Destination Dash - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Today's Destination Dash features Albuquerque, New Mexico, a place that always surprises me. It is easy to navigate, has plenty to do for people across all demographics, and features art, history, science, archaeology, and plenty of outdoor opportunities. I've had the chance to visit ABQ (the airport code) for client business many times and have always been lucky to have time to explore. This list represents my 'must-do' activities for those of you who have limited time to visit. All of these could be accomplished in one day, assuming you are full of energy and well-nourished on strong coffee. :)

photo found on the Albuquerque Visitor's Center webpage -Getty Images

Name: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Population: 557,169 (2014 est.)
Flight Time: from LAX, 12 hr 55 minutes
Etymology of the name: Version 1: albus quercus meaning "white oak" in honor of Spanish Duke of Albuquerque. Version 2: the Galician word albaricoque, meaning "apricot". The apricot was brought to New Mexico by Spanish settlers. Supposedly, the original settlement was established near an apricot tree and became known as La Ciudad de Albaricoque. As frontiersmen were unable to correctly pronounce the Galician word, it became corrupted to "Albuquerque.
Special Note: This is where Bugs Bunny should have taken a left turn in 1945. :)

My top 5 things to do in Albuquerque:

1. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Their mission statement says it all: "To preserve and perpetuate Pueblo culture and to advance understanding by presenting with dignity and respect,
the accomplishments and evolving history of the Pueblo people of New Mexico".
Recommended time - 2 hours.

2.  For something completely different....visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. Here you can learn about the Atomic Age and the influence of nuclear energy on the past, present, and future. A perfect place to take those interested in science, aviation, and history. If you have children, check out the kid-specific exhibits.
Recommended time - 2 hours.

3. Albuquerque BioPark Botanic Garden - If you only one day in ABQ, make this one of your destinations! They have a zoo, a botanic garden, a aquarium, and facilities for fishing and boating. Events throughout the year, family-friendly, and easily accessible. If that doesn't convince you, this place was names as one of the top 12 botanic gardens in the country by the Travel Channel!
Recommended time - 2 hours or more.

4. Petroglyph National Monument -  For the outdoorsy among you, this place offers a great place to stretch your legs and see ruins, artifacts, and petroglyphs. It is one of my favorite places in Albuquerque. Start your visit at the Visitor's Center to get an overview of the locale, maps, and plan your day.
Recommended time - at least 2 hours. 

5. Old Town Albuquerque - Beyond the Indian Pueblo center, it is a bit touristy here, but makes for a great place to have a bite to eat, window shop and get a sense of the culture of the area. A highlight for me is the San Felipe de Neri Church, dating back to 1706 (current version built in 1793).
Recommended time - 1 1/2 to 3 hours.

There is so much more to do in ABQ, including hiking the Sandia Peak, taking the tram over the same, the international hot air balloon festival, taking in a minor league baseball game, and more. Hopefully, this will get your planning in motion. Albuquerque makes a great destination for a weekend or longer so consider adding it to your trip list.

 Peace, love, and travel!

Destination Dash - Sedona, Arizona

This issue of Destination Dash features a place I have been countless times yet it still surprises me - Sedona, Arizona. Yes, it has its share of crystal spinners and ley line readers but it also has upscale spas, incredible hiking, and some palate-pleasing dining opportunities.

Name: Sedona, Arizona
Population: 10, 111 (2013)
Flight Time: from LAX, 2 hrs 55 minutes, with connections
Get Started: Stop by the vistor's center on 331 Forest Road to pick up some information.

5 things to do in Sedona:

1. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Even if you aren't Catholic or religiously inclined, this majestic structure was designed to blend in with the surrounding rocks by Marguerite Brunswig Staude and sites 200 feet above the valley floor. Recommended time - 1 hour.

2.  Spend the afternoon at Tlaquepaque. This is touted as an arts and crafts village but feels more like a time warp to a Spanish colonial square. Cobbled paths, shade aplenty and a wide variety of shops will charm even the most shopping-averse among you (trust me, I hate to shop but don't mind spending hours here). WARNING - DO NOT GO OVER THANKSGIVING!! The crowds are insane. Recommended time - 2 hours.

3. Hike Oak Creek Canyon - No matter how many times I hike along Oak Creek, it never gets old. If you are game, consider an overnight trip in August, when the temperatures are close to perfect and the creek floods in certain spots, making for an adventurous amble over rocks and fallen trees. Recommended time - 5 hours or more.

4. Eat at Dahl & DiLuca. You will be hard pressed to find better food in the state of Arizona (at least that's what my out-of-town visitors have told me. This is one of my favorite places to eat. The food and the ambiance create a romantic, intimate dining experience and it is the perfect way to end a weekend in Sedona. Recommended time - 2 hours. 

5. Take a Pink Jeep Tour. If you are stymied as to how to see maximum Sedona in minimal time, consider Pink Jeep Tours. These off-road adventures cover everything from history to scenic beauty within several tour options. Recommended time - 1 1/2 to 3 hours.

This list represents what I have done or what my friends have done (#5). Your list may differ and this is intended to kick-start your planning. Sedona has something to do all year round, so start planning.
Peace, love, and travel!

A shot of Bell Rock I took for the cover of an equestrian supply catalog and yes, it really does look like this!

Destination Dash - Melbourne, Australia

Destination Dash post features my latest city crush, Melbourne. I was lucky enough to start my Antipodean adventure in this cosmopolitan yet charming city. I spent 4 packed days exploring all parts of the city and fell in love with it. Victorian and Edwardian architecture coexist beautifully with steel and glass structures to create a modernity tempered with antique elegance. The vibe is upscale but not pretentious.

Name: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Population: 4.5 million (2014)
Flight Time: from LAX, US 17 hours non-stop; from London 20+ hours, 1 stop
Get Started:  If you will be coming from the airport while on a layover, take the SkyBus into the city. It's not that expensive and gets you downtown in about 20-25 minutes.

My write-up will not give you a moment-by-moment day, but gives you the highlights I'd recommend seeing while in the city. The list covers indoors and outdoors and provides stimuli for kids and adults, but only you know your physical limitations, tolerance to things, and schedule.

The total time for my recommendations comes in at 11 hours, but remember that is because this is what I like to do. You may want to devote more time to sport venues or get out of town for a fast trip to the Dandenong Ranges (about an hour drive outside the city). If you want to build in time for meals, I recommend choosing two or three things from this list. This is just a guide, so read on an enjoy!


Site recommendations:

1. Queen Victoria Market - on the corner of Victoria and Elizabeth Streets. Crowded with people and an impressive array of produce, groceries, dry goods, souvenirs the market is full of locals and tourists. If you can stand the crush of people, stand quietly and try to count the number of different languages being spoken. My best was 14! Recommended time - 2 hours or more.
2. Melbourne Zoo - Elliott Ave, Parkville. Gorgeously laid out and surprisingly diverse, the zoo is a great way to spend 1 hour or 4 hours. It is located in a quiet part of town and just off the 25 tram stop for Melbourne Zoo/Royal Park. Many travelers think of the Australia Zoo in Brisbane and the go-to zoological experience but Melbourne is equally interesting and entertaining. It makes a great destination on its own or as a companion experience to visiting the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Recommended time - 3 hours.
3. Old Melbourne Gaol - 377 Russell Street. Whether you are a history buff, lover of the macabre, or have a few hours to kill and don't know what to do, make a beeline for the Old Melbourne Gaol. It provides a facsinating glimpse into prison life of the mid-to-late 19th century. Grab a docent and walk the bluestone corridor to learn about such notorious criminals as Frederick Bailey Deeming, Elizabeth Scott, Martha Needle, and folk hero Ned Kelly. The interior harkens the Green Mile or Shawshank, but has a pervasiveness darkness probably made all the more so during the night tours they offer. A thought-provoking look at prison life, the territorial judicial system and impressive collection of death masks. Recommended time - 1 1/2 hours.
4. Royal Botanic Gardens - Birdwood Ave, South Yarra. There is nothing to dislike here. It offers soothing vistas, lush vegetation, and beauty around every turn. Go early morning for a misty stroll through the gardens. It is empty of crowds and full of cockatoos, parrots, magpies, and pukekos. We got there about 45 minutes past sunrise and it was otherworldly. I felt like I'd fallen into a storybook illustration. Recommended time - 2 hours, 3 if you take a picnic.
5. Melbourne Museum - 11 Nicholson St, Carlton. Home to a vast selection of geological, cultural, and anthropological history, this museum is one of the best natural history museums I've visited in my life. It is easy to meander from one hall to another and offers a wide variety of subject matters, enough to keep visitors engaged whether they are 3 or 103. My visit was made even more special due to the WWI Centenary Exhibition, which offers an in-depth and emotional look at WWI and the contributions made by ANZAC forces. Recommended time - 3 hours or more.

 Peace, love, and travel!

*As a reminder, these photos are solely mine and not to be used without prior written permission. Thanks!

Ticking off my 6th continent. Melbourne, by the port.

Downtown split by the Yarra River

Interior of the main cell block.

Interior of a cell.

One of many lovely vistas in the garden.

Laugh Kookaburra, laugh.

Destination Dash - San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.

I was in San Antonio for business and spent my free evening sightseeing and since it was just before the 4th of July, I thought it would be appropriate to use the Alamo as the topic for the inaugural Destination Dash feature. 

Name: San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.
Population: 1.5 million (2013)
Flight Time: from LAX, US 3 hours non-stop; from EWR, US 4 hours non-stop
Get Started:  If you will be coming from the airport while on a layover, grab the VIA number 5 bus at the airport. Consider a day pass as the VIA service is pretty extensive and easy to use.


Here are my top things to do in an evening or more leisurely afternoon.

1. The Alamo Mission - 300 Alamo Plaza. We've all heard the story of the Alamo or so we think but after a visit to the Alamo, you'll know the whole true history. Do yourself a favor, take the audio tour or talk to the well-educated docents. The history of the Alamo is about more than an ill-fated garrison, it spans colonization, religion, military, and civic history. During my visit it was VERY crowded which lessened the enjoyment for me but my chats with the docents helped improve my experience greatly. Be sure to look up to see recently uncovered Spanish Mission frescoes and initials carved by former inhabitants from the 1800s. The grounds are lovely and the exhibits are well-planned so be sure to walk through to the courtyard to see everything. Well worth a visit for history buffs or anyone interested in true stories of courage and grit. Recommended time - 2 hours.

2. The Riverwalk - Downtown. The Riverwalk is what everyone tells you to do when you get to downtown San Antonio, but what they don't tell you is that it is largely a crush of chain restaurants and tons of flip flop shuffling, fanny-pack wearing tourists. If that's your scene, rock on. If that is NOT your scene, keep walking to find the cool shade of the serene pathways beyond the mall of the Riverwalk. Trust me, it gets a lot nicer as you round the bend. A great idea for an afternoon stroll or to kill time on a lazy evening. Would I go again? Probably not, but I'm glad I've been. Recommended time - 1 hour, 2+ with dinner.

3. The Cathedral of San Fernando - 115 Main Plaza. Since 1750 this gorgeous cathedral has been a fixture of San Antonio. Also known as the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe and is one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States. If religious significance or architecture doesn't draw you, the remains of the fallen from the siege at the Alamo may be more up your alley.  Recommended time - 1 hour.

Peace, love, and travel!

*As a reminder, these photos are solely mine and not to be used without prior written permission. Thanks! 

The Alamo Shrine

A very old live oak in the courtyard, near the long house at the Alamo.

Detail shot of the shrine facade.

Riverwalk with tour barge.

San Antonio looking very young.