Tropical Travel Girl
Memphis, Tennessee, known as the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock & Roll, is also where many of the biggest names in soul music—Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas, and others—got their start. Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to experience the history of the unique sound of Memphis soul. …
Alaska, often called The Last Frontier, was a new frontier for me since, more often than not, I’ve chosen tropical destinations for my travels. But it was time for the Tropical Travel Girl to go north to Alaska! There were several choices to make. Which cruise line, which ship, and which departure port? Like more …
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota is more than just an Aquarium. Its tagline, “Science is The Attraction” says it well… It is one of the world’s few remaining independent marine research laboratories, with field stations in eastern Sarasota County and the Florida Keys. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium – Where “Science is The …
The word is out about Sarasota, Florida, and other communities within Sarasota County! Its 40 miles of gorgeous Gulf of Mexico coastline and barrier islands or “keys” — Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Casey Key and Manasota Key — have been recognized again and again. Recent Honors and Accolades: Sarasota was chosen …
Every part of the Florida Gulf Coast has its own personality, its own vibe. After recently visiting the Bradenton area with a small group of travel writers, I can wholeheartedly embrace the tourism bureau’s tagline. “Real. Authentic. Florida.” Very few resorts have more than three stories; many are small and family owned. Rental homes and …
The Vancouver Aquarium, originally opened in 1956, has grown to become one of British Columbia’s top tourist and event destinations. When I discovered Canada’s largest Aquarium would be near our hotel in Vancouver, I knew I had to plan a visit. The Vancouver Aquarium is located within Stanley Park, North America’s third largest park, which …
The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi is the largest in the state. The Texas State Aquarium opened in 1990 and was doubled in size in 2017 with the addition of new exhibits. Anytime my travels take me close to an Aquarium, it’s high on my list of “must-dos.” If I can’t be in the …
When you think of Tahiti, you may think of a plethora of fruity tropical drinks, made with coconuts, mangos, passionfruit, pineapple…the list goes on. But wine? Yes! Tahiti has its own wine! Vin de Tahiti is produced from grapes grown in the heart of the South Pacific. The vineyard is located on Rangiroa in the …
My photo of poisson cru has won an Honorable Mention award in the (IFWTWA) International Food, Wine, Travel Association’s first annual Photo Contest (Category: Raw Food). I am very appreciative of this recognition! Poisson cru, which translates as “raw fish,” is considered to be Tahiti’s national dish. Chunks of fresh raw tuna, combined with lime …
In a previous post, “Why I love islands: beachcombing (sand and shell collecting),” I shared how I became fascinated with combing the beaches for shells. Although I grew up in southern Indiana, far from an ocean, I became exposed to turquoise ocean waters and white, sandy beaches during multiple childhood vacations in Florida with my …