Aspen!

I have found myself in Colorado for the second time this year.  This time I experienced the laid back and charming town of Aspen.  

Maroon Bells

Getting there, I would suggest flying right into Aspen and there are now more and more connecting flights with many more routes to come.   Once you land, you are just minutes away from this little piece of heaven.   You can also consider Eagle (about 70 miles away), Denver (220 miles away) or Grand Junction (130 miles away). 

Amazing biking! 

Aspen is a fantastic destination in the Spring, Summer, and Fall months – and of course Winter for amazing skiing and boarding.  With your ski pass you have access to four incredible mountains at all skill levels.  Because there are four mountains, skiers really get to spread out and, unlike other top ski destinations, you will rarely wait for a lift. Other winter activities include:  Alpine Coaster, Tubing, Snow Bike, Snowshoeing and Ice Skating in the Base Village. And getting to the slopes couldn't be easier.  Local transportation is convenient with free shuttle buses running continuously between all four mountains until 2:00 AM!   

Enjoying a local brew!

Outside of the winter months, there is no shortage of activities and there are loads of festivals and city events.  What to do? Give these activities a try - biking, hiking, climbing, fishing, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, paragliding, rafting & kayaking to name a few. 

Where to stay? Well you will just have to ask me what the right resort is for you.  I had the opportunity to see the Jerome, Little Nell, St. Regis and The Gant. Another fabulous option in the Viceroy Snowmass which is perfect for families.  Of course Virtuoso Amenities apply! 

John Denver Sanctuary

Top picks of what to do in Aspen:

Aspen Saturday Market - Enjoy local Colorado produce, crafts, live music and a food court Saturdays from 6/16 - 10/1.

John Denver Sanctuary - The Memorial features many of the singers' songs etched into the rocks.  Great place to pack a picnic! 

Maroon Bells -  The most photographed peaks in North America!   Absolutely stunning. 

Independence Pass - East of Aspen along the winding two lane Highway 82. Several stops along the way to include the 

Devil's Punchbowl, Independence Ghost Town and the Continental Divide at the top of the pass. 

Eat & Drink Outdoors - Apsen has an average of 300 days of sunshine annually  get outside and dine al fresco. I suggest trying a local brew! 

Want to travel to Aspen? Contact me - 703-762-5056 or jessica@mccabeworld.com. 

Gateway Canyons - A Colorado Adventure

Every year I am trying to experience something new in the United States.  Our country is filled with amazing destinations and resorts to choose from. This summer for the Fourth of July Weekend my family ventured to Grand Junction Colorado to experience Gateway Canyons. Getting there we connected via Denver to Grand Junction Colorado and then you have about an hour drive to the resort. The ride is beautiful and worth the journey once you get there. I recommend at least a four night stay for travelers from the East Coast. If you live in the Denver area this is a wonderful long weekend getaway.

This is a great resort for both couples and families. You are able to relax in your spacious accommodations, some with outdoor hot tubs (highly recommended). The resort is equipped with complementary bike rentals for both adults and children to explore the resort. 

                                                      The activities are endless:

-Horseback Riding
-Clay Pigeon Shooting
-Archery Lessons
-UTV rides overlooking Rattlesnake Overlook
-Rock Climbing
-Dinosaur Tracks & Geology Tour

We had a blast with all of the activities, but my favorites had to be the Archery Lessons and the Dinosaur Tracks. Archery was a new sport for my family that we all got to experience together. It just might be my new favorite hobby. The Dinosaur Tracks was incredibly educational and interesting. It held the interests of even our youngest traveler.

Gateway is also home to an Auto Museum and home of the one of a kind 1954 Oldsmobile F-88. My husband and son are big into cars (me, not so much) yet I found it incredibly interesting. It's definitely worth checking out. 

Gateway is also a 2.5 hour drive to some of our most beautiful National Parks and a great day trip. Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests (1.5 hours away), Arches National Park

(2.5 hours away) and Canyonlands National Park (2.5 hours away). After you are done exploring come back and relax with a spa treatment and then experience the wonderful dining the resort has to offer.

Contact me for more information and enjoy these added values booking through McCabe World Travel:

-Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

-Full American breakfast daily, served in restaurant (shows as a credit of $60 on your folio – breakfast is amazing)

-One $100 USD per room/per day Adventure Credit that can be used for any activities booked directly with the Adventure Center. 

-Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

-Complimentary Wi-Fi

Hawaii - The Big Island

I've been fortunate to visit Hawaii multiple times. On my last visit I traveled back to the Big Island as I think it is an island that is overlooked. Hawaii, the Big Island, is known for it's active volcano; however it offers so much more...and of course a day trip out to the Volcano is must.

On arrival and near the airport I stopped at the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm.  This farm is in the only seahorse farm in the world dedicated to preserving the endangered seahorse. The tour was incredibly interesting and you too can bring home your own seahorse!  Believe it or not they ship. 

I spent the next day with my good friend Samantha who is a native to explore the wonders of the island.

On the Big Island you will find miles and miles of lava fields. The topography is so different and unique from the other islands. We spent the day driving northeast with incredible stops along the way to our final destination, the Hawaiian Vanilla Company. With every mile the scenery continued to change from lava fields to lush greenery...simply fascinating.

Waipio Valley Loo

On our drive the the Hawaiian Vanilla company we stopped at:
Waimea Coffee Company, Waipio Valley Lookout, 

TexDrive Inn (known for their malasadas aka Portuguese donuts), KolekoleState Park, Umauma Botanical Garden and finally the 

Hawaiian Vanilla Company.

Umauma Botanical Garden

The Hawaiian Vanilla company has been featured on the Food Network,  Discovery Channel and the Travel Channel.  They are the first commercial growers of vanilla in the US. Who know how interesting a tour of a vanilla farm could be!  After the tour we had an incredible lunch...with touches of vanilla of course.  

Contact me at jessica@mccabeworld.com on where to stay and more activities you can do! There are many outstanding resorts to choose from and I will work with you on the best option for your travel needs. I can also be reached at 703-762-5056.