Looking for a fun day in downtown Denver? Love Art? Do you enjoy a quieter and slower pace with less crowds? This post is for you!
Denver is my home town. I’m actually one of the rare natives. Summer is when I believe Colorado is at its best and when I like to put my travel on pause and become a tourist or in some cases a tour guide in my own town.
I got the opportunity to do that this month with my friend visiting from Connecticut. Here are my suggestions for a day in Downtown Denver for Art lovers.
Attend an Art Festival
What can you do in a day in Downtown Denver? The Denver Chalk Art Festival is one of my favorite summertime activities.
Artists travel from all around the country to create their masterpieces in chalk on the streets of Denver, Colorado. It happens the first weekend of June every year.
I recommend going on Sunday morning as there will be less crowds and the artists will be further along in their creations. Plus, street parking is free on Sundays!
Summers can get hot in Downtown Denver, so mornings will also be a little cooler. Don’t forget some sunscreen on those shoulders! There isn’t always a lot of shade. A hat or an umbrella also helps.
The Denver Chalk Art Festival is located in The Golden Triangle Creative District on 12th and Bannock. It’s just two blocks South of Civic Center Park and a great jumping off point for other fun places to spend a day in downtown Denver.
The Chalk Art Festival runs the first weekend of June every year and is open from 10am to 8pm both Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite artist while you are there!
Missed it this year? Swap it out for the Cherry Creek Arts Festival just East of Downtown which runs July 5-7, 2024.
Lunch at Pints Pub
Photo by Kate Bocash
Next, take a break for lunch nearby and explore the art of beer making. A day in downtown Denver wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of its many breweries like my favorite, Pints Pub.
It really feels like a warm and homey British pub complete with not one, but two British red telephone booths and a British bobby (policeman) to greet you at the door.
They brew traditional cask conditioned or live ales and have the largest selection of single malts outside of Britain! They also have several local hard ciders which are a particular favorite of mine.
Photos by Kate Bocash
Ambiance
The layout is broken up nicely into four rooms which makes the atmosphere feel more intimate and relaxed than a lot of restaurants.
Cozy up in one of their nice booths, pull up to a table for two with their comfy leather chairs or choose a high top table near the bar with a group of friends and a view of their cask cellar through a window in the floor.
Pints Pub also has two nice upstairs rooms to accommodate larger groups. Soak up a taste of Britain without the long plane ride or expensive ticket!
Photo by Kate Bocash
Food
Pints Pub serves traditional British Pub fare and also has a large burger selection. I love that they always bring a caddy of additional toppings for your burger like, thinly sliced red onions, dill and butter pickles, and even jalapeños and banana peppers if you want something a little spicy.
As a vegetarian I always get the Queen’s Own Burger. A Garden Burger, but it’s jazzed up with a tasty bun and served with avocado, lettuce and tomato.
I also suggest adding the British Cheddar or Dill Havarti cheese to your burger. Delish! Save some room for dessert though.
Pint’s Pub has an excellent Chocolate Lover’s Torte from nearby Gateaux’s bakery which has been voted the best bakery in Denver many times by Denver’s 5280 Magazine and has also been featured on The Food Network. It’s served with a drizzle of raspberry couli and is a chocolate lovers delight!
Check out a Museum
After lunch check out one of Denver’s cool art museums. There is the large Denver Art Museum conveniently located down the street from Pint’s Pub.
There are also smaller or more intimate museums you may want to check out like the Kirkland Museum for fine and decorative art or the Clyfford Still Museum for abstract art.
Photo of Kirkland’s Original Studio
On this particular day I chose to visit the Kirkland Museum which I noticed had an exhibit on Art Deco, called Vanity and Vice, as I was roaming the chalk art festival .
I love Art Deco and the decorative arts, so my friend and I popped in to explore after lunch. The Vanity and Vice exhibit runs until January 12, 2025.
This museum has been open since 2003 and moved to the Golden Triangle Creative District in 2016, but I had never visited before.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much this museum had to offer. Not only does it have a vast supply of works by prolific artist Vance Kirkland who called Colorado home, but I also found art objects from Frank Lloyd Wright, Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.
I was very impressed by the versatility of Kirkland’s work as well, from realism to surrealism to abstract. During my visit to the museum I learned that Kirkland suspended himself from the ceiling in his studio to create his dot paintings. That is dedication to your craft!
Photo of the Ropes Kirkland Use to Suspend Himself
Dinner and Dessert at D Bar
A day in downtown Denver wouldn’t be complete without savoring another artistry. That of the dessert. D Bar is a fun place to linger over a delicious dessert and offers the unique opportunity to actually watch them make them right in front of you. Sit at the bar and watch these skilled pastry artists in action!
Desserts
My favorite dessert at D Bar is the famous Cake and Shake, the Madagascar chocolate frosted, 3 layer cake served with a mini-hand spun milkshake. Get your choice of vanilla, chocolate or raspberry shake. I chose the raspberry and it paired quite nicely.
Want to relive the simplicity of childhood? Try the tasty freshly baked cookies served with a cold refreshing glass of milk. Umm…just like grandma’s house!
D Bar is the brain child of Food Network Celebrity Chef, Keegan Gerhard and his lovely wife and fellow chef, Lisa Bailey. The “D” in D Bar stands for Drinks, Dining and Desserts.
I’ve been coming here since it was a tiny store front on 17th Street and could only seat a few people. I’m so happy that they have expanded and even have a D Bar coming soon to the Denver International Airport. I can’t wait to check that out on an upcoming trip!!
Don’t Forget Dinner
I’m all about the desserts, but this place doesn’t just have great desserts they have excellent food and drinks as well!
Try the heavenly pizza salad sandwich with a glass of Spanish Los Dos wine. It may sound strange, but it is the perfect combination of smooth and creamy goat cheese, crunchy pine nuts on a thin crust pizza with the heavenly liquid gold that is basil pesto. So amazing!
Prefer some good old comfort food? Try the Bacon Mac and Cheese with a 4 cheese sauce, applewood smoked bacon and a crispy, crunchy Cheez-it and panko crust that ends with a sigh of satisfaction.
I hope you enjoyed my recommended day in Downtown Denver for Art Lovers. If you enjoyed this post check out these posts next: Best Restaurant in Long Island, NY, Things to do in Salt Lake City, and Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City with Something for Everyone. Get there using my hack for finding cheap flights and don’t forget to travel light. Please subscribe and be the first to find out about other hidden gems!
Looking for more adventurous Spring break ideas? Cruise to the Southern Caribbean and visit the exotic islands of Aruba and Curacao off the coast of South America! Only have one day to visit Curacao island? No problem! Here’s where to start.
First, no visit would be complete without an experiencing the Curacao Liqueur Distillery and sampling a blue curaçao cocktail.
Known mainly for their blue Curacao, it actually comes in a variety of flavors like chocolate, coffee, rum raisin and tamarind. Who knew?!
Curacao Island Stop #1 – Curacao Liqueur Distillery
Bon Bini! That means “Welcome” in Curacao’s language, Papiamento.
When I entered the distillery in the historic mansion there was a large room with information about the history of the distillery and how curaçao is made.
Curacao is made from the dried peel of the bitter laraha orange. This distillery was actually started and owned by a woman. Go female entrepreneurs!!
Then I moved through to see the window of the factory workers filling the distinctive curaçao bottles. They look about as excited as I am when I’m at work! I guess they don’t get the free samples.
After that I got to taste the different flavors of Curacao. My favorite was of course the chocolate!
Once I got my free samples I ended up in a large bar area where you can order your favorite curaçao cocktails.
The bar area was of course busy. I was here for a brief visit, so I didn’t have time to stop and order a curaçao cocktail.
Last stop was the gift shop. As with all tourist destinations all roads lead to the gift shop!
The gift shop was absolutely insane with people. If you don’t want to or have enough time to wait in line don’t worry. You can purchase many of the same products along the pier, often for about the same price.
I did a brief tour through the crowds and then got out of there. I’m not a person for crowds.
I bought a little bottle of chocolate curaçao at one of the shops near the port for $8. About two and a half shots.
They also have lovely gift packs with several different flavors if you are looking for great gifts for your friends back home.
Me not wanting to check a bag on the way home only bought one small bottle that fit in my 1 quart bag of liquids.
My friends were probably disappointed I didn’t bring any home to share. Ah, c’est la vie. Next time!
Curacao Island Stop #2 – Aloe Farm
Second, if you are looking for other unique and fun things to do in Curacao island in a day check out one of the Aloe Farms.
Aloe is a large export for Curacao and I loved getting to see one of the plantations. I gathered with my tour group in a large thatched roof palapa for an informational talk about aloe and its many uses.
In addition to its wonderful use as an aid to sunburn, people actually eat it to treat illness. I was able to try a piece which tasted to me a little like cucumber. In my opinion aloe is better as a sunburn aid then a snack. 😂
I made the terrible mistake of going out without sunscreen the first day at port and got a fiery, peeling sunburn to show for it. The aloe samples were a welcome treat to sooth my burning arms and chest. As a kid I remember my grandma always had a plant she used for cuts and burns too.
As much as I’ve traveled I still make the occasional mistake, so don’t beat yourself up when that happens to you.
Here’s a tip from your best friend. Buy a solid sunscreen stick to keep in your toiletry bag. This way you always have it handy and it doesn’t have to count as part of your liquids in your one quart bag for the plane.
I usually buy a can of sunscreen spray when I get to my destination, but didn’t have the opportunity before boarding the cruise this time
The aloe farm also has a nice gift shop with all kinds of potions and lotions you can try.
There is also a chance to try aloe juice. Be adventurous and give it a try! Not the best tasting, but definitely an opportunity that you don’t have often.
I love to try new experiences! Sometimes you will have a lovely new habit as a souvenir you can incorporate into your life back home. Other times you just have a bragging rights or a great story to tell your friends. If you have the opportunity go for it!!
I perused the shop and headed outside to their wraparound deck to check out the flora and fauna.
It’s was such a luxury to be somewhere warm and sunny while it’s cold and gray back home in March in Colorado. Plus, I was treated to seeing these beautiful yellow birds taking a welcome respite from the hot Curacao island sun under the shady palms!
How many birds can you spot? When I took the photo it was pretty bright out and I only saw one.
When reviewing and editing my photos I was thrilled to find there are actually four! Can you find the last one?
# 3 – Serena’s Art Factory
Lastly, if you are looking for more unique things to do in Curacao island check out some fun art at Serena’s Art Factory. They make Chichi sculptures.
A Chichi in Curacao is the oldest sister who doesn’t marry and takes care of her younger siblings and aging parents. They are much loved in Curacao.
This interesting artist enclave makes colorful sculptures of these voluptuous ladies like the one below.
Serena’s Art Factory has a pretty garden surrounding the workshop and gift shop that displays some of their sculptures. I liked this hanging coconut bird. Although not sure it was for sale.
In the workshop I watched the artists molding and painting the Chichis.
Being an animal lover my favorite sculptures in the gift shop were of course the little Pushis (cats) and Chochis (dog) below.
I love how colorful they are and they are the perfect size to bring home in your carry on bag.
I explored Curacao island as an excursion on a Holland America cruise. The above excursion takes about 2 hours, quick, but fun. Plus it leaves time for a blue curaçao cocktail and time to explore Curacao island a little on your own!
Here’s another tip from your best friend. Make sure your book your Holland America excursions at least a month before your cruise leaves. They fill up quick and you don’t want to miss out! These cruisers are planners.
I enjoy having the cruise ship take care of all the logistics once in awhile. Plus if there are any changes to your itinerary due to weather or mechanical issues they will rebook for you.
After the excursion take some extra time in Curacao to stroll along the port and check out all the vendor stalls. You can buy the authentic Curacao liqueur to make your curaçao cocktails, colorful Caribbean shirts and sarongs, hand painted signs as well as all the usual kitschy souvenirs.
There is a also a great cocktail hut right off the cruise ship with inexpensive frozen cocktails. Much cheaper than you will find on your cruise ship.
Keeping walking along the port and check out the cool fort below or wander further to explore more shops and restaurants.
My favorite store was the Heinen Delffts Blauw pottery store in the courtyard just past the fort. I bought a beautiful and colorful little ceramic replica of a Curacao island home to remember my trip.
I visited Curacao island on Holland America’s Southern Caribbean cruise in March on the Nieuw Statendam.
Read my reviews of Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam. Check out my other posts on their accommodations, food, drinks and entertainment, plus my stop in Aruba.
Bon Bini to Curacao island! Don’t forget to have a a blue curaçao cocktail when you visit!
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Are you searching for the best restaurants in Long Island, New York? Are you bored with eating at chain restaurants when you travel? Do you enjoy venturing out, eating local foods and taking advantage of experiences you can’t have at home? Do you want incredible food without spending a lot of money? I’ve got some hidden gems for you to try!
I’ve been traveling to Long Island almost annually since I was a born. I will leave out exactly how many years that’s been. 😂 I’ve tried so many different places over the years and here are my top picks for off the beaten path places on Long Island.
Best Restaurants in Long Island, New York for Breakfast
One of the best restaurants in Long Island, New York for breakfast is Calvert Manor Bagels in Seaford, NY. No visit to New York would be complete without some amazing bagels. These bagels are the best because they have a thin, hard and crunchy outer layer and are soft and chewy on the inside.
Some places make bagels that are just too chewy and tough to eat. Not this place! I’ve been going to this place for years and it never disappoints.
Another reason this is my favorite breakfast spot is they are the only place I’ve found anywhere that sells rye bagels. I just love rye bread and rye bagels are even better!
You can get bagels with butter, plain cream cheese, 18 different kinds of specialty cream cheese or made into a delectable sandwich.
I always choose the vegetable cream cheese to go with my rye bagel. However, low fat vegetable is also available if you are trying to save a few calories and tastes almost as good.
They put the cream cheese on with a cake icing spatula and spread it on thick. No disappointing thin layers of cream cheese you can barely taste on these bagels.
My family all have their favorites. My mom’s is the Asiago bagel with vegetable cream cheese. She tried the Egg Asiago below this time and said it was tasty.
My uncle’s is either the sesame bagel with strawberry cream cheese or his new favorite the “Healthy man” sandwich with 3 egg whites, turkey and Alpine lace swiss on your choice of bagel. Divine even if you are not trying to eat healthy!
Calvert Manor Bagels also has an amazing raspberry coffee cake. They have chocolate and apple, but the raspberry is the best in my opinion. That’s really saying something because chocolate is always my first choice!
Buy a whole cake to share with your traveling companions for breakfast. This way you can skip the sad hotel buffet breakfast and have breakfast in your PJs. Calvert Manor Bagels also sells it by the slice. The slices are big! Share with a friend. 😉
There is a whole wall of cold drink options as well as coffee and tea at the counter. When in New York I go for the Snapple which started in New York (many more varieties then I can find at home in Denver) or a hot cup of coffee.
Calvert Manor Bagels also offers a variety of other grab and go items. I like to grab a snack for later while I’m there. Try the New York brand, Hal’s kettle potato chips or choose a healthier salad or yogurt parfait.
Grab what you want, order your bagels and pay at the counter. Here’s a tip from your best friend. Pay with cash. Most small places on Long Island charge a fee for using a credit card, about 3-4%.
This place moves quick, so be ready! Sunday mornings have a line out the door, but it moves fast. Sit inside, outside or take your bagels to go for an impromptu picnic.
Skip the bakery goods, besides the coffee cake. I’ve got the best bakery on Long Island coming up!
Best Restaurants in Long Island, New York for Lunch
Next let’s move on to lunch. One of the best restaurants in Long Island, New York for lunch is the Hidden Oak Cafe at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. This is truly a unique and classy experience if you want to live for a day like Long Island’s former gold coast elite. Fan of the HBO Show, The Gilded Age? The Bayard Cutting Arboretum was one of their filming locations!
Dine inside the manor house or on a nice day sit on the covered veranda at the back of the house, overlooking the great lawn and the Connetquot River. I always choose the veranda if the weather is decent. Absolutely blissful!
I’ve been coming to Bayard Cutting Arboretum since I was a kid to stroll the beautiful grounds. Recently they have refurbished the manor house and now offer tours on select days. Call and make reservations in advance.
As I got older my family and I would stop for a spot of tea and a sweet treat at the Hidden Oak Cafe. Peruse the bakery counter as you walk in.
The Hidden Oak Cafe also has a high tea, which they call the Victorian Tea, and requires 24 hours advance notice, but you can get a 2 cup pot of tea with no reservations like I did above.
There are a wide variety of teas to choose from. However, I usually go with the peach apricot and order a scone with Devonshire cream to go with my tea. The English Breakfast is also a good choice if you need a caffeine boost.
This restaurant is also a great place for soups, salads, sandwiches and quiche. Usually the food at attractions is mediocre at best, but The Hidden Oak Cafe uses high quality ingredients and makes delicious food.
I highly recommend the vegetable soup or the grilled cheese. I asked to have my grilled cheese with Swiss and it was gooey, crunchy and delicious!
After lunch, stroll the peaceful trail along the river and watch the swans, geese and ducks go by or sit in an adirondack chair and listen to the wind and the birds.
Admire the stunning homes on the other side of the river and watch the boats and kayakers float by. Very relaxing!
Bayard Cutting Arboretum is also home to a family of Ospreys which have a nest way atop one of the red brick chimneys above the veranda. Watch them swish and swoop into the river to catch fish. A birdwatchers delight!
Lastly after lunch head to one of my favorite beaches nearby, Fire Island National Seashore and the adjacent Robert Moses State Park. It makes for a very fun and relaxing day. Climb the lighthouse at Fire Island if you aren’t afraid of heights.
Best Restaurants for Dinner
My recommendation for the best restaurant in Long Island, New York for dinner is Frantoni’s Pizzeria in East Meadow, NY. You will find the best pizza outside of Italy in this spot!
Get a whole fresh grandma’s pizza. Trust me, you won’t regret it. I had never had grandma’s pizza before my uncle discovered this place and introduced me to it. Not in New York City or even in Italy itself. (If you are ordering pizza it’s always best to get a fresh pizza pie or look for a pizza pie that’s fresh out of the oven. Otherwise they can be burnt and dry when they are reheated.)
It’s a thin Sicilian (square) pizza. Most Sicilian pizzas are thick. It has a buttery crust and an amazing chunky tomato sauce that sits in delicious dollops on top of the pizza instead of underneath the cheese.
My uncle once described that you could just picture the old grandma in the back stirring the cauldron of amazing sauce with an oar.
The cheese is of high quality and is baked to the point of absolute perfection where the cheese turns from hot and gooey to bubbly and golden brown with just the right amount of chewiness. Then it’s topped with shreds of fresh basil. It’s almost orgasmic! Even the cold leftovers are delicious.
Be patient and let it cool a little. Remember this is sea level and things have to boil at a higher temperature than at a higher altitude like my home back in Denver. I always get too excited, don’t wait and burn my mouth the first day. Never fun.
Frantoni’s is also the classiest pizza joint I have ever been in. It’s light and bright with modern light fixtures, sparkly white quartz table tops and subtle damask wallpaper.
The walls are lined with dark wood, lighted mirrors and old-timey sepia prints of Italy. One even has the gentleman with a thought bubble dreaming that he wished he was at Frantoni’s…wait isn’t he already there? 😂
There is a large area in the front with booths, tables and chairs where you order your pizza and pay at the counter or a lovely back restaurant area where you can order a sit down meal and be served.
They also have a full bar which you can order from whether you dine in the casual front or more formal back. I get my pizza with a nice chianti or cabernet, but they also have beer, and a variety of fountain and bottled drinks.
I can tell this is a local place. You see everything from kids sports teams coming in for a celebratory pizza or the girls catching up after work with a glass of wine and a slice in the front, to the old white haired married couple sitting side by side in the back booth for their weekly date night in the restaurant.
If you opt for a sit down dinner in the back try a big salad or the baked ziti. It comes with the most amazing crescent rolls served with soft creamy butter. Heavenly!
Best Restaurant in Long Island, New York for Dessert
While technically not a restaurant, Dortoni’s Bakery is my favorite place for dessert on Long Island and possibly the world.
I have never seen so many intricately made cookies, pastries and cakes all in one place. They must have a small army of people working all night to prepare these decadent desserts.
While Dortoni’s has several locations I visit the one in Levittown, NY in the town of Hempstead. Fun fact about Levittown. It was the first American suburb and was built for veterans returning home from World War II.
This bakery which started in 1976 has been in business longer than I’ve been alive and it shows. They make every bakery item under the sun. Everything from fresh breads, cookies, pastries and even wedding cakes. If I lived in New York I would be here every week and probably weigh 300 pounds.
Are you overwhelmed with sugary deliciousness? Don’t fret. Below are some of my favorites to start with.
One of my all time favorites is the magnificent Almond Horn cookie. It has a soft and chewy inside of almond cakey marzipan with a crunchy outside of slivered almonds and is dipped in chocolate. Scrumptious!
I also love this cookie because it travels so well. I always try to take a box home when I return to Denver. If fits perfectly in my carry on bag and they are great to take along on picnics since they don’t melt too much.
The Cannoli of course! I like the chocolate dipped shell with either the traditional or the chocolate filling. The ricotta is smooth and creamy with little bursts of mini chocolate chips.
If you are looking for something extra decadent try this chocolate mousse pastry. It has layers of chocolate cake, chocolate mouse and a chocolate ganache frosting. I’m thinking I may have a chocolate addiction. Is there a rehab for that?
I hope you’ve enjoyed my post about the best restaurants in Long Island, New York. If you liked this post and want other recommendations of places to go and food to try check out this post.
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Dingle, Ireland is a glorious green paradise to explore. There are rolling hills on one side dotted with sheep, a beautiful inlet of shimmering water on the other side and a babbling, mossy stream running through it all.
The town is just as cute as can be. It’s a wonderful place to shop, try the local cuisine, listen to some traditional music (what they call trad for short), and explore the surrounding Dingle peninsula. Dingle was the highlight of my first Ireland adventure!
Where to Stay in Dingle, Ireland
I stayed at the fabulous Greenmount House in Dingle, Ireland. It’s a lovely hotel at the top of the hill on the perimeter of Dingle Town. This award winning boutique B & B has breathtaking views of the bay, Dingle town and the rolling green hills.
Above is a selfie taken from the second floor of the hotel on my own private balcony overlooking the bay. Ah heaven! I felt like I had discovered paradise. It was definitely worth the splurge to get a Sea View Room and be able to watch the sunrise and set over the water.
Staying at this hotel was an experience in and of itself. Balcony rooms are huge, but homey and relaxing.
The room has a state of the art bathroom complete with rain shower, soaking tub and a skylight where you can see the rain drops falling and hear their soft pitter patter while you enjoy the bubbles from your hot bath after a long day of sightseeing.
I could have stayed at these place for a whole week. It would be a great place to relax, unplug and find yourself.
Even Julia Roberts escaped here after her breakup with Kiefer Sutherland way back in the day, so you know it must be good! It was also ranked as one of the top small hotels in all of Europe.
What to do in Dingle, Ireland
First take a few hours to explore old Dingle Town once you settle in at your hotel. The old Dingle town is easily walkable and you can walk the whole town in 2-3 hours.
It would be easy to extend your visit longer if you take time to explore all the cool shops and restaurants or listen to some traditional (trad) music at The Dingle Pub
The town is just so homey and friendly it like being wrapped up in a warm hug. I could have easily spent my whole week here relaxing, decompressing and savoring life.
This was my first trip to Ireland, so I only planned two nights in Dingle as I wanted to explore Dublin and Galway as well.
Next time I come back to Ireland I will plan more time in Dingle and go a little earlier in the season when more things are open and the sea is calmer for boat trips.
I would also love to explore more of the area, like The Great Blasket Islands and Sleah Head.
Visiting in early November some of the restaurants in Dingle Town were closed a few days midweek, as the tourist season had ended. I still found some great options though which I will talk about later.
There were many advantages to visiting Dingle, Ireland off season though. I scored a great price for my Junior Suite at Greenmount House. Traveling in the off season is a great way to stay classy on a budget.
Dingle town was quieter and less busy than I imagine it is in the Summertime, which I really prefer.
I also got some great deals shopping in town as they were slimming down their inventory after tourist season. As you’re exploring the town take some time to do some shopping.
Where to shop
Dingle, Ireland is a shoppers delight for local crafts. I found wonderful souvenirs to bring back home for myself, family and friends. Everything from gorgeous traditional wool sweaters, silver clauddagh rings, crystal, stunning paintings of the surrounding area and local handmade crafts.
Wool
No trip to Ireland would be complete without purchasing an Irish wool sweater, scarves or gloves. Why not buy all 3!
One thing you will see a lot as you explore the countryside are lots and lots of sheep.
I’m not normally a fan of wool as I find it too itchy, but I found that items made of super soft Merino wool were soft, luxurious, not at all itchy and oh so warm.
I purchased this gorgeous sweater in a beautiful shade of Mulberry from The Dingle Woollen Company.
This place has operated in Dingle since 1606!! Since I was there in early November at the end of the tourist season I snagged my sweater for over 60% off. It will be perfect for those cold, snowy days back at home in Colorado.
I also bought a beautiful pair of handmade mittens with a design that looks to me like little sheep. What do you think?
Check out their online store. They even have free shipping to the US and Canada if you spend over 100 Euros!
Get a little taste of Ireland even before you visit. 😄
Jewelry
Looking for a traditional Cladaugh ring? Check out The Dolphin Shop. They have a huge selection of Irish rings and other jewelry, plus Irish leather goods, scarves and wall hangings.
Arts and Crafts
I also love a good craft market! They are so great for finding unique gifts and souvenirs. I found a little gem on Main Street called, An Gailearai Beag which showcases handmade, local items from the West Kerry Craft Guild.
That’s where I fell in love with the work of Dingle Artist, Andrea Power who paints gorgeous paintings of the Wild Atlantic Way.
I bought an extremely affordable signed print of “Crazy Storm Colours: Coumeenole”, that I can’t wait to get framed and hang up in my home!
I love buying a little piece of art when I travel, so I can be reminded of my wonderful memories every time I walk by. It helps get me through until I can take my next adventure!
Continue strolling the town and admire the creative window displays.
Take some time to stop and pet the roaming kitties and old sheep dogs guarding their properties.
Slow down and have a coffee and just savor the peace and simplicity of this town. When you get a little hungry stop into one of the great restaurants in Dingle, Ireland.
Where to Eat
Breakfast
If you are staying at the Greenmount House take advantage of their included breakfast. There is no sad dried out buffet here.
The hotel has an amazing breakfast area surrounded by windows, so you can enjoy spectacular views of the bay while you savor your choice of breakfast.
They have a plethora of options starting with your choice of juice served in champagne flutes, coffee or tea and your choice of a number of breakfast entrees.
I tried the light and fluffy French toast as well as the cheese and herb omelette and both were delicious.
There is also a buffet of greek yogurt with a myriad of topping options as well as small pastry items to enjoy.
Coffee and pastries
Bean in Dingle
As your exploring town stop in at one of the local coffee shops. I loved the Bean in Dingle.
It’s a bright, cheery spot to rest your feet and get a nice shot of caffeine and a delicious pastry. Listen to the lively music, people watch and sip an artfully crafted chai latte.
Lunch or Dinner
Paul Geaney’s Bar and Restaurant
When you get hungry for something a little more substantial stop in at Paul Geaney’s Bar and Restaurant on Main Street for lunch or dinner.
It was a great pub option for a vegetarian like me. Irish food is not the most vegetarian friendly. Let’s just say I ate a lot of veggie burgers and chips (French fries) while I was traveling. It was nice to take a break from those and have some delicious pizza.
If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know I’m obsessed with pizza and a bit of a snob about it. I tried the veggie pizza and a pesto one. Both were made with fresh, quality ingredients and tasted amazing.
Wash it down with a pint of beer or the not too sweet or dry Rockshore hard apple cider!
Dessert
Murphy’s Ice Cream
When you are in the mood for something sweet you must stop by Murphy’s Ice Cream.
It’s the creamiest handmade ice cream and offers some unique flavors like Irish Brown Bread, Dingle Sea Salt, Dingle Gin and Irish Cream. The Chocolate Whisky and the Honeycomb Carmel were my favorites.
Getting There
If you’d like to visit Dingle too, it’s about a 3.5 – 4 hour drive from Dublin. Take care if you rent a car as the roads are twisty and very narrow. Not to mention you will be driving on the other side of the road if you are from outside the UK.
Don’t have a car? Take the train from Dublin to Tralee and then a bus from Tralee into Dingle which takes about 6 hours.
Want to fly to Dublin from the US in luxury? Check out my post on how to upgrade to business class for under $100!
If you have trouble finding availability for award travel try taking a positioning flight to another airport that has more availability. Better yet try out a new credit card and get your flights for free!
Dingle, Ireland is definitely worth the effort to visit. It’s such a wonderful town with so many great things to see and experience. I’m so glad I was able to visit and I can’t wait to go back and take all my friends.
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Red Butte Gardens
Are you are looking for things to do in Salt Lake City? Red Butte Gardens is a wonderful arboretum and botanical garden located in the foothills of Salt Lake City. It is off the University of Utah campus.
It’s a great place for an afternoon stroll where you can admire all the flowers, trees and relaxing water features. They even have various sculptures throughout the garden to admire. Pull up a bench, listen to the tinkling water and the breeze through the trees.
There are 5 miles of trails to check out and there is also an amphitheater with a Summer Twilight Concert series.
I wasn’t able to attend a concert as they sell out quickly, but while walking around I was treated to hearing the Fitz and the Tantrums practice for their show that night. So cool!
If you go, don’t forget your sunscreen, water and a hat or an umbrella. It can get a little toasty depending on what time of day or year you go. However, there are numerous benches to sit and and enjoy the shade.
Red Butte Gardens also has an absolutely amazing gift shop! It’s a great place to find unique gifts for your nature loving friends and family. Make sure you check it out before you head out!
They also have great air conditioning if you get a little overheated walking around. 😄 Before or after the gardens stop by Ruth’s Diner for a fabulous brunch nearby on their gorgeous back patio.
Tracy Aviary
If you are a bird lover like me and are looking for things to do in Salt Lake City, head over to the Tracy Aviary in Sugar House. I went to check out the newly hatched, adorable, baby flamingos. They are so fluffy and cute when they are babies!
I took this adorable video of a fussy baby flamingo searching for a shady spot to take a nap.
The Tracy Aviary revolves around a central lake. Circle around the lake and explore birds from all over the world in a beautiful park like setting.
If you’re looking for a fun and yummy restaurant in the area try Finn’s Cafe for breakfast or lunch.
Heber Creeper
If you like history and trains and are looking for things to do in Salt Lake City, check out the Heber Creeper.
It’s a near hundred year old historic train that was brought down from Canada, that you can ride through the Heber Valley.
They have a ton of different holiday themed train rides or ride the signature Deer Creek Express.
This ride comes complete with an old time western gun fight, fiddlers and tales from the old west.
Sit on the left side when boarding the train to get a great view of the Deer Creek reservoir and the Wasatch Mountains.
This historic train even has seats that flip direction, so you don’t have to ride facing backwards on your journey back.
When I come back I’m definitely booking the Chocolate Lovers Train where you can sample local artisan chocolates. Everything’s better with chocolate!
Explore Park City
Are you a skier, foodie, shopper or movie buff and looking for things to do in Salt Lake City? On your way back from Heber City why not stop in and explore Park City. Park City is also only 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.
This historic mining town is home to world class skiing, Utah Olympic Park and of course the Sundance Film Festival.
Stroll along and check out all the shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the Egyptian Theater where they hold screenings for Sundance.
This is definitely a pricey town, proven by the car I parked next to. If you don’t have a McLaren budget and are looking for an affordable lunch or dinner option without having to cash in your IRA like this guy, stop in at Red Banjo Pizza for a refreshing beverage and a delicious scratch made slice. This place is also vegetarian and gluten free friendly.
Snowbird Summer Scenic Tram
Nature lover and looking for things to do in Salt Lake City? Less than an hour from Salt Lake City is the beautiful ski resort of Snowbird.
Take a ride on Snowbird’s Signature Aerial Tram for a majestic view of the Salt Lake Valley. It is one of only 9 ski resort trams in the United States.
The tram is fully enclosed with a breathtaking 360 view of the surrounding mountains. There are also windows in the floor, so you get a full view of everything.
Our tram operator even pointed a moose that was grazing near a small lake on the way up the mountain. First wild moose I’ve seen in my life!!
If you are really adventurous you can pay extra to sit in the rooftop balcony on top of the tram as you ride up and down the mountain.
I’m a little afraid of heights, so I was just fine staying inside. 😄 The tram does have windows that open, so you can still feel that mountain breeze coming in.
The tram ride takes about 13 minutes each way and runs along a 1.6 mile cable, climbing 2900 vertical feet up to the summit of Hidden Peak.
Once at the summit spend some time drinking in the stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley.
There is even a cafe with a bar now at the top that is open on weekends. Watch out for the chipmunks if you sit outside as they can be very bold, hoping to sample some of your food.
Bring a jacket as it can get cold up there at 11,000 feet and your hiking shoes if you want to try walking back down the mountain.
I hope you enjoyed my ideas for things to do in Salt Lake City. If you’d like more restaurant recommendations for your trip read my list of the Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City with something for everyone.
Looking for cheap flights to Salt Lake City? Check out my other posts on finding plane tickets, packing tips for discount airlines or using points and miles for a free trip.
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Have you ever wondered what Aruba looks like? It was definitely not what I expected.
Aruba looks like Arizona was swallowed up and surrounded by the crystal clear, blue Caribbean ocean.
There are so many cacti on it’s rugged terrain. It’s a truly a unique landscape! Let’s explore.
Casibari Rock Formation
My first stop was the Casibari Rock Formation. It’s a steep hike, but pretty short. Once at the top you are treated with a 360 degree view of Aruba.
Aruba looks like it is mostly flat, but it has a few of these interesting rock formations scattered around the island.
Casibari Rock Formations have huge tonalite boulders. I drank in the desert landscape and listened to the local birds melodious songs.
This area is nestled in a residential area and you can also get a great view of local life such as my cover photo at the top.
Below are some photos from the area at the base of Casibari Rock.
California Lighthouse
Next stop was the California Lighthouse. It was named for the S.S California that wrecked nearby in 1891.
It is the tallest structure in Aruba and open every day from 9:00am to 7:00pm. You can climb the lighthouse for a $5 fee and no reservations are required.
It’s a gorgeous place to watch an Aruban sunset! Check out some of my photos below from the lighthouse. The clouds that day were absolutely spectacular!
There is a nice looking restaurant near the lighthouse, Faro Blanco. Although I didn’t have time to go, I will definitely try it out on my next visit.
They serve Italian food which is one of my very favorite cuisines. Faro Blanco received good online reviews and who could beat their stunning views! I’ve included the website below.
I traveled to Aruba on a Holland America Southern Caribbean cruise. My ship, the Nieuw Statendam had some mechanical trouble and my port day in Aruba was flip flopped with my Curacao port day in order for the ship to be serviced.
You can read my review of Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam’s food, drinks, state rooms and entertainment or learn more about Curacao by clicking the links.
I wish I had more time to explore this lovely island and see more of what Aruba looks like. I got into Aruba at about 5pm and only had two hours before the sun would set.
I had scheduled a tour with an independent cruise company, but it was cancelled due to the date being switched and since there would not be enough time to see everything on the tour before it got dark. How do you make the most of your time? Try a bus tour!
Bus Tour
All kinds of tours can be found through tourist information stalls at the port. If you don’t have your heart set on a particular activity this can be a great way to save money instead of booking a pricey cruise excursion.
My friend and I wandered around for a few minutes to see what might be available.
There was an independent tour guide advertising a bus tour for $30, but he only took cash. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you a lot of smaller places don’t take credit cards. We scrounged in our purses and found just enough cash to jump on the tour bus and pay the driver before he left.
The tour bus seemed full and even though the bus looked a little crazy we decided to go for it! At least this guy admits he’s a crazy driver. LOL
The driver turned out to be quite a character. He had crazy curly hair, a tie-dyed t-shirt and rolled his R’s in an exaggerated way every time he said Aruba.
The bus had no glass in the windows, but on the plus side you did get to feel the refreshing Aruban breeze. He also was rocking some eighties hits on the radio, so it kept things fun.
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow. As much as a try to plan and research every detail to make for a smooth and enjoyable trip some things are uncontrollable and you just have to make the best of things.
My friend and I had a great time on our whirlwind tour of the Island of Aruba.
On the way back to our ship we got to see all the classy Aruban resorts and these beautiful homes as we watched the sun disappear into the shimmering water. Arriba Aruba!
