All Spring Issues
After a colder than usual winter for most of the U.S., spring is finally here and it’s time to leave our dens of hibernation and head outdoors. For a new type of playground, consider the Lake ErieIslands of Ohio.
Portland, Maine is home to almost 400 different restaurants and ranks among the top cities in the US for restaurants and bars per capita.
During your visit to Big Cedar or Top of the Rock, be sure to catch the Top of the Rock sunset celebration. Witness a magical moment as a traditional bagpiper plays in the background, the sky above Table Rock Lake a blaze of color, the sun’s last glistening rays announced by the roar of a Civil War cannon as you raise your glass.
The smell of salt air hits our senses like a savory spice. We are at the edge of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Does the name sound familiar? This is the small fishing and pearl-diving village that became famous due to a movie made in the 1960s called “The Night of the Iguana”.
Our bright yellow 4×4 grinds higher up into the Sierra Madre Mountains. The high peaks rise like jagged green jewels above Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. Under a canvas canopy cover I cling to my vinyl seat, inhale sharp mountain air and wonder about lunch.
Its weather is gorgeous. Its beaches are beautiful. Its locals are friendly and welcoming. So it’s hardly surprising that over the past 50 years Puerto Vallarta has transformed from an idyllic fishing village into a getaway spot that draws thousands of tourists a year. Yet, not every cute little beach town turns into a renowned travel attraction.
For most baby boomers, the mention of Puerto Vallarta conjures up images of Captain Stubing and Julie, the Cruise Director, on “The Love Boat.” The classic TV show, of which we all have fond memories, ran from 1977 to 1987, and made the destination a household name.
We came to Puerto Vallarta to relax, and relax we did. A couple of lazy days dipping feet into the gentle waves of the Bay of Banderas, soaking up the warm afternoon sun at our beachfront resort, and wondering at a star filled sky after a late night garden stroll soothed our tattered nerves.
We ventured south to explore our neighbor in Jalisco, Mexico, with eyes wide open.
When you visit a garden at the beginning of the summer growing season, and then again in late fall—and it’s equally beautiful—you know you’re on to something special.
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