this is a page for
Category: Travel
It’s been quite some time since I’ve written a post. I have officially exited my self-imposed political ban after last year’s election results… nuff said! Thanks for sticking with me my Latina In Law Lovelies!
Summer is such a great time of year. The kids are out of school enjoying their free time and even the office load seems a bit lighter this time of year. For our household, though, Summer is travel baseball season in Michigan. This year, my son and his 12U travel baseball team had the wonderful opportunity to travel out of the State of Michigan to participate in the Cal Ripken Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The tournament was over the Memorial Day holiday, as a result, our family extended our time in South Carolina and made it a family baseball vacation.
Not knowing what to expect, I was impressed with the Ripken Experience grounds and facilities. The umpires and staff were all very friendly. But probably one of the best services they offered was professional photos taken of your ballplayer so that you could concentrate on watching the game without having to worry about missing “the money shot”. While there were numerous photo packages and framed photo options, I opted to buy all the digital photos, which came with a complimentary 8×10 of my favorite photo. Purchasing all the digital photos meant that I was free to do whatever I wanted with them. The best buy, by a long shot. The first two photos above are two of my favorites taken by the photographers. These photos are ones I will keep for a lifetime.
This was my first time to Myrtle Beach. We stayed at the Ocean Reef Resort right on the Atlantic Ocean. Suffice it to say, it was beautiful. We were fortunate enough to have great weather and the resort had every amenity we could ask for. I would definitely go back for another stay. Check them out here: http://www.oceanreefmyrtlebeach.com. We stayed in a 3 bedroom condo with an ocean view and even received a special room rate since we were playing in a Cal Ripken Tournament. The kids had a great time on the beach; swimming in the ocean; learning how to surf; swimming in the pools; drinking daiquiris (w/o alcohol), and playing in the arcade in the evenings. We were fortunate enough to have some of our extended family join us so the vacation was truly a family affair. It was a great baseball vacation and an excellent way to kick off Summer 2017. [click Title for comments]
This was our first visit to Washington DC area as a family. We stayed at the beautiful Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor. I was really impressed with the National Harbor layout. It was a family friendly resort community along the Potomac River, just south of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
The National Harbor resort community was designed like a small town, with block after block of retail shops, dining, residential and hotels. The waterfront area was stunning with a sandy beach, marina, pier, carousel, ferris wheel, swan paddle boats and restaurants overlooking the Potomac. The sidewalks and streets were filled with pedestrian traffic and reminded me of a bustling little town.
While there were numerous places to eat great good, we especially liked Rosa Mexicano, Mexican restaurant where we dined al fresco, discussed our sightseeing plans and people watched. The fresh guacamole and enchiladas were excelente!
My children especially liked the Capital Wheel, a 180 foot high ferris wheel that gave the best views of National Harbor and the surrounding Washington DC area. At nighttime, the Capital Wheel lights up and becomes a wonderful illumination backdrop to the resort community’s nightlife.
We also visited The National Zoo to see the Pandas, of course! 
It was a sunny Spring day and the kids had a great time viewing the animals. The zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution and therefore does not charge admission. The grounds were beautiful and all food selections were good and reasonably priced.
This was a wonderful destination to visit with lots to see and do. If you have not yet discovered National Harbor or had the opportunity to visit the National Zoo, you should add these to your family travel “must do” list. We are already making plans to come back next Spring. Buen viaje!
[click Title for comments]
The sky is blue and the sun is shining down on Detroit, Michigan. At long last, the day Detroit baseball fans have been waiting for after a long, cold winter. Opening Day is first and foremost, an “unofficial” holiday in the State of Michigan. I’m not certain of the numbers, but practically no one is working on this day… and if they are, they are likely following along on their smart phone or streaming the game on their desktops.
Springtime in Michigan not only brings blooming flowers and trees, it brings a renewed and fresh perspective of our beloved Tigers’ chances at the pennant. It’s a day of celebration as the City of Detroit and the entire State of Michigan join together to celebrate “our” team. It is that spirit of unification that I love most about baseball. Baseball unifies all people; which is why today in the City is the very best day in the City.
We are headed to the CoPa (shorthand for Comerica Park) and it is certain to be rocking. Enjoy the day and watch for Miguel’s first homer of the season… he will most certainly not disappoint! Happy Opening Day Detroit! [click the Title for comments]
As far as I am concerned, the world revolves around the City of Detroit. With all of its rich diversity, automotive, artistic and professional sports history, it’s no wonder Detroiters are fiercely proud of their City. While the City’s economic challenges have been widely publicized, the City is well on her way back and the stage is now set for the City of Detroit’s Second Act. The curtain is about to open, better grab a seat.
With so much to do and see, I’ll be your weekly tour guide to places known and unknown around the City, State of Michigan and an occasional family adventure. Thanks for coming along.
