ziolkowski family and foundation as well, as the decendants continue to complete the vision and then some to this day!
What once began over 67 years ago and is now coming to fruition is magnificent!
The plans for the entire memorial is to be applauded as well. There are plans for not only the monument, but also a University, Native American cultural studies so much more highlighting the beauty and struggle of such an amazing people. Thier love for the land and all of God’s creatures holds a unique bond with nature, earth, and the Heavens. Shared knowledge that we are all one should be studying and explored by all was so moving.
I’m so grateful to be surprised by Colin, with this trip for my best birthday ever to take my sons and journey back!! I was able to fulfill a promise to my Grandpa to return, and that feeling was priceless! I wrote a message and left it for the foundation in the guest center just as we did decades ago!!
The entire trip down there was just surreal. On the drive into Crazy Horse Memorial we stopped at almost all of the same attractions that we went to years back. Famous Wall Drug and the Historic Corn Palace were fantastic. We did not stop in to the Reptile Gardens, but we passed by it on the way. Ace and I were even able to ride horses and take the very same trail I rode alongside my cousin Nathan. Connected at the hip Nate and I explored every inch of the hills and campgrounds. So to be back and recreate some of the very same events filled my heart with joy!
We stayed at the Rushmore Mountain KOA Holiday hotel and resort and the boys were able to slide on the waterslide, play basketball, bounce on the bounce house, and we played mini golf under the stars.
There’s so much to explore in this great world of ours, and to be able to share it generationally is a blessing. We’ll be returning with my Parents soon and I can’t wait to return to Crazy Horse monument again with Colin, our Sons and perhaps their children one day!
Happy Holiday Rising!!
It’s Vegas Baby!!
Las Vegas, Nevada
Vegas baby yes, bright lights, no sleep, fast action and great times. Las Vegas, the once only bright light in the desert, is now surrounded by so many different activities and fun things to do that it’s not just for adults anymore. Did you know they’re letting kids in?!
There’s so much action I don’t even know where to begin. From countless big name celebrity headlined shows like ever entertaining Usher experience , Adele, Carrie Underwood and more… and that’s just one aspect of it. You have gloriously shpaed and built resorts like the Venetian, MGM’s planet Hollywood, Caesars, Bellagio so many more. The famous Vegas strip has so many activities, shops, hotels and restaurants to keep you occupied for hours upon hours!
For a little nostalgia, you can head to old town on Fremont and hit the old casinos better down there. Do some zip lining have slushy drinks and have a full on dance party in the middle of the street!
Wow, Vegas baby!!! Can’t wait to return.
Delightful Denver!!
The Mile High City, Denver Colorado
Let’s talk a little about the capital city of Colorado. Denver , is located in the South Platte River Valley, Just east of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. It’s downtown district is immediately east of the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, which is about 12 miles east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is named after James Denver, a governor of the Kansas territory. It is also called the Mile High City because its official elevation is exactly one mile, 5280 feet above sea level. A quick cool fact is The 105th median of west greenwhich, the longitudinal reference for the MST (mountain standard time zone) passes directly through Denver Union Station.
Denver is a city on the come up with ski tourists passing through and enjoying it’s many events and amenties. Also becoming a standout sports town, with the NBA Champions DenverNuggets at Ball Arena, The Rockies baseball team at Coors Field, The NHL Champions Avalanche, and Denver Broncos at Bronco Stadium, “Let’s Ride” there are so many professional teams to choose from for sports lovers!
Right in between all of the sports action right downtown, with proffesional teams is the 16th street mall and amusement park, amongst some other world famous attractions to choose from. Between all of these, Beer Brewries like tripoli, restaurants, bars and museums there is never a dull moment in the Mile High City!!
The Unmistakable Charm of Longboat Key
Longboat Key, Florida
Longboat Key is a town in Manatee and Sarasota counties along the central west coast of Florida.
Longboat lies between Anna Maria Island and Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It was incorporated in 1955 and continues to grow and thrive as a sleepy, sunny, quaint resort town for tourists, and a beautiful place for residents to call home.
Colin and I were blessed to get married in Longboat 15 years ago, and still enjoy its many charms.
There was something magical about the atmosphere there that still endures. The blue skies, calming waters and bright colors seem to lighten up all things!
While being invited to tour the world famous IMG Academy in Bradenton, just 15 minutes away, The entire family were able to explore the stunning beaches and take in the local fare.
Since then we must say…..Congratulations Ace for your offer and acceptance to the World Famous Sports and Academic Institution!! Enjoy your 8th grade year in beautiful Colorado and then we head back down to Sunny Florida and IMG baseball for your Freshman year!!! So proud of you.
There are so many shops, restaurants and events nearby that can occupy every minute of your day!From Ringling Museum of Art to the Sarasota Performing Arts, Mote Marine Aquarium and IMG Academy ,there are tons of options to enjoy!!
Why do We Travel?!
We travel to explore, getaway, relax, connect, rejuvenate…. There are so many wonderful reasons to pack your bags and visit new places. For some it is a joy seldom felt by other things and for others such as our family, it is almost a calling or a need. The thrill of seeking new shores or being immersed by different cultures is exciting and educational to say the least.
It’s a feeling of freedom that envelops like a warm blanket when discovering someplace new. Flights of fancy fill the belly like butterflies when stepping foot on new grounds. The sun seems to shine a bit brighter, the ocean sparkles a new glow and the air seems to bring with it not only freshness but the potential for new wonderful memories.
So take out the globe, pack your most durable luggage and get out there and hit the open road, high seas or friendly skies!
Beach in Hawaii County, Hawaii also known as Black Sand Beach.
Adventure Awaits!
XOXO Holiday Rising
Beautiful Belize
Belize is a nation on the eastern coast of Central America, with Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west. Offshore, the massive Belize Barrier Reef, dotted with hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes, hosts rich marine life. Belize’s jungle areas are home to Mayan ruins like Caracol, renowned for its towering pyramid; lagoon-side Lamanai; and Altun Ha, just outside Belize City.
Belize is known for its pristine jungles and rainforests.
These moist, forested regions serve as the home of jaguars, tapirs, crocodiles, ocelots, more than 500 species of birds, and thousands of flowers
Belize is also famous for it’s amazing waters and snorkeling.
The premiere destinations for snorkeling in Belize are the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve , Glover’s Reef Atoll and Lighthouse Reef Atoll . You can snorkel in Belize all year round. However, the dry season is from November to May and is generally the best time to visit and snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef.
Make sure to try a Belizean Garnaches. They are scrumptious corn fried tortilla smothered in refried beans, cabbage slaw, tomatoes, onions and cheese! Yum.
This was just one of the many dishes we enjoyed during our stay. We were forutnate to discover this beautiful country after many cruise ship visits, however we would like to book a trip to stay for an extended period of time at one of the premier resorts, so that we can enjoy all of the beauty of Belize unrushed and motivated to take it all in.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Who’s up for a little Cocoa Today?!?
Cocoa Beach is a little gem of a coast town on the Space Coast of Florida, that is a great alternative to busy Orlando and bustling Miami. it provides great scenic beaches and food options where you can grab amazing fried fish or seafood meals! Cocoa Beach has so much to offer every member of the family.
Cocoa Beach is a Florida city south of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It’s a gateway to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which has rockets and iconic artifacts. The city is known for its beach and surf breaks. Inside a surf shop, the Florida Surf Museum traces the sport’s local history. Nearby Cocoa Beach Pier has eateries and shops. The maritime forest at oceanfront Lori Wilson Park attracts birdlife.
