Places to Visit

Looking for a Condo in Thailand? Go to Hua Hin

December 27, 2018 By Anne

Thailand is known for lovely beaches and amazing food. You can find everything amazing in Thailand in in one spot: Hua Hin.

If you’re looking for a place to get away in Thailand, look no more. Hua Hin will leave you stunned with its beautiful blue water and delectable food. It’s no wonder people want to purchase property here, and the beach house you’ve always dreamed of could finally be yours in this paradise town.

Why Hua Hin?

Hua Hin attracts tourists but also folks who want to settle down. It’s a nice place for family life, having a second home, or retirement.

Hua Hin offers condominiums with modern amenities for many budgets. Whether it’s a family getaway or a friend escape, it’s one of the most striking places on the planet to purchase property. You won’t be able to resist the magnificent sunrise and sunsets. They’ll simply take your breath away.

There’s really nowhere else like this for the affordability. You’ll have to rent a condo here and experience it yourself to agree.

Where is Hua Hin?

Hua Hin is just about two hours away from Bangkok, and its known for its calm atmosphere away from the city hustle. Because of its mostly quiet reputation, families and expats head there for weekend getaways. Many end up living there because of its proximity to both Bangkok and the amazing blue beach waters.

In this town, you’ll get the full “Thai” experience, meaning the beaches, hospitality, food and fun. Because many of the locals are Thai, you’ll be immersed in the culture, language, and lifestyle.

What Are Some of the Modern Amenities in Hua Hin?

Depending on the condo you choose, some of the modern amenities are:

WiFi
Beach-front balconies
Air conditioning
Parking
Pool
Modern kitchen
Fully furnished

You can rent condos for a certain amount of time in Hua Hin, or purchase property. Either way, you’ll find something for every budget in this city.

Things to Do in Hua Hin

People in Hua Hin often enjoy:

Visiting the Tamarind Market
Going to the beach
Kite surfing
Golfing
Visiting various nearby monasteries
Dining at various (amazing) restaurants
Visiting museums

If this is your first time in Thailand, know that the locals are nice to foreigners and although they keep to themselves, they’re happy to help you settle and find things to do.

What Is the Weather Like in Hua Hin?

The weather is a bit drier than in other parts of Thailand. This is great especially during the monsoon season, as the season tends to bring rain and humidity all around. Because of this drier climate, tourists and locals can enjoy the outdoors more. Less humidity and precipitation equal more outdoor activities.

What Nationalities are Represented in Hua Hin?

In Hua Hin, you’ll find people from North America, Europe, and Australia among other nationalities. Because the Thai Baht is less expensive than the exchange of the coin from the places above, people from around the world have chosen Thailand as their home away from home.

Why Do Expats Purchase Property in Hua Hin?

Precisely because of all the reasons mentioned above. The story goes something like this:

They visited for a couple of days, or maybe they were here for work and wanted to stay longer.
Then they tasted the food, which they couldn’t get enough of.
At the same time, they realized their dollar went way farther in Hua Hin than at home.
All while appreciating the locals, who are kind and helpful.
All leading to their decision to buy property and live here.

The combination of these factors continues to make Hua Hin an ideal destination for expats looking for a little bit of heaven on Earth.

See Hua Hin For Yourself

So, go ahead. Give yourself a gift. Thailand is amazing and inexpensive. Rent a condo in and experience the thriving mix of local hospitality and tourism.

Just be aware: You may want to stay there for longer than you planned. It’s that good.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Top 7 Cities In Mexico For Families On Vacation To Visit

December 11, 2018 By Anne

Mexico as a country features some of the world’s premier vacation destinations. The first thing that comes to mind might be Cancun and spring breakers or a honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas. Yet many of Mexico’s cities are also great for family vacations. When you are planning to travel abroad to Mexico, consider these top 7 cities to visit with your family.

Cancun

Cancun isn’t just for spring breakers. In fact, you don’t even have to plan your trip over spring break. While there, you can swim with the whale sharks, visit an underwater museum, snorkel a shipwreck site and coral reef and much more. The top-ranked place of interest in Cancun is Parroquia de Cristo Resucitado. This church is great to visit on vacation to enjoy a service with your family.

Tres Rios Ecopark, Playa Delfines and Zcacel Beach are the next three places of interest that are on many people’s vacation itineraries. What would you and your family be looking to do in Cancun? The Mayan Museum of Cancun would be an interesting place to explore. You can find The Mayan Museum on Quintana Roo Boulevard, and you get to take a nature walk among the ruins. Now that’s a museum experience, wouldn’t you say?

Cabo San Lucas

Just like Cancun isn’t just for spring breakers, Cabo San Lucas isn’t just for honeymooners. It can also make for a nice family vacation destination. The #1 thing to do in Cabo San Lucas is to enjoy what’s known as Lands End or el Arco de Cabo San Lucas. There is a landmark rock formation to mark the spot, and it’s said to be a very popular place for both snorkeling and whale watching. The scene there at Lands End in general is said to be quite breathtaking, too.

As for beaches in Cabo San Lucas, one of the best to visit is Chileno Beach. It’s also a great place to go snorkeling, and people enjoy swimming there as well. There is no shortage of beaches and natural attractions to visit in Cabo San Lucas. Another popular destination is a natural landmark formation known as Pelican Rock. This is another are like Lands End that is known for being great for both snorkeling and whale watching. Socorro Island and Puerto Paraiso Mall are two other places of interest.

Along the Sea of Cortez amid a premier location in Cabo San Lucas, heaven awaits at the luxurious Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort. Discover exquisitely appointed suites villas and exclusive residences, Cabo luxury penthouses, distinctive dining, upscale spa services and endless activities, all within steps of the beach.

Mexico City

What would a list of cities in Mexico for families to visit be without Mexico City? Mexico City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and it is of course the capital city. The top attraction to consider visiting there is the National Museum of Anthropology. The museum is enormous and features quite the comprehensive collection. Are museums your cup of tea? Let’s look at what else you can do in Mexico City.

You can visit Chapultepec Castle, go shopping at Coyoacan, check out the National Palace and more. Mexico City has a rich history, so you’re going to find many landmark sites there, too. These historical places of interest would be great to visit to get to know more about the city’s culture. Some of them you want might to visit include Palacio Postal, Cineteca Nacional and the Paseo de la Reforma.

Cozumel

The next popular family vacation destination in Mexico to explore is Cozumel. The #1 attraction in Cozumel is the Pearl Farm. The Cozumel Pearl Farm is in a protected area, and you access this attraction by boat. A visit there is said to be unique, educational and relaxing. Snorkeling is one of the popular activities to enjoy in Cozumel in general, and some other places you might want to check out include Santa Rosa Wall, Palancar Reef and Columbia Reef.

That’s not all either, so if you have even more time, check out San Francisco reef, El Paso del Cedral Reef and Playa El Cielo. Now this next place of interest is really going to be the icing on the cake. How does a visit to The Mayan Cacao Company sound? This interactive experience is educational, fun and of course going to result in getting to eat some delicious chocolates. In fact, the place has 13 chocolate flavors and features other cacao products for sale, too.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is the next top family vacation destination to discuss. Its #1 ranked attraction is the El Malecon Boardwalk. You will find places to shop and great restaurants there, as well as entertainment. El Malecon Boardwalk is also said to be a great place to simply enjoy taking a walk and looking out at the ocean.

Galleria Dante is a great art gallery to check out. You have the opportunity to purchase art there as well, so it’s not just an art museum type of gallery to browse. While in Puerto Vallarta, you might also want to check out Old Vallarts, Caballito, Act II Entertainment Stages and more.

Acapulco

Acapulco Mexico is up next, and just like Cancun, the city’s top-ranked place of interest is a church. Capilla de la Paz, which translates to Chapel of Peace is on a seaside cliff. There is also a 130 foot cross in front of the chapel, which is a sight to see for sure. People don’t talk about enjoying services there, so it’s about the tour and the views. Other great places of interest in Acapulco include El Fuerte de San Diego, Punta Diamente, Barra Vieja Beach and Costera.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is known for its beautiful Playa Norte, and there is a sea turtle sanctuary there, too. Check out Punta Sur, Captain Dulche’s Museum, take a dolphin discovery tour, stop by El Farito and more. Isla Mujeres would make for a nice relaxing family vacation that is a little different from some of the other places mentioned.

Where are you and your family going to be headed? There are quite a few more top family vacation destinations in Mexico that you might want to consider. These are some of the more popular cities, however, and they would certainly make for some great adventures.

Anne

Seaworld Orlando’s 2018 Halloween Spooktacular is Happening Now!

October 6, 2018 By Marijean

SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S 2018 HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR RETURNS

Popular Daytime Halloween Celebration Returns Weekends September 22 – October 28

Halloween Spooktacular returns to SeaWorld Orlando this fall on September 22. Guests of all ages can join everyone’s favorite furry friends from Sesame Street as The Count, Elmo, Abby and others take the stage in “Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween.” Families will also enjoy a Halloween Dance Party and meet whimsical characters inspired by the sea. For this special event, children can dress in their Halloween costumes and take part in fun-filled trick-or-treating in the park.

The daytime Halloween fun takes place every Saturday and Sunday starting September 22 through October 28, 2018 and is included with park admission. Event hours are 11 a.m. to park close.

Halloween Spooktacular Highlights Include:

· Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween

Celebrate a Spooktacular Halloween at SeaWorld with The Count, Elmo, Abby, and the rest of your Sesame Street friends! The Count is feeling lonely this Halloween, and it’s up to you and the loveable monsters from Sesame Street to get him into the Halloween spirit. Batty bats and spooky skeletons join the fun in a song-filled stage show that invites you and your family to dance, play and sing along.

· Trick-or-Treating

Costumed youngsters can trick-or-treat for ghoulish goodies. Each sea-themed, trick-or-treat station features an assortment of candy favorites. Please join us in our efforts to protect our seas by bringing a reusable bag or Halloween bucket from home for treats. We will have an assortment of reusable bags, for $0.99 and up, at select locations.

· Pets Ahoy Halloween

Guests can enjoy a special Halloween version of this side-splitting show with surprise twists, and a cast of unlikely characters that will have the whole family laughing from beginning to end.

· Halloween Dance Party

Children join under-the-sea friends for a Halloween Dance Party where they can participate in line-dancing favorites as clouds of bubbles fill the evening air.

· Mermaid Grotto

Meet a mystical mermaid from an underwater world of fantasy. Capture the amazing moment with a Mermaid Photo Package, available for purchase at the park.

Upgrades to Your Spooktacular Day at Seaworld

· Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast

Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast features a delicious buffet enjoyed with the furriest characters in town. This breakfast is a fun-filled experience sure to delight kids and parents alike. Starting at $14.99 for kids and $29.99 for adults, reservations can be made online, at the Information Counter or by calling (407) 545-5550.

· Reserved Show Seating: Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween

Enjoy a reserved seat at a showtime of your choice for Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween show at SeaWorld Orlando. Priced at $10 per person, guarantee a seat for a showtime of your choice.

Best Way to Play:

For Spooktacular event days on Saturdays and Sundays through October 28, children between the ages of 3 and 9 will receive a free ticket when a full-paid adult single-day ticket is purchased.

Just Around the Corner:

· SeaWorld Orlando’s Praise Wave

Praise Wave, the popular Christian music event, returns for a second time in 2018 offering guests a day of fellowship and fun at SeaWorld Orlando. The live concert events will take place on Saturday, September 15 featuring Michael W. Smith and Saturday, September 22 featuring Newsboys.

· SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is where holiday traditions are made, with delicious food, stunning live shows, delightful holiday shopping and joyous entertainment. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration brings together family fun and holiday traditions on select nights, November 17 – December 31, 2018 and is included with park admission.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets and passes, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. Events and times are subject to change. Follow SeaWorld Orlando on Facebook,Instagram and the SeaWorld Orlando Blog for the latest park updates and information.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER TO WELCOME TRUE FOOD KITCHEN THIS FALL 2018

June 21, 2018 By Marijean

ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER TO WELCOME TRUE FOOD KITCHEN IN 2018

Health-driven seasonal kitchen and bar set to open in Jacksonville this Fall

Simon, a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations, today announced True Food Kitchen is slated to open at St. Johns Town Center in November 2018.

“We’re excited to bring our delicious healthful food and handcrafted beverages to St. Johns Town Center,” said Shannon Keller, vice president of marketing for True Food Kitchen. “The restaurant will be designed with the lively and active Jacksonville community in mind; where everyone is welcome to eat better, feel better and celebrate a passion for better living.”

True Food Kitchen is a restaurant inspired by a philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse and that delicious dining and conscious nutrition can go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. True Food Kitchen’s health-driven menu of seasonal dishes and natural beverages is guided by the principles of integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid, which was created as a guide for those seeking the necessary foods needed to assist in achieving and maintaining optimum health.

The chef-led menu changes with the seasons to let guests experience great-tasting ingredients at the peak of their freshness and flavor, and offers a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan offerings among its signature dishes. The restaurant’s vibrant bars are brimming with innovative, handcrafted cocktails, wine and beer and natural refreshers made from freshly pressed fruit and vegetables.

“True Food Kitchen will be a terrific addition to St. Johns Town Center’s already impressive retail and dining lineup,” said Lindsey Jones, director of marketing and business development. “Guests will have the opportunity to experience the restaurant’s health-driven menu in a positively stunning environment.”

True Food Kitchen’s plans include a bright, vibrant dining area and open kitchen accompanied by a private and semi-private private dining room, covered patio and a large indoor bar.

For more information about True Food Kitchen opening at St. John’s Town Center, please visit www.truefoodkitchen.com/jacksonville.

About True Food Kitchen

Founded in Phoenix, Ariz. in 2008, True Food Kitchen is a restaurant and lifestyle brand inspired by the philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse, and that great tasting food and thoughtfully crafted beverages can serve as the foundation for a life well lived. The restaurant brand is driven by a passionate collective of accomplished chefs, visionary restauranteurs, and a renowned doctor of integrative medicine – who believe delicious dining and conscious nutrition can go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. True Food’s seasonal menu is guided by the principles of Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid. True Food Kitchen emphasizes wholesome, simple ingredients with simple preparations to highlight the natural health benefits and flavors of each ingredient. From nutrient-dense staples and carefully sourced proteins to little-known superfoods, True Food Kitchen is committed to sourcing the most responsible, most creative, freshest in-season ingredients. True Food Kitchen has 23 locations in 10 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia, with plans for additional locations throughout the U.S. in the coming year.

About Simon

Simon is a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE: SPG). Our properties across North America, Europe, and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

East Is East, And It’s The Best Place To Vacation

June 7, 2018 By Anne

Living in Florida means one can’t go any further east. The next destination is the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s slightly chilly this time of year! Head north and there is plenty to see, from the Deep South to New York City and Massachusetts and Maine. But, these places aren’t any more east than the Sunshine State. And, you will want to head in the direction of the Wicked Witch when you realize what it has to offer. There is a whole expanse of land to cover, of course, yet there is even more than meets the eye. Check out the reasons below to find out why east is east and the best place for a vacation.

The Islands

Miami has some pretty special places to visit, but nothing quite compares to the Caribbean. With its turquoise oceans, golden sandy beaches and rugged coastline, it’s the perfect place for a holiday. Just off the eastern coast of southeast America, for example, is the Bahamas. Now, plenty of Caribbean islands get good press, but these are the jewel in the crown, mainly because the resort isn’t as commercialized. Even less commercial is the British colony of Bermuda. Oh, and these places all speak English, too, so there’s no need to learn pigeon French or Spanish.

The Cost

Head a couple of thousand miles east and you’ll hit the European mainland. Plenty of people will wonder why this is cheap, and it’s worth noting that the likes of Italy and France are expensive. However, these tourist traps aren’t worth seeing on a budget so there’s no reason to stop. Instead, continue until you get to the eastern bloc. For one thing, the Ukraine, Belarus, and Slovenia are incredibly cheap. Plus, there is a relative luxury. The Renaissance St. Petersburg Baltic hotel in Russia is elegant without breaking the bank. Communism has had its pros over the years, and this is one of them for US tourists.

The Once-In-A-Lifetime Sights

There’s no doubt that America has a whole has plenty of unmissable attractions, the Grand Canyon for one. Then, there is Machu Picchu in South America as well as Chichen Itza in Mexico. However, go east from and the whole world is at your feet. As soon as you hit Africa, for instance, you basically arrive in the Sahara Desert. People speak about this place, yet very few people get the chance to experience it in the flesh. The same goes for the Nepalese Himalayas and Halong Bay in Vietnam.

It’s Not Home

The US is the place you will always come back to, which is an amazing thought. Still, it means we should get out more when we get the chance! It’s like working from home – you have to leave the house after a while, or you will go stir crazy. And, there is a lot to see when you factor in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Experiencing new cultures and ways of life is spectacular and something to promote on vacation.

Where is your favorite location for a holiday in the whole world?