Is it just me, or do you also get so excited at just the thought of planning your next getaway? Whether it’s a short stay-cation at a local hotspot or a 10-day cruise of the Panama Canal, the thought of planning the excursion is almost as intoxicatingly wonderful as the experience itself!
I get so excited, planning itineraries, mapping out favorite local hot spots, and thinking of immersing myself in a new culture. The overall experience is such a thrill, that it always provides just the right amount of glee, to hold me over until the next trip. When staying in that state of mind of excitement and gratitude looking forward to all the fun perpetuates a constant state of feeling as if I am always on vacation. Now that’s, Holiday Rising lifestyle living at the core!!
You can apply that thinking to everyday life as well to enjoy all of life’s everyday beautiful moments. Looking forward to every smile, every beautiful sunrise, every vibrant beautiful color that this lovely world offers us allows us to be present and appreciative and presents a whole new world to us in return. All we have to do is accept it, smile, and say thank you!!!
This wild journey we call life will always present challenges, heartaches, and roadblocks, but how we choose to view these things determines our eventual outcome. If we can understand that life is a work of art of our own making, that we can create our canvas and paint the greatest piece of art ever imaginable, then even the once mundane or troubling things, don’t seem so daunting or oppressive anymore. We have all heard the phrase “Your attitude determines your altitude” and I think that is true.
If at the moment you don’t think you have the funds to go on an extraordinary travel journey, then pack a lunch, take a walk, and escape to a local park, pond, or museum and be transformed in that moment to somewhere magical. And in taking that leap and journey in your mind, you have brought about that same adrenaline rush of getting on a plane and traveling the world. That very vibe just might bring on the actual trip itself, you never know. The universe picks up on frequencies and since, like attracts like, just being on the good vibes frequency helps to create a world of happiness and joy.
Just give it a try, and let yourself not just enjoy the ultimate destination, but the days leading up to it as well. Appreciate all the days in between leading up to the main event because they are all a part of the grand journey. Enjoy it all, treasure it all, and be grateful for all, and then you will find yourself in a state of permanent bliss!
Hmmmm. Let’s see, we have all heard of the marital tale of the seven-year marital itch where the shine wears off and the real work of partnership, communication, and acceptance kicks in. While some don’t experience this I wonder if this also applies in other areas or aspects of our lives. They say your taste buds for food change every seven years, how about your musical tastes, hobbies, interests, reading selections, or yes even vacation destinations?
Our beautiful world is full of countless places to explore and exotic destinations to cross off of our list, however, some locations, at least for me are constants. I’m proud to say that there a a couple of locations that are so ingrained in my vacation experience, that they truly feel like home. A true Disney kid at heart, I have been going to Disney World with my family for over 40 years religiously and you know what… I still get the same wonderful butterflies every time I cross that magical Welcome to Disney World sign. It’s as if every single visit provides a new magical experience. Whether the experience is new because of a new attraction, venturing with a different family circle, or just our immediate family of 4. Every time is an amazing experience that fills my heart with joy, even now!! I don’t think Disney will ever get old to me.
Now for the ultimate vacation destination for me, that also rings true as home is Idlewild Michigan. My wonderland oasis of the North. A destination that once served as one of the only 3 active vacation areas for Blacks in the 1940s-1960 it was a bustling town that offered endless parties, gatherings, events, celebrities, and families looking to let off steam and unwind in the comforts of the ultimate outdoor playground.
In the ’70s and ’80s, Idlewild transitioned into a small community of families who kept the legacy and family tradition of owning vacation property and gathering over holiday breaks and summertime fun. Here we could count on, barbeques, making smore’s, setting off fireworks, and playing endless games of cards while listening to music are just some of the many fun activities everyone would look forward to.
Here is where I learned to roller skate, ride a bike, swim, fish, and yes snipe hunt! so many memories of summer vacations in Idlewild fill my heart with joy and every time we return with the boys, we find new things to appreciate. Even writing this article, I can’t keep the grin off of my face when strolling down memory lane.
So I guess for me, no matter where I travel and fall in love with. Some vacation spots are just stuck with me and I am a loyal one or two favorite vacation type of gal. But this certainly doesn’t stop me from appreciating and having a thirst to explore everywhere I can. I just make sure to keep my favorite two spots in the rotation!!
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!
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!
We attended the most amazing show!!! Thank you Usher for giving us the complete Usher Experience!Shop til you Drop at the Forum in Ceasars Palace.We ate, we drank, we laughed, we hit the tables, we danced and overall had so much fun for my Vegas Bday blowout!!! Thank you so much for this amazing girl trip experience family!! Love you, All!!
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!
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!!
There are so many sights to see and cultures to explore, why not dsicover them with friends or loved ones who are also seeking adventure! Everyone enjoys getting out and exploring the world with a good crew. It lifts your spirits to make new discoveries with those you love. seeing new thing from other perspectives and eyes can be a brilliant way to recharge and find a great work life balance.
Recently my lovely nieces and thier friends had the time of thier lives on a European vacation that culminated in a Beyonce concert in Scotland! They exclaimed that Scotland was the suprise hit of the trip and would love to return to explore the landscape and visit the welcoming faces for a longer period of time. They also enjoyed the lovely Louvre Museum in Paris and the city life of London. They can’t wait to return, and they better take me with them when they do!!!
Lovely Ladies enjoying a European Vacation!! For more check out Cortney and Dominique’s insta pages at @supremecort_ and @mrsdomi_young
Sometimes you have to shake off old notions and expectations and try something different, see something new , and when you do this with familiar people, there is a blanket of comfort, excitement and security in that. So find like minded people, group of friends or family members who love to have fun or enjoy the same things you do, with the same sensibilites for fun and exploration and get your Travel Tribe Vibe On!!
The family is retracing our steps down to the beach where Loft and I said our “I Do’s” in 2008.
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.
Auntie Mern and Ace in between baseball games. There were so many beautiful fields on the grounds at IMG. What an amazing institution and campus!! Aunty Mern & Uncle Cleve checking out the inpressive roster of Student/Athlete Graduates
Kingston & Grandma taking a stroll near St. Armands Circle (with Wolfie)Grabbing a quick bite in between touring, Ace , Grandpa and Kingston.So many shops and resturants to see…You must stop in and get the famous “1905 Salad”. It’s the best!15 years and going strong… can’t wait to head back down…Our Journey continues…
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.
Nova Scotia, Canada
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.
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 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.
