South Africa*Kruger National Park

December 28, 2022December 29, 2022 GOING NINETY MILESLeave a comment

Africa has been on my bucket list for a long time. It FINALLY happened and man, what a fantastic experience. I can’t wait to go back.

I saw the Big Five – Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, Rhino and the African elephant within the first few days of starting our safari. My favorite, the leopard. WOW, which we were told, pretty much lets you see it when it wants you to see it. Otherwise, good luck. Thank you Ms. leopard, I was in awe.

There were thirteen of us in the group, not including Lucky, our tour guide extraordinaire. We called ourselves the Lucky 13. 🙂 In the group were my parents and 10 other Americans. We had this trip planned for 2020 but you know what happened then. The company we went with was OAT travel and I have to say that the interior of the trip (the safaris, the excursions, helping us with the visas, transports, hotels, etc.) was fantastic. But the exterior (the OAT online/ in office staff, the information, etc.) was not so great. We received different information every time we called, which we had to do because it took weeks to get back an email response. And because of that misinformation, my parents and I ended up paying about $1000 more because of things we needed to add – hotel rooms, flights. But that is all I will say about that because this post is about the fabulousness of our Africa experience.

First up is Kruger National Park. We were in three different National parks – Kruger in South Africa, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana. All of them were a bit different. OAT broke up each safari stop with a more restful place so it wasn’t all safari safari safari. We stayed in each place for three nights and then would move on to our next adventure, the trip in total (with our Cape Town extension) was almost a month long.

We flew into Nespruit from Johannesburg and stopped at a road side market on the way to Kruger Park. I bought some delicious macadamia nuts and a handmade carved wooden statue of a kudu. And I must add that I NEVER saw that again – the kudu statue nor someone selling the nuts. Some people didn’t buy anything because it was our first stop but later regretted it. So if you like something and especially if it’s a road side event, BUY IT. Don’t just think that you will see something like it again. Here are the two men who make the wooden animals. They were so happy to talk to us about their craft.

We drove inside Kruger National Park which is the largest of South Africa’s parks, with a total area of 7,500 square miles, Kruger is also one of the largest parks in the world. Bordered by the Limpopo and Crocodile rivers, the land spreads a stunning 200 miles at its widest point. Once inside the park we switched vehicles to take us to Buffalo Rock Camp. About 10 minutes from camp we saw a beautiful elephant just hanging out. The welcome committee! When we arrived in camp, we were shown to our tent/cabins where we had a little time to unpack. Isn’t it lovely? The bathroom with shower was in the back – it was outside but had a roof and walls that had an opening at the top.

Then we met back up for a drive out – Saw many impalas, a few warthogs, an African eagle and some hippos playing in a lake. Next, stopped for a sundowner drink of Amarula Liquor which is a cream liqueur from South Africa. It is made with sugar, cream and the fruit of the African marula tree. Then it was dark and we drove back with a spotlight on to try to see night animals. We did see two hyenas finally. It was cold! We all called it a night after dinner since we had a 5:30 a.m. wakeup call. We were given a hot water bottle (which they called a bush baby) to keep us warm. Since it was dark you must be escorted to your room by a person with a rifle and a flashlight. That night I heard some animal making strange sounds out there. The camp is completely open so animals can walk through at any time – hence the people walking you to your room when it is dark with the rifle. If it’s light out you can walk to the lodge yourself – It’s only about 75 feet away. Just be sure to give a good look!

The animal noises I heard at night were hyenas fighting. WOW. Such a strange noise. We left around 6:30 a.m. where one of our first sightings was A LEOPARD!!! OMG what a gorgeous creature. Simply amazing. He was perched on top of a termite pile and stayed there for at least five minutes while we were all trying to take pics and get a closer look with the binoculars. Just look at this beautiful creature.

So now we’ve seen three of the Big Five – c’mon lions and rhinos! We went back for lunch and headed out after that for some more sightings where we saw zebras, giraffes, warthogs, steenboks (they are so cute), hyenas and near the end we stopped to take a picture of the sunset and there was a HUGE baboon in a tree with lots of baboon family around. After about ten minutes they started heading down the hill towards us – we were outside of the jeep taking pics of the sunset!!! We quickly made our way back to the Jeeps and watched them move from the hill to the other side where it was higher and rockier. Really cool to see the whole family progression. Do you see the big guy in the tree? And some of the family too his right and the ground.

The national park is home to 147 species of land mammals—the highest number in Africa—including all of the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros). Thousands of zebra roam Kruger as well, but no species can keep up with the impala, which number more than a million here. On this day the park was having a few free to the public days so the park was a bit busier than normal but the cars needed to be out of the camp by sundown. We were driving around 6:00 pm and there were cars driving by us so fast. Why? They needed to leave! It was almost sundown and they were going to be fined. But as karma has it a huge pack of buffalo were crossing the road and just stood there. They were not going to move out of the road so they were definitely going to be late.

OAT Travel likes to include discussions about sometimes difficult topics. That night we gathered at the lodge for an enlightening conversation about gender stereotypes in South Africa’s game lodges—and how more and more women are challenging these outdated stereotypes that still exist in the game lodge and conservation world. The conversation was led by a female game ranger at Kruger. We learned that less than 30% of entry-level nature guides in South Africa are women—and in more specialized roles such as trail guides, less than 8% are women. And just 13% of head chefs in South Africa are female. She shared what it was like for her to break into this traditionally male-dominated industry. Kudos to her for being determined and fighting for what she wanted.

More animal noises last night! Wake up call person said to be a little careful because there were hyenas and possibly a lion in the area! Yikes. That got my attention. This was our last day in Kruger and we still hadn’t seen a lion or a rhino. But Lucky said he was feeling lucky. 🙂 We headed out again at 7 a.m. and within fifteen minutes we were rushing to see another leopard! As I’ve said, they are not that common to see so it was a treat. She was beautiful. Hanging out on a fallen tree for about five minutes before she decided she was tired of us.

Then not even thirty minutes after seeing the leopard we found ……. A pride of around 8-9 lions gathered around a buffalo kill. AMAZING. There were two large male lions and two female and then a few cubs which were around 3-4 months old. Just chowing on the buffalo (sorry and thank you mr buffalo). The older males were fighting a bit about whose turn it was to get a bite with a vulture circling overhead. They were about 90 feet away and in the brush so it was hard to get a really good picture but so cool. And the sounds!!

So luck was on our side. Next up, a rhino. The guides knew where they liked to hang out. It was about an hour or more drive but it was worth it. Because there it was, the first one was pretty far away walking through large bushes but I got a picture. The other was by a watering hole but it just wanted to rest in the shade and show us its backside. The Big Five – CHECK.

And that was our adventure in Kruger National Park. We arrived back at Buffalo Rock Camp around 3:00 where we relaxed until 5:30 – it was hot! Then it was a discussion about elephant dung (which was EVERYWHERE). It was actually very enlightening. Here are a few uses for elephant dung: If you forget insect repellent you can burn a dried piece of dung to keep insects away. You can also burn it and inhale the fumes to get rid of a headache or a nosebleed. Lucky actually did this because he had a headache and he said it went away! And as it turns out, elephants are a great source of biogas. This is due to their herbivorous diet and the large amounts that they excrete daily. Their dung produces gas for stoves, heat and can even generate electricity. Good job elephants! How about a picture of one from Kruger for you.

A HUGE thank you to everyone at Buffalo Rock Camp, especially JB and Nico – you made the experience so nice with your warm hospitality and happiness. I love that the place is powered by solar energy, leave the smallest possible foot-print in this pristine wilderness. That night we had a dinner under the stars, good conversations, some wine and went to sleep dreaming of the all the beautiful animals that we had already seen.

beach · Europe · hotels · Road Trip · spain · touristy · travel

Tenerife and Back

December 6, 2021 GOING NINETY MILESLeave a comment

It had been over two years since I have traveled up to last month. Of course, you know the main reason – Covid. But even when restrictions were released I didn’t travel. I didn’t understand this immediate need to get back out there. Sure I missed seeing new places and going back to my favorite spots but why the rush? Covid was (is) still a big problem. There were a new surge of Covid cases in Mallorca when tourists were allowed back (naturally) and I just didn’t get it the immediate need to get away.

Anyways, I turned the big half a century last month and I wanted to go somewhere to celebrate the big 5-0. I felt so bad for the people who turned 50 or had any huge celebration during 2020. I know that had to have sucked. We looked into fun places that would hopefully be somewhat warm. Felix, being European, still wasn’t allowed into the USA so we couldn’t go there. We looked into a cruise but after REALLY looking into it we found out that our stops, mostly in Italy, we wouldn’t be able to get off the boat just ourselves. We HAD TO go with a group. Well, that’s not what we wanted to do. In the end, we decided on Tenerife. Felix had been when he was eight (how cute!) and the flight there was a direct flight. So, alright Tenerife, show us what you got.

We chose the Gran Melia Palacio de Isora hotel which I may do a separate blog post about but just be careful if you choose this one, or it may be just the way things are in Tenerife. There are a few pros – friendly staff, the Bali beds looking over the Atlantic are nice and I liked the Clarins products in the room but sadly, the cons outweighed the pros – the restaurant situation is horrific, you need to book 2 or 3 days in advance if you want a table at a decent time, the service is slowwwwwww, the bars close at 6 except for the big main one which takes forever to get a drink. Again, a possible blog post. But I really didn’t want this one to be negative. But seems like it is so far, so let’s change that, shall we?

Alright, we enjoyed a few relaxing days renting a Bali bed, drinking some cervezas and swimming in Europe’s largest salt water pool. The lizards were fun to watch and I loved the red dragonflies buzzing around.

The cool breeze coming off the Atlantico was a nice feeling against the hot sun tanning our skin. One night we ventured out to a local Italian restaurant with great service and yummy food – Pepi Vintage Room Tenerife in Puerto de Santiago. Great food, wine and service. It is a bit small so I would call for a reservation at 673 72 56 61.

Close to the hotel was a black sand beach which seemed pretty hip with the locals.

After a few days of completely vegging out on the beds and swimming we decided to take a break from the Bali beds and rent a car to check out Teide and Masca.

The rental car was booked at the hotel, it was super easy and 60 euro for the day. Off onto our best day of the trip.

Teide National Park took us about an hour from our hotel. Teide is an active volcano but the last eruption was in 1909. I must add to this post that we were in Tenerife at the time the La Palma volcano was erupting. We tried to get a view of it but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. My heart goes out to the people who have lost their homes and belongings from the erupting volcano.

Teide National Park is the biggest park on the Canary Islands. A trip that should be at the top of the must-see list of everyone who visits Tenerife. And the island was busy! It was a four day weekend for the Spanish (un puente as they call it), plus a two week school break for the Germans, lots of people had descended onto the island. And the closer we got into the park the more you could see it. All photo opportunity spots were full and when we got to the area where you could take a cable car to the top, forget about it! There were at least 200 cars lined up. And you do need tickets for the cable car so book in advance if that’s what you really want to do. We drove a bit further and found a spot that seriously looked like Mars – so cool. We got out and walked around and took some advantage of photo ops.

Next we decided to check out Masca. Be prepared, the road to Masca is tight! If you are afraid of heights or get car sick, it might not be the drive for you. But the views are beautiful.

Until the 1960s, the picturesque mountain hamlet of Masca was only accessible on foot or by donkey. Nowadays, it is well connected to the rest of Tenerife by road. Winding roads lead to exciting hairpin bends and narrow corners. The trip will take you through deep ravines covered with lush green vegetation.

There weren’t any parking spots for a restaurant when we arrived in Masca so we continued on the curvy road and soon came across a cute restaurant overlooking the gorge. You can’t miss it, after passing Masca you will see it when the road starts heading back up. We stopped for a glass of wine and some roasted potatoes with mojo sauce. Super yummy.

It was so nice to get away from the hotel madness and actually have people attentively serve food and drinks! Seriously Gran Melia, you need to figure some problems out!

One more day at the hotel and we were looking forward to home and all the comforts one has at their home. And our six cats. 🙂

But one more thing.

When we first arrived there were a lot of plants under big tents that were on large plantations. I kept wondering what it was, they were even right outside our hotel window (see first pic). And then it hit me, BANANAS! B-A-N-A-N-A-S. This shit is bananas. Bananas are a particularly important crop, as Tenerife grows more bananas than the other Canary Islands, with a current annual production of about 150,000 tons. Nice.

In the end, everyone that we encountered in Tenerife were really friendly and the sights in Masca and Teide were gorgeous. I am glad to have experienced the island and seen the sights. I’d give it at least a chance if your travel plans allow for a stop there. It’s always a nice to change your scenery view even with a few bumps in the road.

There is never a bad trip! Unless you took some bad LSD. Don’t do that.

beach · church · cool photos · earth · familia · greece · hotels · love love love · paaaarty · sunset · travel

Mykonos * Greece

November 30, 2019November 30, 2019 GOING NINETY MILESLeave a comment

Of course after the hustle and bustle of walking everywhere and seeing the sites of Athens we needed (we deserved) some down time to relax on a gorgeous Greek island – or two!

Since we were Greek virgins (how’s that going to pan out in Google search) we decided the top two islands we were going to check out on this trip would be Mykonos and Santorini. Mykonos is the party island, and Santorini was supposed to be absolutely gorgeous. And they both lived up to their name and more.

Our ferry from Athens to Mykonos was somewhat early and we were supposed to arrive at least an hour before it departed. I had researched the ferries on different sites and found a lot of people complaining that the ferry services were a bit of a shit show. So I was a bit concerned. But I can confirm that both ferries were just fine. I freaked out over nothing. Athens to Mykonos I believe it was BlueStar Ferry and Mykonos to Santorini it was SeaJets, or vice versa. They were both perfect. Easy boarding, comfy seats, food, tv, clean. NO PROBLEMS. Thank goodness.

Mykonos is VERY wiiiiiiiiiiiinnnndddyyyyyy. I didn’t know! Getting off the ferry we were almost swept away. I thought it was just the day but our driver said it was always quite windy in Mykonos. And speaking of having a driver – all of the hotels I booked in Greece offered a service to pick us up whether it was the airport or the port. But our Mykonos hotel is the only one that offered this service for free – including taking us back to the port on our departure day. That, for me, is great service. The hotel was lovely – The Mykonos Dove hotel. It’s directly on beach Platis Gialos and beach chairs are included (not the first three front rows), breakfast buffet is included and very yummy and lots of restaurants are close by.

Mykonos town is a quick 15 minute bus ride. For the most part I was very satisfied with Mykonos Dove. My only complaint would be when we checked in they gave us a welcome drink and we sat outside for over an hour before anyone would show us to our room or even tell us a timeline for when we could check in. We knew we were early but we would have happily just walked around a bit if we had known we would just be sitting there for an hour or more.

But finally we were shown are room. Cute, a little small but not too bad, it had a small balcony over looking the street. The hotel does offer rooms with a private small pool but we were good without one. We freshened up a bit and then needed some grub. That sea air was making us hungry. We wandered past some places – a small shop with a little bit of everything (we actually bought snorkels and face masks there later), some restaurants, some bars pumping out hip retro beats – and then we decided on Thea Restaurant. I’m not sure if you read my Athens blog post (see link in the first paragraph!) but our Greek eating theme was tzatziki. And this place did not disappoint. The stuffed mushrooms and calamari was so very excellent.

We had two entire days in Mykonos so this first day was a lounge by the beach and be a little lazy. It was exactly what the doctor ordered. The beach umbrellas had a outlet to charge your gadgets with solar power. I LOVED this. Nothing better than using natural resources to charge things. The sun was warm, the day was perfect and the water was … COLD. So very cold. But in the end, refreshing.

Next up, dinner at the hotel and then a night out in Mykonos Town. Since we were at the very end of the tourist season it wasn’t too bad. Crowds yes, but manageable. We wandered around. I loved the white and grey cobblestone looking streets. We stopped for a drink at Alley bar and then headed over to Caprice for a little dancing and then caught the bus back to the hotel. Easy peasy. Mykonos Town –

Jess’ New Year’s resolution was to snorkel. She had never snorkeled before so the next day was all about checking that off her list of things to do. We bought masks with snorkels and walked over to the next beach where we heard was good for snorkeling. It was about a 15 minute walk. We found a little place off towards the east side, caught some vitamin D and then waded in the water with snorkel and mask in tow. The water was clear, the fish were abundant and the sea floor dropped off about 15 feet to really get the experience.

That night was perfect with getting our fill of one last evening in Mykonos. A bit of people watching at the ritzy Scorpios restaurant and bar to see the magical sunset. There were some crazy people there! And it was super packed and SUPER expensive. It was by the beach we snorkeled at so we walked over again and then on the way back we stopped at Nikolas Tavern for some more delicious Greek grub. Check out more of the fabulousness of Mykonos in my pics and then we are off to Santorini!!!

favorite things · food · friends · greece · hotels · love love love · restaurant · touristy · travel

Athens, Greece

October 27, 2019October 27, 2019 GOING NINETY MILES2 Comments

Bring out the stuffed grape leaves, the tzatziki, greek salads with huge chunks of feta cheese then throw in a lot of old buildings and monuments and there you have it – my first trip to Athens, Greece. It is now a proven fact that I can indeed eat those things every single day. Because that’s pretty much all I had during my week in Greece. Lather, Rinse, Repeat. And it was the best food I’ve had in months – I must have been a Greek Goddess in my earlier years because I can’t get enough of everything Greek.

We arrived late in the evening, there was only one flight out of Barcelona to Athens leaving at 6:30 p.m. so we arrived at the airport around 10:30 (3 hour direct flight plus one time difference). The hotel, Grecotel Pallas Athena, had reserved a driver for us at the airport and he whisked us to our boutique hotel, smack dab in the middle of Athens. The location is superb, the eclectic design is super fashionable and I never turn down a free breakfast, which was delicious as well. But as I said, we arrived late, thankfully there were still plenty of options for dinner for us to choose from. We wandered through the streets to the restaurant the front desk dude told us about and enjoyed our first views of Athens. Here are a few sights from that first night:

We found where we needed to get some food in our bellies and guess what we had? Tzatziki!! And a few other things. And there were two singers to help us get into the Greek feeling and welcome us to Athens. After dinner we walked back to the hotel and crashed. A full day was upon us in the morning!

First things first. Breakfast! Yes, tzatziki was involved. 🙂 Along with fresh fruit, a pastry with spinach, a very hot tea and lots of water. Only then were we ready to venture out to the glorious Acropolis in the sky. And I do mean in the sky! It’s high up on a hill. AND we walked! Very proud of ourselves. It wasn’t too difficult but the day was super hot and I only brought a small bottle of water. From the hotel it was about a 30 minute walk to the entrance. You need to buy tickets (I think they were 20 euro each) and there is a place before you enter to buy drinks – lemonade slushes, coffee, beer but NO water! And I can’t even tell you how many times I heard people ask for water and every single one was incredulous that water wasn’t sold. Even one lady said to the man, “You don’t have water!?”. “No, no water,” he answered. “No water?!”, she asked again. He replied, “Maybe if you ask me twenty times more there will miraculously be water.” Needless to say she left without ordering anything. I smirked and ordered a lemonade and strawberry slushy. But then the joke was on me – nobody can enter the Acropolis grounds with any food or drinks. Ha! But water is allowed …….

So Jess and I tried to down my slurpie as quickly as possible, resulting in about 28 brain freezes.

And we were in! There were TONS of people there. But it’s quite an expansive place so you can move around pretty easily, minus those first steps to get up to the top of the hill but once you’re there people spread out. But don’t think about getting any pictures with only you – well, it’s probably doable but difficult.

I was already impressed. First stop was the Theatre of Dionysus – which funny story. We looked out over the Theatre and Jess said that she thought it looked different. I shrugged my shoulders and said wouldn’t it be cool to see an opera here. I think they must do things there still because there were lights set up and speakers, etc.

We continued on … but it was still bothering Jess. She said again, I remember it differently. How, I asked. Well, it seems very open to fight lions and animals. OMG, I laughed so loud that I think I scared people around us. I said, I think you’re thinking of the Colosseum in Rome. 🙂 Ahhhh, good times. Let it be said Jess is a very smart woman! She’s a lawyer in Los Angeles but we all have our blonde moment from time to time.

It was amazing how old this place was, pottery sherds of the Neolithic period (4000/3500-3000 BC) and of the Early and Middle Bronze Age, show that the hill was inhabited from a very early period. Seriously, walking around where people lived in 4000 BC really blows my mind.

The Acropolis was dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena. It was Pericles in the fifth century BC who coordinated the construction of the site’s most important present remains including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. There is a restoration project that has been going on for years so we saw scaffolding, cranes, etc. But with things that old they all need a little help from time to time (don’t we all?).

We spent about two hours touring the grounds and taking lots of pictures, just like everyone else. Here are my favorites.

Alright, enough with the old stuff. We needed a cold brewski to take a break in the day. From the Acropolis we could see a very well preserved temple that looked interesting to check out. So after our beer, stuffed grape leaves and ….tzatziki!!! Sorry, I’ll stop. Maybe. We searched around for the temple. Turns out it’s located in Agora with lots of other ruins, a church and a museum. So, when in Athens, go see the temples.

It was the Temple of Hephaestus that we were seeing. The Doric order temple was dedicated to Hephaestus (naturally), who was the son of Zeus and Hera, and a god of blacksmiths, metallurgy, and craftsmen. This temple has been incredibly well preserved so one can easily see the Doric trademarks. The columns are fluted, or grooved. Above the columns is a thick, horizontal element called the frieze. Doric friezes are decorated with alternating patterns of triglyphs and metopes.

The metopes are blank panels in between the triglyphs. Very often, Doric metopes were carved with reliefs of scenes from Greek mythology, and the Temple of Hephaestus is no exception. The friezes of this temple depict scenes of the twelve labors of Hercules, the battle and fall of Troy, and an unidentified battle scene. It’s possible that the metopes that were not carved were, at one point in time, painted. We do know that some art has been lost from this site; records indicate that bronze statues of Hephaestus and Athena Ergani once stood inside as well.

As I mentioned, this temple is located in the Agora which was a place for the citizens of ancient Athens to meet, bond and deliberate on the issues of the day. The Ancient Agora was a dynamic place, where the great thinkers Sophocles, Socrates, Protagoras, among others, would meet and where ordinary citizens could come and interact with their peers, voice their concerns, agree on solutions and courses of action.

Nowadays, it a peaceful place with shady trees, paths and cats among the ruins. We checked out the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles and the Stoa of Attalos. The stoa was another place to meet but also an ancient version of a mall, it had 42 shop spaces on the two levels. It was destroyed in 267 AD by invading Herulians. Its restoration took place between 1953 – 1956 by the American School of Classical Studies with the financial support of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

I really enjoyed the Agro and check out the restaurant Heliaia close by the ticket entrance to the Agros. Yummy food! (see I didn’t say it) and a great view of the Acropolis while you enjoy your food and drink.

Some of my favorite pics from the Agros area.

After the Acropolis and Agros we were a bit pooped. We walked back to the hotel to shower and relax before dinner. I did a little research for dinner – I like to eat at nice restaurants and stay in nice hotels so I always do a bit of delving into the internet for the best places. And this time it also still had to be within walking distance. On our way to the restaurant we turned down this street and there was one cute restaurant or bar after another. And then there was the place I had chosen – Bandiera at Taki 19, Athens. They don’t have a website but the food and house wine was one of the best places we ate in Greece. We had the hot pepper and cheese dip, tzatziki 🙂 and a greek salad. YUM YUM YUM.

Now I’m googling good greek restaurants in Mallorca. Must have more greek food! After the fabulous dinner we stopped by A is for Athens and had a glass of wine at their rooftop bar. Nice place!

And there you have it folks – Athens, Greece. We had an early wake up call to catch our ferry to MYKONOS! Check the blog soon for my time in Mykonos and Santorini.

And our word for the week in Greek was thank you – Efcharistó!!!! xo -k

beach · beauty · birds · celebrity sighting · country · familia · friends · happy happy joy joy · hotels · love love love · paaaarty · travel

Love, Mexico

August 21, 2019August 21, 2019 GOING NINETY MILES2 Comments

Long live the land of tequila, tacos and sombreros!

Mexico will always have a special place in my heart because of my grandparents. They had two trailer homes. One in Wisconsin and one in Texas and they would spend the summers in Wisconsin and the winters in Texas. Not a bad idea I always thought. Their home in Texas was in Brownsville, which is smack dab on the Mexico – US border. Many times we visited them we would go to Mexico. We would park and walk over a bridge to Matamoros, Mexico, the bridge was of course over the Rio Grande which separates the countries. There were always adorable, laughing and VERY tan children below on the bank yelling at us to throw money. I believe sometimes my grandpa would give me some coins to throw down to them. My grandpa knew where to go and we’d usually stop for lunch at one of his favorite haunts, where huevos rancheros, enchiladas and tacos were always part of our orders. And this was TRUE mexican food. No Taco Bell here, no siree. Much better than Chi-Chi’s, Taco Bueno, “insert mexican restaurant here”. I do miss my BoBo’s Cantina though – do you hear me Stillwater folks?! And then we’d wander around the marketplace. I bought too many maracas to count but my parents scored a fancy marble chessboard with marble chess pieces that has been well loved.

So I was really looking forward to the beautiful and sweet Amy marrying the talented chef Kary in ….. MEXICO! Flying into Cancun from Miami was a breeze (no pun intended). I ordered a Dos Equis from the steward and settled in my window seat glued to the scene below.

I booked Cancun Cheap Transfers to pick me up from the airport to take me to the hotel. They had already sent me a message they would be waiting for me by the Margaritaville stand just exiting the airport. And they were! I booked a private van so there were no other stops to get to the hotel as quickly as possible. It was $55 for a one-way private trip. And they were great! I used them on the way back too and the driver even carried my bags into the airport and helped me check in. I can highly recommend!

Hotel Occidental Xcaret Riviera Maya was where we all stayed. Upon arrival I was offered an ice cold beer while waiting to check in. It’s a very big resort and after check in someone walked me to my room where I had chocolate covered strawberries and a stocked mini bar waiting for me. The luggage guy arrived quickly so I could get settled in. I gulped down all of those strawberries in a matter of minutes and popped open a cold beer while unpacking and sending “where are you” messages to all my friends that were already there. One thing, you must pay for Wi-Fi. The price was about $45 for four days if I remember correctly, it is not included with the room.

Soon I met the fabulous Bess in the lobby and we grabbed a margarita before finding the others. The resort is all-inclusive so grabbing a drink or two or three is easy and you don’t need to worry about keeping track of how much you’ve spent! Or even how much you drink! 😉 We met most of the gang at the seafood restaurant – there are eleven restaurants to choose from and I enjoyed the Paco’s Tacos the best (pizza AND tacos), because you really can’t go wrong with either of those. But there is also a huge buffet restaurant with so many options of salads, fruit, breads, pasta, main courses, desserts …. more more more. And there you can wear what you want because some restaurants have a dress code. And breakfast every morning for me was the buffet by the lagoon. My morning view was this. Gorgeous, right?!

There are so many different and fun things to do at the resort and around the resort. At the resort itself are many swimming pools, a beach lagoon, a private adults only area with ocean access, many ruins around the grounds that you can even go into and I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to mention this but ANIMALS!!!! Iguanas are EVERYWHERE but there are monkeys (!!!!) which most people saw every morning on their balconies but my area didn’t have monkeys – because I was told there are snakes (!) there and monkeys don’t like snakes (well, me neither). I also saw this weird small pig animal, a deer(!), a huge ass scorpion, birds and of course fish fish fish. I apologize for all the exclamation marks but animals y’all!

And part of the resort is their Eco-archeological Xcaret Park. I didn’t do this because it was a bit expensive but everyone who had kids did go and enjoyed it. There is a lazy river (which I heard is not that lazy), swim with the dolphins, cultural attractions and more. Besides the park, people went to Cozumel, went snorkeling with whale sharks (they are huge!) and a day trip to visit Tulum. Of course, you can always just be really lazy and relax with a rum runner on the beach.

Then it was wedding day!!! Yippee!!! It was pretty chill to start with and we hung out around the lagoon. Some of us got up early to save the big beach lounge beds and some lounge chairs down by the water. We soaked up the sun and worked on the song list and had a Rum Runner or two and then it was time for the nuptials. It was perfect, between the ocean and one of the bigger ruins on the grounds. The ceremony was simple and beautiful – that must make it simply beautiful. Then off for an hour reception to have a snack, a cocktail, take some photos, sign the wedding book and watch the bride seriously think about shoving a handful of cake in her husband’s mouth. A very lovely evening with many people I have known for most of my life and getting to see and meet their children. A time never to be forgotten with many lovely and funny memories made. Let the tears commence!

There was even a full moon that night.

Congratulations you love birds! So happy for you. xxoo -k

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5 Fun Things to Do in Phoenix AZ

July 6, 2019 GOING NINETY MILES2 Comments

My parents moved to Phoenix, AZ a few years ago in their perfect retirement community. And every time I’m there I find so many fun and cool things to do, which I’d love to share with you!

Sharing is caring, y’all.

Take A Hike! Get your butt outdoors and breathe in the fresh air. Plus some exercise always does a body good. There are many great hiking trails but Camelback Mountain is the closest to my parent’s house so that’s the one I hike. Two main trails lead to the summit of Camelback, a camel-shaped mountain just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Both are rated extremely difficult. The Echo Canyon hike is the more rugged of the two and requires steep climbs and scrambling over large rocks. The Cholla Trail, while a little bit less strenuous, is also a little bit longer. The beginning of the hike is easy, with switchbacks and even terrain. The last third of the trail requires scrambling up steep grades with drop-offs on each side. Both hikes are a little under 2.5 miles long. Plan on taking two to three hours, depending on your condition, to make either of the round-trip hikes. Please don’t forget to bring lots of water to stay hydrated!

Go See A Show! It doesn’t matter if it’s theatre or ballet or opera or a concert. Whichever is your jam go do it. There are just so many opportunities in Phoenix to find something that you would love. I recently saw Wicked at the ASU Gammage theatre. Great show! Great theatre. In August, The Book Of Mormon (SO GOOD) will be performing there.

Visit A Museum! I love the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix. It’s one of the best places to experience the myriad cultures and art of American Indians of the Southwest. Since its founding in 1929, the Heard Museum has grown in size and stature to become recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and its unmatched festivals. Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the Heard successfully presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective, as well as exhibitions that showcase the beauty and vitality of traditional and contemporary art.

Eat At A New Restaurant! Before seeing Wicked at the ASU Gammage we went to have an early dinner at Durant’s Steakhouse. We got there five minutes before actual opening hours, walked through the back entrance (through the kitchen – do it, be a regular), ordered martinis (extra dirty for me) and a brandy old fashioned for mom before we were seated. And speaking of seating, we slid into our red leather booth surrounded by red velvety wallpaper before having an excellent meal. Don’t get me wrong, Durant’s is not somewhere to get a quick, cheap eat. But if you want a culinary and cool experience go check it out. Quick fun fact – John Wayne, Clark Gable and Joe DiMaggio all frequented Durant’s.

Check out something just outside of Phoenix! Last time my mom and I went to see Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright‘s winter home and school. Ever since I was young I loved architecture and touring mansions – the Marland mansion in Ponca City, OK and don’t think I went completely insane in Newport, RI – The Breakers!!! Marble House. WOW, just wow. So definitely check out Taliesin West. But THIS TIME we went on a boat ride on Saguro Lake with my aunt and uncle who were visiting. Saguro Lake is about 45 minutes Northeast of Phoenix. The 1,200-acre lake is 10 miles long and reaches depths of more than 110 feet at its deepest point. Its 22 miles of shoreline include rocky crags, canyon walls, marshland, and desert shrubland. The area also offers a variety of recreational activities (kayaking, hiking, fishing, sailing) including a scenic and educational riverboat cruise. We took a ride on the Desert Belle riverboat, a 90-minute narrated cruise on the lake. Let me clarify, the Captain didn’t speak the entire boat ride, there were lots of groovy tunes and time to breath in the nature. Besides hundreds, if not thousands of Saguro cacti we saw a bald eagle and a bighorn sheep!!! I was super stoked about the sheep. I highly suggest to bring your binoculars.

Have a ton of fun on all your adventures. And I’d love to hear what you love to do in and around Phoenix. 🙂

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Midwest USA Trippin

November 4, 2018November 9, 2018 GOING NINETY MILES2 Comments

Hello? Is this thing on?

I’ve been doing some major road trippin’ in the USA – visiting friends in Oklahoma, meeting up with my parents for a road trip to Wisconsin where I hung out in Madison, attended a wedding in upstate Wisconsin and then another wedding where my Mom grew up, small town Manawa, WI, then hit Grand Rapids, MI. And naturally, hung out with LOTS of relatives. Ahhhh, it was all good. It’s actually amazing how things can change so much in so little time – in both good and bad ways.

Let’s start with Oklahoma, shall we? Flew into green (!!!) and blazing hot Oklahoma via Will Rogers Airport in OKC.

The lovely Amy W picked me up and we were off to Stillwater – home of Pistol Pete, Oklahoma State University and where I have a zillion fantastical memories of growing up. We were getting the gang together. These are my OK girls that I’ve known since I moved to Stillwater at the age of 10. We’ve been through a lot – roomies, yelling at strangers, proms, drinking, smoking, car accidents, marriages, divorces, singing at the top of our lungs, dancing, deaths, sickness, skylab fallouts, the tumbleweed, the strip, babies, time capsules, cars, coloring hair red black grey blonde pretty much any color and I could go on and on but I think you get the idea. These girls and I understand each other so well that it only takes a look to get a meaning across and we have so many stories that nobody will ever know about but us. It’s true love, y’all. And I got tears in my eyes posting this picture below. XXOOOOOO

Loos and moms

The weekend was filled with HEAT, drinks, laughter, QUESO!, lots of tears and just a bonding again that we really needed. It was emotionally exhausting but this time together was so important for us all. We celebrated a life, we celebrated an engagement, we celebrated us. It was another Loo meet-up for the books.

Where to hit in Stillwater? Well, it had been a good while since I was last there and Stillwater has grown a lot. Of course, there is always Eskimo Joe’s for burgers and beer, Mexico Joe’s for well, mexican. Don’t forget to hit the strip for Coney Island (now I’m craving about 10 of their hotdogs) and the strip has fun bars and shops to check out too. Walk around the beautiful campus of Oklahoma State (wave at my awesome Zeta Tau Alpha sorority house across from Theta Pond) and if you’re there during school time try to catch a football or basketball game.

Next up, road trip with Mom and Dad. I do a lot of these with my parents and I cherish each one immensely, no matter how minute. They drove into OKC from Phoenix and I stayed one more night with Amy, I needed my Amy time!!

It took us two days to get to Madison, WI. (You can check out my post about Madison, WI HERE) Where I enjoyed the peculiar items at the road side gas stations (pickled bologna anyone?) plus the sites along the way. I got to see the St. Louis Arch! And yes, my parents are one of those rare souls who still own a road atlas. I love looking through it. 🙂

We stopped one night in the hometown of Abraham Lincoln – Springfield, Illinois. And had a delicious dinner at the Chesapeake Seafood House. They serve yummy seafood, steaks and a raw bar in a mansion from the 1800s.

Off to the small town of Manawa, WI, where some of my aunts, uncles and cousins live. My Uncle David lives on the farm where my mom grew up, it hasn’t changed too much but more wildlife have returned lately. YAY!! I love to hear that. We saw these two bald eagles fighting over a catch of something (hopefully not a cat which my aunt said an eagle caught last year). And I was gonna go for a run but heard there was a bear prowling around so I decided to nix that. Wisconsin is such a pretty state, with lakes, sprawling farms and dark forests as far as the eye can see. I feel back at home whenever I’m there. Oh, and of course I needed to try out the tractor. Yep, lil me drove that.

Now we go to North Wisconsin to Eagle River. I’d never been to Eagle River before, it was niiiiice. It’s a chain of 28 lakes, the largest freshwater chain in the world! Yo. ANOTHER aunt and uncle of mine (my mom has 5 siblings) just bought a lake house on Cranberry Lake and it was lovely to just chill there and be one with nature. Plus my gorgeous cousin got married there and the wedding and reception was beautiful and so much fun. Whenever I get together with my cousins we revert back to age five and just find each other hilarious. Beautiful spot for a wedding, no?

After the wedding I tried to relax and enjoy the peacefulness. Okay, so you do have boaters driving by but their house was set a bit back so it was quite calm. Of course we had to ride in their pontoon boat around the Lakes and one of the near neighbors owns the house that was used for the horror movie Damien II: The Omen. I was taking pictures of the boat ride and my picture of that house was UPSIDE DOWN. Freaky. Check it out. So. Weird.

Isn’t that FREAKY?!?! I swear I didn’t flip it. And all my other pics that I took within minutes even seconds of that one are normal.

And somehow the stars aligned because I got to meet up with Jeannie in Grand Rapids, MI. – another American city that I’d never been to before. We stayed in the downtown area in two different hotels because one we needed to expense (the cheaper one) and one for fun. The JW Marriot was the one for fun. It’s on the river, has beautiful views, the room was clean and spacious and the steam rooms are free and lovely. The other was CityFlatsHotel and it was smack dab in the center. We could walk around to many bars, restaurants and shops. It’s a bit funkier with a big room but not as many nice amenities as the JW Marriot. I enjoyed them both.

My restaurant recommendations for Grand Rapids – Sunday night it was late and the only place near the hotel and open was the SpeakEZ Lounge. We walked there (bravely, I would say), the outside was a bit sketchy but we opened the doors to lots of people, a jazz band and a place in the back for us to sit. The food was good and I love a live band. HopCat is your typical American bar. They have TONS of beers and ciders on tap – Squishy cider was my fav (Squishy is a semi-sweet Fruit Cider fermented with Michigan apples, tart cherries, and English Cider yeast). For a breakfast/brunch place I can highly recommend Anna’s House. With an already extensive menu they have many gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan options. The waffles with strawberries and the breakfast sandwich were soooo delicious and we got to-go cups for our coffees when we left. Two huge thumbs up. Jeannie even went back the next day before she flew back to NYC!

And for a bit more classy experience, try Reserve Wine & Bar. We ordered a brand old fashioned to start (it was the cocktail theme for my time in the states if you hadn’t noticed and they are the BEST in Wisconsin) and then we each ordered a flight of wine. Later we decided to share a charcuterie board of cheese and meat – really yummy. A bit on the pricey side but I feel it was worth the money. Also there is a fun bathroom downstairs with a big mirror for fun selfies. If you ask really nicely I can send a video of a head growing out of my shoulder. Ahhh, yes, my time with Jeannie is always a blast and always too short, 36 hours was not enough with her. But I will take any amount I can get. I love that girl to the ends of the earth.

And that was it. Trip was over (insert major sad face). A lot of brandy old-fashioned sweets consumed, time with relatives, friends were had and enjoyed and I flew back home to Mallorca. I hope you enjoyed the post with lots of good recommendations. Maybe they aren’t always in the fanciest of locations but sometimes one must venture away from the busy lights and hustle bustle of those.

Until next time, y’all. Cheers!

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Top USA Bars with a View

August 15, 2018 GOING NINETY MILES

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From JetSetter.com – Saving because I love to have cocktails with a view in the best places. And unbelievably I’ve never had a tipple in any of these so I defo need to start checking some off my list. Do you have any good recs for me from your state? Do tell!

50 States of Cocktails: Where to Drink (With a View) Across America

Nothing has us pining more for a refreshing drink than the long, hot days of August. Thankfully, America is absolutely brimming with fabulous cocktail dens, hometown breweries, and rooftop bars where you can toast the season in style. From an open-air deck on a Delaware beach to a swanky loft in New Orleans, here are 50 spots (and 50 drinks) to try this summer in each state.

1 Maine: Portland Lobster Company

Winter can be downright brutal in coastal Maine, so when summer hits, locals spend as much time as possible outdoors. Where better to enjoy the sun and salty sea breezes than at a lobster shack? They’re ubiquitous up and down the coast but Portland Lobster Company, situated right on the water overlooking Casco Bay, might just be the best. Its alfresco picnic tables are perpetually crowded with Portlanders, who come to enjoy local craft beer (go for the Allagash White or Black, brewed right in town), live music, and some of tastiest lobster rolls in the state.

2 Pennsylvania: Assembly Rooftop at the Logan, Philadelphia

As far as views in Philly go, it doesn’t get much better than the Logan Philadelphia‘s Assembly Rooftop Lounge, whose terrace affords sweeping views of Logan Square, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art with its famous staircase (any Rocky fans out there?). Grab a group of friends and cozy up on one of the semi-circular couches surrounding the fire pits for a drink or two. On warm days, cool down with the Celery Stalked—a refreshing combination of local Bluecoat barrel-aged gin, St. Germain, and celery and lime juice.

3 New Jersey: Rooftop at Exchange Place, Jersey City

Many New Yorkers would agree: in order to truly appreciate Manhattan’s skyline, you need to get out of the city. No place proves that point more than Jersey City’s new Rooftop at Exchange Place, where you can take in unbeatable panoramas that stretch from the Empire State Building all the way to the Statue of Liberty. We doubt anyone will judge you for snapping pics of the Skyliner (sparkling wine with crème de violette) held up against One World Trade Center’s silhouette.

4 Rhode Island: The Roof Deck at the Grace Vanderbilt, Newport

American businessman Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt commissioned the Grace Vanderbilt in 1909 as a mansion for his mistress. Now a boutique hotel, this property has some of the best views of Newport’s marina. Drink like a Gilded Age tycoon at the Roof Deck, where guests settle into Adirondack chairs with champagne cocktails in hand and watch the sun set over the water. New this summer: a crudo bar, which will serve oysters and seafood all season long.

5 Connecticut: Treehouse at the Oyster Club, Mystic

You might recognize Mystic from its starring role in the 1988 Julia Roberts film Mystic Pizza, but there’s lots to discover in this quintessential New England seaside town beyond its Hollywood roots—including the largest maritime museum in the United States. After exploring the quaint downtown, grab a seat on the string light-lit wooden deck at the Treehouse above the Oyster Club during daily happy hour (3 to 6 p.m.) to take advantage of $1 freshly shucked oysters alongside a signature Bloody Mary.

6 New York: The Ides Bar, Brooklyn

The Ides Bar at Williamsburg’s hip Wythe Hotel may not be New York’s newest rooftop bar, or even its highest, but it’s still one of the best places in New York to take in Manhattan’s storied skyline. As Williamsburg’s original boutique hotel, the Wythe’s got street cred in spades: the top floors (which were added onto the original cooperage) feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows that guarantee gorgeous views all year long, but Ides really comes alive in summer when it opens its outdoor terrace. Toast the end of the season with a Storm in the Summer, a house cocktail made with Reyka Vodka, raspberry brandy, bianco vermouth, and soda.

7 Vermont: Falcon Bar, Manchester

Talk about a piece of living history: the Equinox, a Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa has hosted no less than four U.S. presidents in its historic rooms and suites, and rumor has it Marsh Tavern (located in the original 1769 building) was a watering hole for revolutionaries during the Civil War. The place to savor a drink alfresco is the Falcon Bar, just off the main lobby, where (in addition to classic cocktails) you can sip local craft beer and over 50 varieties of wine and single-malt scotches. There’s even a fire pit for cooler nights.

8 New Hampshire: Cabonnay, Manchester

Opened last year in Manchester, Cabonnay (a blend between cabernet and chardonnay) occupies two spectacular spaces inside an otherwise unassuming office building: there’s the rooftop patio lined with flower boxes, umbrellas, and tables for two along with a ground-floor dining room whose menu of New England favorites with an Asian twist (tempura fried chicken; avocado toast with a soy poached egg) earned it a spot on New Hampshire Magazine’s Best New Restaurants list in 2017. You won’t go wrong with any of their wines.

9 Maryland: Pool Bar & Grill at the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore

The Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, which debuted earlier this year in the landmarked Recreation Pier in Fell’s Point, is drawing hip locals and out-of-towners to its innovative pool bar, shaped out of recycled shipping containers. After enjoying a refreshing Aperol Spritz and views of the real shipping frigates docked in Baltimore Harbor, order up something from the food menu (crab cakes; fish tacos), which is overseen by none other than New York-based chef Andrew Carmellini.

10 Massachusetts: Lookout Rooftop, Boston

The Lookout Rooftop & Bar at the Envoy, an Autograph Collection Hotel has been Boston’s hot spot for drinks with amazing waterfront views ever since it opened in 2015, but a recent $4 million expansion has made it even better. We’re talking 2,500 square feet more space and a plush seated section overlooking the Seaport District, where you can while away happy hours among the city’s stylish locals. House cocktails are the way to go; spring for their take on a Moscow Mule (made with Absolut Lime, lime juice, simple syrup, and ginger beer).

11 Delaware: Big Chill Beach Club, Bethany Beach

Delaware is all about its beach towns, and locals know that North Bethany Beach has some of the best venues to hang out at when the summer season hits. Our favorite: the wooden rooftop deck at the Big Chill Beach Club, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Bay and seats up to 200 people (so you rarely have to fight for a seat). Bring all your friends and order a Beach Bucket to share like the South Side Punch, made with Cruzan Passion Fruit rum, orange juice, pineapple, and grenadine.

12 Mississippi: The Coop, Oxford

You don’t have to be a University of Mississippi student to appreciate the Graduate Oxford, a funky hotel near campus that exudes southern charm. The place to be is The Coop, the property’s fourth-floor terrace lounge with a modern farmhouse vibe, for barrel-aged whiskey cocktails and Southern classics (including four excellent Moscow mule variations like the Kentucky, mixed with Four Roses bourbon).

13 West Virginia: Restaurant at the Glen Ferris Inn

For a taste of historic charm on the banks of the Kanawha River, it’s hard to beat the restaurant at the Glen Ferris Inn. Built in 1816, the inn was first conceived as a family residence for retired army colonel Aaron Stockton. Over time, the inn began to take on lodgers including presidents, governors, and the naturalist John James Audubon. Follow in their footsteps by sipping something classic—a gin and tonic, perhaps?—with views of Kanawha Falls.

14 South Carolina: The Rooftop at the Vendue, Charleston

For a bird’s-eye view of Charleston’s steepled skyline and the waterfront, take the elevator to the top-floor bar of The Vendue, a historic hotel in the city’s French Quarter. Downstairs, sparkling chandeliers and original wood beams recall the property’s 18th-century heritage; upstairs is far more modern—a two-tiered space of covered and uncovered wooden decks with fun pop art installations. Watch the sunset over a refreshing Southside Fizz, made with Seersucker Gin, lime juice, fresh mint, and club soda.

15 Kentucky: Belle’s Cocktail House, Lexington

When it comes to bourbon, all roads lead from Lexington, where world-famous distilleries Four Roses and Woodford Reserve are just a half-hour’s drive away. For something right in town, locals love Belle’s Cocktail House. Named for Belle Brezing (a real-life Victorian-era southern belle who ran a high-class brothel out of her mansion and was the inspiration for the fictional character Belle Watling in Gone With the Wind), this watering hole stocks more than a hundred varieties of Kentucky’s famous whiskey. The rooftop bar (Lexington’s first) is an added bonus—perfect for sipping an Old Fashioned on hot summer nights.

16 Florida: Sugar, Miami

Competition for the best outdoor bar is fierce in Miami, where over-the-top hotels like the Faena and creative cocktail dens like the Broken Shaker offer up ambiance in spades. This summer’s rooftop du jour is Sugar, a 40th-floor hangout at EAST, Miami where revelers dressed to the nines sip Asian-inflected drinks in a tropical oasis of Balinese-inspired décor and copious potted palms. Try the refreshing Toki Highball, made with Japanese Suntory Toki whiskey, yuzu, Lagavulin 16, and soda.

17 Georgia: Peregrin, Savannah

Savannah’s highly anticipated Perry Lane Hotel (a member of the Luxury Collection) has finally opened its doors, bringing a hot new rooftop bar to Georgia’s oldest city. Designed by award-winning firm AvroKO, the hotel embodies southern charm with a modern twist—and the rooftop, dubbed Peregrin, is no different. A lush oasis of jasmine blossoms and boxwood plants surround an inviting patio where both locals and visitors come to play lawn games and sip local craft beers, frozés, and signature drinks like the Perry Lane Special—made with cognac, dry curaçao, absinthe, sparkling wine, and lemon.

18 Tennessee: L.A. Jackson, Nashville

Instagram lovers will find everything their feed needs next at L.A. Jackson, the rooftop bar at the Thompson Nashville beloved as much for its panoramic views of downtown and the Gulch as it is for its ice cream sandwiches (of which there are three mouthwatering varieties—in addition to bar bites like catfish chips and venison poppers). The daiquiris are worth their salt, too. JS Tip: time your visit for a Monday night, when Jack White’s record label Third Man Records hosts DJ nights featuring local musicians and influencers that spin their favorite tunes.

19 North Carolina: The Roof at the Durham Hotel

Sleek midcentury vibes prevail at the Durham Hotel, a 53-room boutique hotel in a 1969 former bank building downtown. For alfresco cocktails, look no further than the hotel’s 3,000-square-foot roof deck, which includes an indoor bar with covered seating in addition to its open-air space. Wherever you choose to hold court, you can’t go wrong with the hotel’s namesake cocktail, which blends rum, cognac, port, Benedictine, and Angostura bitters.

20 Arkansas: The Preacher’s Son, Bentonville

Bentonville, Arkansas, is one of the best under-the-radar small cities in the United States, particularly when it comes to its art scene (you’ll find everything from Andy Warhol’s COCA-COLA to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bachman-Wilson House at its ground-breaking Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art). When it comes to drinks, there are some great places to imbibe, too. The Preacher’s Son, housed in a former Neo-gothic church, debuted a new rooftop patio last summer—a great place to enjoy a Rhubarb Cup (gin, Sfumato, strawberry-rhubarb syrup, lemon, and soda).

21 Louisiana: Hot Tin, New Orleans

If you’re not in the mood to deal with the masses on Bourbon Street, head for NOLA’s rooftops. A swanky evening out is guaranteed at Hot Tin, in the historic Pontchartrain Hotel, which was designed to look like a 1940s artist’s loft (Tennessee Williams reportedly lived on property when he wrote A Streetcar Named Desire). Spicy drinks dominate this summer’s menu; for something more low-key with just a little kick, try the Hibbity Dibbity—a bourbon-based cocktail mixed with blueberry hibiscus tea, lemon, and ginger.

22 Virginia: Q Rooftop Bar, Richmond

Since its opening in 2015, Richmond’s Quirk Hotel has been a magnet for creative types, who are drawn to its sleek design and the adjacent Quirk Gallery that exhibits work by established and emerging artists. You might even meet some of them at Q Rooftop Bar, where locals and visitors mingle over craft cocktails, wine, and beer. Grab a spot on one of the white couches or chairs and soak up the views of downtown that stretch all the way to the Richmond Coliseum.

23 Alabama: Carrigan’s Public House, Birmingham

Carrigan’s Public House occupies an industrial space in the heart of Birmingham with a cool rooftop deck that’s perfect for catching the breeze on hot summer nights. You’ll find a great selection of craft beer here, but they’re most known for their elevated cocktails. Try the Fightin’ Words, a unique take on an Old Fashioned with rye, Cocchi Americano, Fernet Branca, orange blossom water, Angostura bitters, and flamed orange.

24 Washington: Canon, Seattle

A line often extends out the door at Seattle’s tiny 32-seat bar, Canon. It’s little wonder why: the spot won an award at the 2017 Tales of the Cocktails celebration (often considered the industry’s Academy Awards) for housing one of the largest and rarest collections of spirits in the world. The interior looks like a library of sorts, with tall shelves extending up to the ceiling (and reached only by ladder). The Capitol Hill drinkery also has a fun summertime secret: a hidden patio. If you manage to nab a coveted outdoor seat, we recommend indulging in the refreshing Streamline, made with gin, strawberry juice, pineapple, and bitters.

25 Idaho: 315 Martinis and Tapas, Coeur d’Alene

Tucked away in the northern city of Coeur d’Alene is Idaho’s historic Greenbriar Inn, which opened in 1908. Its restaurant, 315 Martinis and Tapas, has the foremost cocktail program in town—and a patio and two porches for alfresco drinking. Order a Tuscan Pear (citrus vodka, ginger liqueur, pear juice, and orange bitters) then kick back, relax, and enjoy being outdoors.

26 Montana: Tiki Bar at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake

Nature reigns supreme in Montana, and during the summer at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, you can drink lakeside at a tiki bar. (There’s a poolside space, too, if that’s more your scene.) The summertime hot spot is an extension of the Boat Club Lounge and Restaurant, which has been named one of the best happy hours in Whitefish. Try the Big Mountain Mojito for a refreshing tipple under the sun.

27 Oregon: Departure Restaurant and Lounge, Portland

Portland, Oregon, might have more of a reputation for its outdoorsy personality, but it has some seriously swanky drinking dens as well. You’ll find a bit of both at Departure, the Asian-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant inside the artsy-luxe Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel. While the mountain and river views from the dining room are amazing, the vistas from its two patios are even better. Order the tequila-based (and easily Instagrammable) Madame Cheng: coconut ash colors the cocktail black, but guanabana and lemon verbena make it surprisingly fruity and fresh.

28 Wyoming: The Deck @ Piste, Jackson Hole

With a landscape as beautiful as Wyoming’s, you’re best off imbibing somewhere where you can take it all in. Though you might be more used to seeing white ski slopes in Jackson Hole, during the summer, you can take the gondola up to The Deck @ Piste, which has a beautiful patio overlooking the greenery. For a simple but tasty tipple, order the Huckleberry How Pow, made with huckleberry vodka (it’s the state fruit of neighboring Idaho), lemonade, and soda.

29 Alaska: Crow’s Nest, Anchorage

Most bars in Anchorage don’t have outdoor space (for a city whose summertime temperatures typically top out at 61˚F, we’re not surprised), but you can still get incredible 360-degree views of the mountains and the sea from the Crow’s Nest, Hotel Captain Cook’s rooftop bar and restaurant. Despite the name, you won’t find a tacky pirate theme here: the bar is sleek with warm woods that mimic the interior of an elegant ship, and the dress code is business casual. Order a classic Sidecar—it might not be the most summery of drinks, but it certainly feels like the right choice given the space.

30 Nevada: Mandarin Bar, Las Vegas

Las Vegas has no shortage of places to imbibe, but in our opinion, the best are the ones overlooking the Strip. The sophisticated Mandarin Bar on the Mandarin Oriental hotel’s 23rd floor offers a quieter, more luxe experience than other spots in Sin City, with floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides framing neon-lit views of the famous Vegas skyline. The five elements–inspired Wu Xing cocktail (mixed with Johnnie Walker Blue and baiju with flavors of lemongrass, ginger, lychee, oolong, and sandalwood) is new this year and makes for the perfect summer sip while enjoying the twinkling lights.

31 New Mexico: Bell Tower Bar, Santa Fe

Fun fact: the artsy town of Santa Fe, founded in 1610, is the oldest capital city in the U.S. Get a taste of history at La Fonda on the Plaza, the grand dame in town, whose site has hosted inns since 1609. Of all the margaritas on the menu (and there are a few of them) at the property’s seasonal Bell Tower Bar, located on the fifth floor, we’re partial to the Daizy—mixed with Cointreau, St. Germain, and a Patron tequila made just for the hotel.

32 California: Broken Shaker, Los Angeles

In downtown L.A., you’ll find this summer’s hottest scene at the Broken Shaker, the new Freehand Hotel’s loosely tiki-themed rooftop bar featuring a pool surrounded by pink loungers (note that swimming is for hotel guests only) and a vibrant atmosphere that transitions from day to night. The Funky Monkey—gin, Tempis Fugit crème de cacao, banana purée, and coconut cream—is the perfect boozy delight and packs quite the tropical punch.

33 Arizona: Jade Bar, Scottsdale

If it was good enough for Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s honeymoon, it’s good enough for us. The luxurious Sanctuary Camelback Mountain has one of the best views of all the hotels in Scottsdale, thanks to its location on the slopes of Camelback Mountain. Another romantic draw: the seriously swanky Jade Bar, which often has live music and maximizes those views with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the desert and Arizona’s magical sunsets. For a spicy, smoky riff on a margarita, try the State of the Union (made with pineapple-infused mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde, a five-spice simple syrup, and lime).

34 Oklahoma: O Bar, Oklahoma City

The seventh-floor rooftop of the boutique Ambassador Hotel, an Autograph Collection property in downtown Oklahoma City, possesses one of the best views of the skyline. Though the indoor bar has great vistas itself, there’s a small outdoor area open in the summer, which is a great spot to sip an Airmail—a refreshingly sweet mix of rum, lime, honey, and sparkling wine.

35 Utah: Red Rocks Grill at Zion Lodge

As the only lodge located within the borders of Zion National Park, Zion Lodge is perfectly situated to soak in the beautiful views of its majestic rock formations. Head to the terrace at Red Rock Grill and order the Prickly Pear Margarita—an indigenous fruit to the area that’s just the right amount of sweet you can indulge in all day long.

36 Colorado: Corrida, Boulder

Right in the heart of downtown Boulder, the newly opened Corrida is a Spanish-inspired steakhouse with a killer cocktail menu and a great deck with mountain views. The restaurant serves a menu of gin and tonics in the Spanish style—that is, poured table-side. Our favorite is the herbal Sweet Citrus, made with Damrak & Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic, orange, rosemary, and coriander.

37 Texas: Arlo Grey, Austin

The Line, Austin’s newly minted boutique hotel, is already one of the most popular spots to be at this season thanks to its fantastic pool scene and highly-anticipated restaurant by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish called Arlo Grey. The latter offers a great view onto the pool, so it’s a prime people-watching spot made all the better with a cocktail in hand. Try the Devil’s Backbone, a concoction of mezcal, pineapple, and lime that practically sings summer.

38 Hawaii: KOA Oasis Booze Shack, Honolulu

Beachfront bars lining the shores of Hawaii are a dime a dozen, but for a funky spot that drastically differs from Honolulu’s typically swanky hotel pool scenes, head to the KOA Oasis Booze Shack. It’s just a trailer parked along the Fort DeRussy Boardwalk (so don’t expect any frills), but it serves one of the best Mai Tais you’ll ever have. Grab one and take in the views of the water while you people-watch.

39 Wisconsin: Outsider Rooftop, Milwaukee

Indoor-outdoor living might be the norm in California, but in Wisconsin, it’s a rarity—unless you’re at The Outsider rooftop bar in Milwaukee, where you can get the best of both worlds. There are six different areas of the bar to choose from (including booths on the terrace warmed by fire pits) and many have retractable glass walls, making this a destination in any season. This summer, order a Toucan House Rules for a strong tropical tipple: it’s made of rum, gin, pineapple-infused Campari, orgeat, lime, pineapple, mint, and bitters.

40 Minnesota: Seven Steakhouse Sushi & Rooftop, Minneapolis

After a major overhaul last year, the Seven Steakhouse Sushi & Rooftop in downtown Minneapolis debuted not only all-new interiors—very sleek and modern ones, at that—but also a brand-new menu that makes even the most classic choices exciting (there’s champagne in the potato soup and sirloins are aged for 40 days, New York strip-style). As the venue name suggests, there are several components to this complex, but we recommend going straight to the massive Haven rooftop (which serves Asian-inspired bites as well as steaks) and ordering the Ginger on the Rye.

41 Illinois: Cindy’s, Chicago

Once home to a landmarked men’s-only private club, the Chicago Athletic Association received a gorgeous refurb courtesy of hit design firm Roman and Williams and its rooftop bar, Cindy’s, now consistently ranks among the city’s best bars. The vaulted glass-and-steel atrium reminiscent of a Beaux Arts train station keeps the space bright and airy, while an open-air terrace offers panoramic views of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Lake Michigan. Ask a bartender to shake up one of their creative concoctions like the Grey Garden (made with Tito’s, Dolin Blanc, crème de violette, jasmine tea, and lemon).

42 Indiana: Rooftop Garden Cocktail Lounge, Indianapolis

Indianapolis’s food scene has been heating up over the last few years and gaining lots of acclaim. If you’re headed there this summer, discover one of the city’s most unique attractions at the historic Fountain Square Theater Building, where you can savor excellent cocktails and pizza with panoramic downtown views at the new Rooftop Garden Cocktail Lounge. Try one of their Moscow Mule variations like the Gin Gin Mule, made with Tanqueray, ginger beer, mint, and lime.

43 Iowa: UP Skybar, Davenport

Situated just a few blocks from the banks of the Mississippi River, the Current Iowa, an Autograph Collection Hotel, boasts one of the best rooftop bars in Davenport. The appropriately named UP Skybar features lounge-style seating with sofas and chairs surrounding fire pits. Sip on a “Summers Are For Shandies” cocktail, which blends sweet tea vodka with lemon juice and Old Davenport Gold blonde ale from the local Front Street Brewery.

44 Missouri: Element, St. Louis

For a small city, St. Louis has a surprising number of rooftop bars. Our current favorite is the third-floor terrace of Element St. Louis, a casual fine-dining restaurant serving up American cuisine inside a former power plant. The outdoor space offers more than views; you can also enjoy live music on Friday nights during the summer. If you’re looking for a perfectly fruity-but-not-too-sweet cocktail, consider the Collinsville, which is mixed with gin, aloe, grapefruit, lemon, and simple syrup.

45 Nebraska: 1912 Benson, Omaha

Nebraska might be considered a flyover state, but Omaha is well worth a stop, especially for its food and drinks. In the summer, do yourself a favor and head to the rooftop of 1912 Benson in the historic district of Benson—one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods. While the restaurant might be best known for its delicious food (get the poutine), we’re partial to its cocktails, especially the Benson Mule with its mouthwatering ginger and pineapple combination.

46 South Dakota: Vertex Sky Bar, Rapid City

At the nexus of Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, and the Badlands, Rapid City has a flourishing food and drink scene that’s putting South Dakota on the map. For the best views in town, head to the Art Deco-style Hotel Alex Johnson, which is home to the luxurious Vertex Sky Bar. Though you can imbibe and take in the views from indoors year-round, the atmosphere is best in the summer, when the terrace opens up. Order the Black-Berry Hills Smash—the bar’s riff on a Mint Julep featuring bourbon, simple syrup, blackberries, mint, lemon, and soda.

47 North Dakota: Luft Rooftop Beer Garden, Bismarck

When summer rolls around after a frigid winter, North Dakotans flock to outdoor bars to enjoy the much-missed rays of sun. In the capital, Bismarck, the Lüft Rooftop Beer Garden offers imbibers a greenhouse-themed space decorated with warm woods and quite a bit of greenery, with a roof that remains open in the warmer months so you can enjoy the fresh air. Embrace the summertime spirit with a Swipe Right, a rum-based drink mixed with lychee, lime, and mint.

48 Kansas: Public at the Brickyard, Wichita

You don’t need to score tickets to enjoy the tunes of Wichita’s largest outdoor music venue. Public at the Brickyard offers its own patio space, which is a great spot to listen to the music being played next-door. The bar and restaurant are dedicated to all things Kansas—bar bites incorporate ingredients sourced from local businesses like Yoder Meats and Creekstone Farms, while many of their craft beers are brewed right in Wichita—but when it comes to cocktails, we’re a fan of something a bit farther-flung: namely, the seasonal Verano, comprised of tequila, Grand Marnier, lime, pineapple, habañero, mango nectar, and a Tajin-spiced rim.

49 Ohio: Cocktail Terrace at 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

The pop-tails at 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati’s Cocktail Terrace might be the summer’s most Instagrammable drinks, but the boozy slushies are a close second. This intimate rooftop bar clearly doesn’t take itself too seriously—just look to the yellow plastic penguins, the 21c brand’s mascot—which makes it the perfect place for day drinking with a group of friends.

50 Michigan: Lumen, Detroit

It’s no secret that Detroit is seeing an infusion of energy into its restaurant and bar scene. One of the coolest new spots to take it all in is Lumen, a 4,000-square-foot restaurant that’s also home to a green roof and a 45-seat rooftop patio. Grab one of the tables or have a seat around the fire pit and start off the evening right with one of their Michigan-brewed ales from Griffin Claw Brewing Co. (like the fruity Mr. Bluesky or El Ligero).