Review of Archer Hotel NYC

Archer Hotel

New York City

Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of Midtown Manhattan, The Archer Hotel stands as a beacon of luxury, offering an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking comfort, style, and convenience. As a home base for both leisure and business travelers, this boutique hotel blends modern sophistication with timeless elegance, providing guests with a relaxing retreat in the heart of the city that never sleeps. Enjoy our full review of Archer Hotel NYC.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT MY STAY. 


March Product Roundup

spring flowers

March Product Roundup

I don’t know about you, but once March rolls around I start getting excited that spring is here and my mind begins to wander to where I can travel in the coming months. This month’s product roundup is all about books that will make you want to pack your suitcase and jump on a fight. Hope you get some inspiration to explore. I’ve also included some books I’ve loved reading. Enjoy our March Product Roundup!

Corona City: 

Voices from an Epicenter

By: Lorraine Ash

Corona City chronicles life in New York and New Jersey, the nation’s first COVID-19 epicenter, during the four terrifying months of March through June 2020. Photographs capture the surreal landscapes and scenes in this usually thriving metropolis. Short writings lay bare the challenges, fears, losses, and triumphs of real people in their own words. Readers will meet COVID-19 survivors, frontline workers, business owners, journalists, mask makers, quarantined people, and many others. Emerging from this mosaic of voices is a grassroots history of an unprecedented time.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

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Italy by Ingredient

By: Viola Buitoni

From glossy drops of balsamic vinegar to flakes of parmigiano reggiano and spoonfuls of fresh ricotta to creamy grains of risotto—the ingredients of Italian cuisine are beloved staples known the world over, available in specialty stores and served in restaurants across the globe. As a native Roman raised in the Umbrian countryside, Viola Buitoni grew up with these artisanal foods, learning about how they developed from centuries-old wisdom, tight-knit communities, and sustainable production. Now a US-based cooking instructor, Buitoni’s passion is sharing the beloved flavors of her homeland with home cooks.

In this debut cookbook, she presents the history and geography of Italy’s most iconic ingredients, showing modern home chefs how to incorporate robust flavors and techniques into their kitchens. With recipes organized according to a single ingredient, each chapter bursts with taste: learn how to make a traditional ragù sauce with conserved tomatoes; layer a plate of prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella; or bake a polenta custard tart. Practical guidelines for seasonal eating, easy substitutes for hard-to-find items, and valuable shopping tips complement the approachable recipes.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!

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America’s National Historic Trails:

Walking the Trails of History

By: Karen Berger

From the battlefields of the American Revolution to the trails blazed by the pioneers, lands explored by Lewis and Clark and covered by the Pony Express, to the civil-rights marches of Selma and Montgomery, this is the official book of the country’s 19 National Historic Trails. These trails range from 54 miles to more than 5,000 and feature historic and interpretive sites to be explored on foot and sometimes by paddle, sail, bicycle, horse, or by car on backcountry roads. Totaling 37,000 miles through 41 states, our entire national experience comes to life on these trails–from Native American history to the settlement of the colonies, westward expansion, and civil rights–and they are beautifully depicted in this large-format volume.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!

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The Family Bucket List:

1,000 Trips to Take and Memories to Make Around the World 

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Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, SC

Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, SC

Magnolia Plantation

Charleston, SC

Steeped in Southern charm and spanning centuries of heritage, Magnolia Plantation invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in its lush gardens and historic grounds. Magnolia Plantation is more than just a destination; it’s a journey through time, where history, nature, and Southern hospitality meet to create an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Our afternoon

We started our afternoon on the Hop-On Hop-Off Nature Train. The guide was very knowledgeable of the plantation and its history. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is nestled along the tranquil banks of the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina. The plantation’s former rice impoundments are now a wildlife refuge, where native plants and animals thrive.

Visitors can expect to see alligators, turtles, herons, egrets, and other waterfowl. You might even encounter otters, rabbits, possums, snakes, bobcats, hawks, owls, and eagles.

We loved seeing this beautiful hawk perched on a birdhouse.

Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, SC

And a lovely egret.

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South Carolina Aquarium

South Carolina Aquarium- sea turtle

South Carolina Aquarium

Charleston, South Carolina

Nestled along the picturesque Charleston Harbor, the South Carolina Aquarium stands as a beacon of marine conservation, education, and awe-inspiring exploration. With its diverse array of habitats and captivating exhibits, the aquarium offers visitors a unique opportunity to understand the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems. From the vibrant colors of tropical reefs to the serene beauty of coastal marshes, each step within the aquarium’s walls invites an appreciation for the world beneath the waves.

Come explore the South Carolina Aquarium with us

Your first stop is to get close to these adorable stingrays. At this tank you can gently pet these beautiful creatures.

South Carolina Aquarium- stingray

Bald Eagle

South Carolina Aquarium- bald eagle

Otters (Look at that face!)

South Carolina Aquarium

Gar

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SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

SkyWheel

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you’re looking for the perfect place to see unforgettable views of Myrtle Beach, head over to the SkyWheel.  Watch the glistening Atlantic Ocean stretching out before you as you journey high above the bustling boardwalk. SkyWheel Myrtle Beach isn’t just an observation wheel, it’s the best spot to see awe-inspiring vistas and create some lasting moments.

What was our ride like?

I ABSOLUTELY recommend going at sunset!!

Our ride began as we entered one of the 42 fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas.

We settled back and enjoyed the everchanging views around us.

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

How are the views?

Standing 200-feet above sea level, the views are unforgettable! You had views of the city as well as the beach.

The sunset was stunning.

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

How long is a flight?

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WonderWorks Myrtle Beach

WonderWorks Myrtle Beach

WonderWorks Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is the crazy adventure of WonderWorks. As you step through the doors, prepare to embark on a fun journey filled with interactive exhibits, mind-bending illusions, and activities that will ignite your sense of wonder. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a science enthusiast, or simply seeking a day of family fun, WonderWorks Myrtle Beach promises a day unlike any other.

How did the building turn upside down?

On a remote island, in the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, there was a top-secret research laboratory led by Professor Wonder. While working on an experiment to harness the power of a tornado, something went terribly wrong! The power of the tornado was unleashed into the laboratory! The mighty cyclone ripped the building from its foundation! The tornado carried the lab hundreds of miles away where it finally landed upside-down! Haha…I love this!

As soon as you walk in you’ll know it is going to be a little crazy because you walk through this mind-blowing tube of moving colors and light.  Good luck keeping your balance.

WonderWorks Myrtle Beach

What fun things can you do inside?

With more than 100 hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, there is something fun for everyone to do! Here are a few of our favorite things we did:

This ride was crazy.  As soon as I saw it goes upside down, I bailed. The girls were brave enough to go on it.

WonderWorks Myrtle Beach

We entered the Hurricane Shack to experience category 1 hurricane force winds of 84 Miles Per Hour. Hold on to your hats!

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Ripley’s Crazy Golf Myrtle Beach

Ripley's Crazy Golf Myrtle Beach

Ripley’s Crazy Golf Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

At Ripley’s Crazy Golf Myrtle Beach, the ordinary rules of mini-golf are tossed aside in favor of the wackiest game of indoor mini golf you’ve ever played.  Ripley’s Crazy Golf takes you on a whimsical journey filled with bizarre obstacles, mind-bending challenges, and captivating surprises at every turn. Putt your way through this one-of-a-kind course that promises thrills, laughter, and memories that defy the ordinary. Put your skills to the test with selfie-worthy shots, 360-degree loops, and a hole that sends you swinging, all set indoors under the cover of epic, glowing lights.

Here were a few of our favorite holes:

Loop-De-Loop

Ripley's Crazy Golf Myrtle Beach

Planko

Ripley's Crazy Golf Myrtle Beach

Skee-ball

Ripley's Crazy Golf Myrtle Beach

Pool Table

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Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach, SC

Ripley’s Aquarium

Myrtle Beach, SC

Nestled along the vibrant Grand Strand, this iconic attraction invites visitors to dive into the depths of the ocean. From the enchanting glow of bioluminescent creatures to the graceful dance of majestic sharks, Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach promises an unforgettable exploration of marine life.

Meet some of the adorable marine life we met:

Our favorite part was the tunnel.  I love that you could either walk through, or stand on the rotating walkway. It was the perfect speed to get some wonderful pictures of the marine life floating above you.

Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach, SC

You can see sharks, stingrays, interesting fish,

Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach, SC

and even sawfish!

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Exploring Utah’s Poison Spider Trail by Jeep

Utah's Poison Spider Trail

Exploring Utah’s Poison Spider Trail by Jeep

Utah's Poison Spider Trail

Utah’s vast and untamed wilderness beckons adventurers seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush amidst breathtaking landscapes and rugged terrain. For those craving an unforgettable off-road adventure, Utah’s Poison Spider Trail stands out as a challenging yet rewarding journey through Utah’s iconic red rock country.

That Name!!

Utah's Poison Spider Trail

Have you ever wondered how the Poison Spider Trail received its name? The answer stems from the legend that a little girl named Mary Jane Francis died there from the bite of a poison spider in 1896! Who knows if that’s true but it’s still creepy as heck.

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Exploring Utah’s Seven Mile Trail by Jeep

Utah's Seven Mile Trail By Jeep

Exploring Utah’s Seven Mile Trail by Jeep

Utah’s rugged terrain offers a playground for exploration and outdoor fun. For those seeking an adrenaline-fueled journey through breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrain, a Jeep ride along Utah’s Seven Mile Trail promises an unforgettable adventure.

Utah's Seven Mile Trail By Jeep

The Trailhead: Gateway to Adventure

Driving a Jeep in Utah's desert

Located among the gorgeous red rock formations of Utah, the Seven Mile Trail serves as the gateway to an off-road adventure like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned off-road enthusiast or a novice seeking thrills, the Seven Mile Trail welcomes all who dare to traverse its rugged path.

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