[ Travel Review ] Georgetown Suites: A home Away from Home

Georgetown Suites Courtyard building 

Washington DC is one of those cities that can bring about a sense of intimidation even to a seasoned traveler like me when you factor in visiting there for the very first time. It may be smaller in scale to NYC, which I love, but they both share unmistakable qualities that makes them hard to navigate for a newbie outsider. They're eternally busy, fast-paced, complex, non-existent parking spaces downtown and overall, can be very expensive. It sure can be a bit confusing if you're visiting for the very first time...

A Spine-Tingling Tour of Lizzie Borden's Historic House of Murders

"The thrill of adventure creeps into the very core of your soul by the very notion of finding yourself exploring the inner sanctum of one of America's haunted houses."

Our First Visit in the Historic Lake Erie Canal in Downtown Buffalo New York

Buffalo Erie Basin Marina 

Buffalo is a city in New York that is synonymous to Niagara Falls. None of these two goes unmentioned without the other being associated to the other. We've been to Buffalo quite a few times but this is the first time we've ever explored its downtown area where Canalside - a popular entertainment destination for the city is located.

A Look Inside Dorothy's Long-Abandoned Emerald City in the Land of Oz Theme Park

North Carolina mountains hides a secret that becomes unhidden in Autumn each year. It's almost as if the trees are lovingly revealing a long-forgotten kingdom at every leaf it drops. Slowly peeling off a blanket of obscurity to open a path for adventurous visitors to find it and take a peek behind the enchanted doors of Oz - and walk, yet again, on those magical, yellow brick road leading to the lost Emerald City.

Our traveler extraordinaire, Ruby, traveled to this enchanted kingdom to give us an inside look. It's about 2 and a half hour away from Charlotte. She was one of the lucky few to snag a ticket to the 3-day only, overly popular-sold-out-so-fast-event this year! If you're jealous... I'm very jealous...

Our Enchanting Night at Niagara Fall's Night Illumination

We have so many firsts at Niagara Falls this year in spite of the fact that we've been to the park a few many different seasons for years. Deciding to spend more time "getting to know" the park better, was in retrospect, the best endeavor we've ever undertaken this year! It made us realized what cool stuff we've been missing all this time. Like the Fall's Night Illumination which I have no clue ever existed until this year.

And what an enchanting experience to finally gaze at its magnificent display of ever-changing vibrant colors that dances with the waves and flow of the waters rolling down the Falls, made dramatic by the thick mist surrounding the river. It's almost mysterious yet alluring!

Climbed a Tree Like a Monkey On My First Apple Picking Adventure Up in the Mountains

Of all the years I've lived in Charlotte, I will admit, I've never been to an apple orchard. Odd to say the least, considering how close we are to all the wondrous mountains of North Carolina and how much we've frequented it. City life may have left me a bit clueless on the existence of an apple orchard close by.  But not anymore...

Our Maiden Voyage with Niagara Fall's Maid of the Mist

American Falls/Niagara Falls 

Niagara Falls is one of my favorite travel destinations. It's an attraction that changes with the season. It takes on a multi-faceted appearance especially during the winter. In spite of its sheer size and raging power, the falls emanates a sense of calming effect that I can't get enough of. And the rushing water exploding on the rocks at the bottom of the falls creating those continuous thick blanket of mist certainly adds to the mystique of these iconic wonder of nature.

After going to this park for years, I decided that this year, it was time for us to get up close and personal with the falls. Time to be a tourist. Not just a "passing by" visitor anymore...

Summer Travel Series: Reach for the Stars at PARI

The Carolina mountains is such a mystical place, it can easily hide gems that you won't know are there unless you really look close enough. It's like a game of hide and seek except with this one, you get unfettered help from a reliable GPS device to find your way! Thank God for GPS!  Finding a place is made easy. Places like the relatively hidden PARI (Pisqah Astronomical Research Institute). This is why, pleaseeee don't let anything, by that I mean, your husband, complicate your straightforward route... And if your husband ever decide to override the ability of your GPS and tells you "I know where I'm going"... Um, no. Just no. Trust the freakin' GPS.

So, why did we choose PARI to explore this time?

Summer Travel Series: 12 Last-Minute Destinations Before You Go Back-to-school Crazy

Devil's Head outlook in Chimney Rock

In a week, life is going to freaking flip the switch off from Summer leisure to Back-to-school chaos for me. You don't see it but I'm totally screaming in protest at the mere idea of it. Not totally prepared to give up my laid-back, Summer lazy days, sleep-till-when-mornings, and of course, the time I have my daughter home with me all day. Yes, contrary to popular belief, I do love having my child home, 24-7, and all the whip-cracking insanity that goes with it! Disclaimer: our kids are not going to stay young forever. So, I cherish every moment of it with mine with all the cray-cray-ness of it all. That, including cramming in last-minute travel adventures before chaos finally sets in. So, where do we go?

Travel Photography: The Many Faces of Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom in Disney World

Nothing can instantly take your breath away just by the mere sight of it more than how Cinderella's castle would. This iconic, most-photographed monolith that sits in the center of Disney World's Magic Kingdom is a huge reminder, as you enter the park, that yes! You have arrived at the happiest place in the world! I have the privilege to capture the beauty of the castle as it changes into dramatic images and colors during the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular show. Come and relive the magic with me through these spectacular display of digital ingenuity during the show.

The Enchanting Allure of Lake Lure

"A quaint small town outfitted by nature with attractions fit for big fun", is the best description I discovered about Lake Lure. Visiting this popular tourist destination in the onset of Spring season takes on a rather quiet, idyllic facade that is in huge contrast to how this place is during the Summer. This lakefront beauty is surrounded by water flowing from Rocky Broad River - a feature that makes this little watering hole up in the high country, a well sought-after destination for those seeking reprieved from the heat of Summer. Thanks to their 3-acres Beach and Water Park located in the heart of town.

Beach and Water Park seen at a distance from Morse Park

Your Travel Guide to An Unforgettable First Visit to Chimney Rock

If you're thinking of visiting Chimney Rock Park on your next family vacation and have never been there before, check the guide we put together to get the most out of your first visit - from a first-timer to another first-timer, who will soon be a second-timer.

We visited Chimney Rock during Spring break which to my book is the perfect season to take a trek up to the mountain top. The weather is cool, can be a bit windy and tad chilly at the highest point of elevation, but I won't trade cool breeze and mild weather over hot, searing Summer heat.

A Breathtaking Climb On Top of Chimney Rock NC

Chimney Rock with US flag on half mast in solidarity with Brussels and in honor of the bombing victims.

Here's an awesome deal. If you want to test your endurance while taking in exhilarating views, dramatic scenery and panoramic sights as far as the eyes can see, then the Chimney Rock stairs challenge is for you! This 500 million year old towering monolith is accessible through a labyrinth of stairs totaling to 491 steps all the way to the top. And some more, if you include in your itinerary, the extra meandering steps leading to 5 different must-see overlooks or sub-rocks on your way up. A feat which easily makes the challenge, well,  more challenging!

We've never been to Chimney Rock. We have no clue what we were getting ourselves into. But like a true explorer with a sense of adventure, we came prepared for any possibility. We have our sneakers on, we were appropriately dressed for the occasion, we have umbrellas and hats and we have water and snacks. Oh yeah. It was game on! So, we thought...

The Colorful Road to the Mountain Top

This photo was featured on TV on October 30, 2015 @ WCNC 36

12 Years. That's how long it took for me to finally experience, witness, admire and [forever] capture the beauty of Fall up in the mountains. A wait worth the wait. In one full day, nature revealed its grandeur and amazing wonders all but unexpectedly - yet wholeheartedly accepted. It made me walk in the clouds, yes, walk in the clouds and marveled on its panoramic views around me and below me.  

A Walk In The Clouds: Grandfather Mountain - Amazing Photos

Just when we thought our visit to Grandfather Mountain was a bust because of the weather, it instead gave us the experience of a lifetime!

Photography: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Photos

Waterfall inside the Orchid Conservatory at +Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden / Photo: +Maricris G 

I recently visited the DSBGarden and here is an inside look covering several areas of the garden. I'm in love with my photography (of course I am!) which is why it's best to let the photos speak for themselves and tell you their story - or you know it, I'll be bias! Not that, that's a bad thing IMO. Now, do you know what is so great about staring at these pictures and getting lost in them? If you can't guess, I'll tell you anyway. Well, you most certainly won't be able to smell the foul scent of the stinky flower. Lucky duck! So... Ooh-gle on! 

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Now With Kid-Friendly Options

Photo: +Maricris G 

Different and kid-friendly-er are probably the two words that will pop out of your mind when you visit the Garden this year. And rightly so. I haven't been to the gardens in ages and I can definitely see the recent changes and upgrades they have done within - in my opinion - to make it more conducive to families with younger children. A good business move as well if you ask me.

Last time we were there (ages as I've mentioned), there was nothing for my young child to get "lost" into, thus making the visit rather "boring" for her. Much as we adults enjoyed the visit, we never dared go back since we didn't want to "bore" our child again and give us grief in the process. Fast forward. We went back! We had a reason to go back. And surprisingly, there was something for my kiddo. I was hopeful. She's a lot older now but is still young enough to gravitate towards "child stuffs" especially in a boring-to-a-child-garden setting.

ZimSculpt 2015 Exhibit Photos

Story to Tell by David White / Photo: MaricrisG

I had the pleasure of visiting the ZimSculpt 2015 exhibit and these are just a few of those that are on display at Daniel Stowe's Botanical Garden.

ZimSculpt A Feast for the Artistic Eyes And A Treat For the Uber Spender Art Collector

Sculpture done on an Opal stone by Aron Kapembeza / Photo: MaricrisG

This is the last week of ZimSculpt exhibit at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens which was reason enough for us to just go out there and brave the heat and humidity or miss it altogether. There was so much buzz around this exhibit that I decided, we must find out if this exhibit is really good as they say. It was also a chance to explore the gardens which we haven't seen in ages. As it turn out, going there on a late Sunday afternoon was a great choice. It was uncrowded, which created a relaxed atmosphere, making for a pleasant visit - except of course, for the intense heat that literally melted me in a puddle as I dragged my heavy artillery: camera, tripod and my womanly possessions, all over the gardens with me.

Family Travel: 7 No-Bummer Carolina Mountain Adventures To Bid Summer Adieu!

Summer is about over. Oy Bummer! For a family who loves to travel, saying goodbye to days we can travel together without school days in the way is indeed a bummer. But we'll say farewell in our own traveler-kind-of-way which is of course, with a series of travel adventures 5,000+ above sea level. And ASAAP! (as affordable as possible)