Seeking Home in Puerto Vallarta

Posted on by

Written in cooperation with GoodSearch.

Puerto Vallarta is not new to me. I have spent more time here than anywhere else on Earth but home. While some complain about the vast growth of the city over the years, I find that much of what I love has remained constant over time.

For the vacationer, Puerto Vallarta surely has it all: excellent dining, an endless array of activities, world-class hotels, and fantastic nightlife. In addition to all of the well-known and well-documented choices, I’d like to share a few of my insider tips to make your paradise vacation truly special.

image via Flickr by luckylynda74

Old Town

Old Town, or the Romantic Zone if you prefer the new moniker, is not a secret. Nearly everyone at some point wanders across the bridge to check it out. Sadly, few take the time to discover the hidden gems, such as A Page in the Sun. Part used book exchange, part coffee shop, A Page in the Sun has been a Puerto Vallarta institution for over 20 Luisyears. Now in a new and larger location, it continues to draw us in for breakfast and friendly conversation.

 

Weekend Brunch with a View

Many amazing restaurants in town offer lovely views, but for THE best combination of a killer view and a unique experience, take a cab south of town to Casa Karma. This boutique hotel also offers up gorgeous rooms, but we go for the Bloody Mary bar! Each weekend, the Bar at Casa Karma whips up the most amazing “make your own” Bloody Mary bar we have ever seen. You start out with a delicious Bloody Mary, and you can add as many additions as you like — bacon, artichoke hearts, pickled asparagus, pearl onions, blue cheese-stuffed olives, and the list goes on. Admittedly, this is not a traditional take on brunch. You will certainly leave Casa Karma both pleasantly full and happy.

image via Flickr by cogdogblog

A Dress of Many Colors

One of my frequent stops is Luisa’s clothing store. Located on Juarez Street in the Zona Centro, Luisa has been one of the best seamstresses in Puerto Vallarta for years. Her storefront is artistically packed with dresses and shirts and scarves in every color of the rainbow. While you can go in and simply buy off the rack, the normal procedure is that you choose what you like, try it on for fit, and then Luisa will custom-fit that piece for you. Or, if you want turquoise, not green, for instance, she will simply whip up one just for you. She speaks excellent English, is knowledgeable about events around town, and is a joy to work with. Her clothes are well done, comfortable, and ready in a matter of days for a fair price. I am proud to say I have more than a couple of “Luisa originals.”

 

Of Tacos and Tango

To be truthful, for visitors doing research, El Carboncito is not a secret. However, in all of our trips there, we have rarely seen any tourists, so now the word is officially out. I love tacos, and I especially love tacos al pastor, which is meat slow-cooked on a skewer, served up on a freshly made tortilla with a slice of grilled pineapple, chopped cilantro, and fresh salsa. A squeeze of lime is mandatory.
The very best tacos al pastor I have found throughout Mexico come from El Carboncito, on a small side street in central Puerto Vallarta. Sitting in white plastic chairs, surrounded by chattering locals, eating two, or four, of these gems just makes me happy. For THE perfect evening out, so perfect, in fact, and that it is how we spent our anniversary this year, we walked down to El Carboncito’s for tacos, before heading for mojitos and tango at La Bodeguita del Medio. Technically, it’s salsa, not tango, but nonetheless, this is my favorite bar in Puerto Vallarta. I generally am not awake late enough to fully appreciate the dancing that randomly breaks out, but the live salsa band, excellent mojitos, and friendly staff are enough to keep me coming back for more.

image via Flickr by leduardo

 

My Puerto Vallarta doesn’t consist of the typical visitor’s experience. Having visited so many times before, I have experienced first-class resorts, and done the sightseeing. These days, I want to meander side streets and find the true soul of the city.

 

Calling all Camp Cooks

Posted on by

I was beyond THRILLED to be asked by Truck Camper Magazine to write an article on camp cooking in our Adventurer camper. One of our biggest draws in traveling is experiencing food all around the world. However, as someone who loves to cook, the idea of another extended trip without access to a kitchen was unacceptable, and one big reason we decided to drive this time.

If you missed it, check out the article, and be sure to subscribe for our new Newsletter that we will be putting out monthly with travel tips, recipes, and travel inspiration!

Gourmet Cooking on the Road

http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/camper-lifestyle/gourmet-cooking-on-the-road/

Let me know what you think, and what sorts of articles you’d like to see!

Discovering rue Cler

Posted on by

I am not generally a big city fan. However, every preference has it’s counterpoint, and for me, the balance shifts with one word: Paris. There are a selection of cities around the world that call to me, but Paris holds a never-ending fascination.

One main facet of this draw, is the fact that Paris is made up of a series of neighborhoods, intimate streets lined with gourmet delicacies and delicious finds. All of the delights of France come to life in the form of bakeries, chocolate shops, butcher shops, and freshly picked produce. And the cheese! Oh my goodness, the cheese!

image via Flickr by avrene

Continue reading →

Camping List~ Mainland Mexico

Posted on by

When we re-entered Mexico on the mainland, we crossed at the tiny and simple border of Sonoyta and headed straight to San Carlos. Having visited much of Sonoroa last year, our main goal was mainly to get further south relatively quickly. After Puerto Vallarta, we continued at our typical tortuga pace!

DSC00434_4185

Continue reading →

The New York I’d Like to Know

Posted on by

Written in cooperation with Good Search.

I’ve been many places, explored famous cities, and discovered hidden gems. One city that still remains on my bucket list, though, is New York. I’ve traveled through New York many times, always en route to somewhere I considered more exotic. The longest I’ve ever spent in the city was one nine-hour layover at JFK and an unpleasant night at an overpriced airport hotel on my way to South Africa. However, the true city has escaped my attention thus far.

Someday I’ll get there. Someday I’ll wander Central Park, head to the top of the Empire State Building, and browse Fifth Avenue. Someday I’ll search for that perfect hotel to make my New York dreams come true and truly experience this diverse city.

EATS!

As a major foodie, my first dream begins with food. Pizza is a weakness of mine, and I readily admit to wanting to eat my weight in pizza Margherita at Lombardi’s. As the first pizzeria in the United States, this spot has been selling slices as far back as 1897. It might be cliché, but it’s a true New York tradition. Even now, my taste buds salivate and my senses come alive as I imagine just how good this pizza will be.

image via Flickr by apasciuto

Bagels would most certainly be on my food list, along with a street hot dog, a pastrami on rye, and New York cheesecake. For my ultimate New York food adventure, however, I’d join one of the butcher paper dinners at Brooklyn Grange Farms. This eclectic spot holds the worlds largest rooftop garden, producing everything from organic greens to fresh eggs. Rotating chefs from around the city create communal farm-to-table meals on Sunday afternoons. It just doesn’t get any fresher.

EXPLORATION!

As intriguing as these foodie pursuits may be, I also want to experience some other parts of the city. One of my first stops would be the Explorers Club Headquarters. Originally founded in 1904 to promote exploration, all of its fabled articles are still intact at its current location, the fifth in New York. Featuring a library of over 13,000 books and 5,000 maps, taxidermy examples from around the world, and an enormous globe used to plot the famous Kon Tiki expedition, this place is my travel dream come true. Goosebumps emerge as I consider the hundreds or thousands of intrepid explorers who have walked its halls.

image via Flickr by sashimomura

ENTERTAINMENT!

To end my weekend of eating and exploration, I would head to a concert in a stranger’s home. This is not as crazy as it sounds. While I have no intention of simply dropping in on a stranger,  I would check out the latest offerings from Sofar Sounds. These intimate concerts feature up-and-coming acts and take place in people’s homes around the city. The acts and locations remain secret until the day of the event.

image via Flickr by dkolitha

New York offers so much more, of course. I could write an entire article about to find the most unusual place to stay in the city of unlimited choices. My New York, whenever my time finally arrives, will focus on food and seeking out the unique sides of the city. Lombardi’s, watch out. One day I’m coming your way!

Of Roadblocks & Disappointment

Posted on by

I can’t even say how long I have desired the opportunity to explore Oaxaca City. Back in my days working for Mexico Unlimited, we somehow never made the trip, truthfully probably simply because we tend to head to Mexico’s beautiful beaches. That fact didn’t keep me from dreaming of this place, not so far away in miles, and yet seemingly out of easy reach.

dscn5886

Continue reading →

Climbing to the Sun

Posted on by

Teotihuacan. The name alone brings a smile to the face of all who have been there, for this enormous set of ruins, just outside Mexico City, truly brings to light the power of an empire, begun thousands of years ago. Thought to be Aztec, the city’s origins are actually a bit of a mystery, but it was the Aztecs who came upon this abandoned site and realized its power.

dscn5857_edited-1

Continue reading →

Paradise for Everyone

Posted on by

Written in cooperation with Hipmunk’s Boutique Hotels campaign. 

The Hawaiian Islands have long been considered paradise. After all, this is the place to enjoy lovely temperatures, stunning beaches, aquamarine water, and tropical drinks, all without a passport. Paradise often comes with a price tag, but Hipmunk offers a multitude of reasonably priced accommodation options, making paradise available for everyone.

Each Hawaiian island offers something different. From Oahu’s cityscape and amazing beaches to Kona’s black volcanic sand to Maui’s powder-white sand and world-class snorkeling, this exotic state offers something for everyone.

image via Flickr by jdnx

Paradise in the City

To make the most of paradise on a budget, check out the Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki. This budget-friendly hotel offers up kitchenettes, laundry services, and a poolside barbecue area, all while keeping your expenses in check. The property features a pool, a fitness center, spa services, a restaurant, and free breakfast, allowing you to save your entertainment dollars for sightseeing and nights out on the town.

Another affordable option is the Maile Sky Court Hotel. Located near all the preferred sights in Waikiki, this hotel has comfortable rooms with refrigerators, along with free Wi-Fi, a pool, a restaurant, and a fitness center. A short walk takes you to all the excitement in one of the most scenic cities in the world.

For guests who want a bit more of a splurge, the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki is an excellent choice. The rooms offer stunning city views, refrigerators, robes and slippers, and even in-room massage services for an extra charge. This hotel has free Wi-Fi, a pool and fitness area, and an on-site restaurant. It’s also well-known for its soothing spa treatments.

Search for Volcanoes

The island of Kona is unique in that it has an active volcano at its center. Rather than the soft, white sand of the other islands, Kona has black sand resulting from thousands of years of volcanic activity. To visit this amazing paradise for yourself, look into the Kona Seaside Hotel. One of the most affordable hotels on the island, it offers a pool and rooms overlooking the sea. Rooms are bright and comfortable, with refrigerators, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs. Enjoy the pool and fitness area and the free Wi-Fi and breakfast to stretch your vacation dollars even further.

image via Flickr by sodai gomi

Location Perfection

Location, location, location. For a holiday set next to a gorgeous tropical beach but still close to shopping and nightlife, the Maui Beach Hotel is a perfect choice in Kahului. Along with its standard rooms and oceanfront suites, the Maui Beach Hotel offers free Wi-Fi, mini fridges, free shuttles, a pool, and a fitness center. The hotel even allows pets, so your furry family members can join you in paradise. Enjoy a rooftop sundeck, on-site breakfast restaurant, and easy access to all that this lovely island has to offer.

Image via Flickr by gimpbully

Whichever Hawaiian island or hotel suits your needs, Hipmunk has the right accommodation choice for you!

It Starts with a Dream

Posted on by

We ended up meeting Arturo by chance. While we had previously come through the pueblo magico town of Cuitzeo, we had been in motion, eager to get to SMA. Heading south, it seemed like a perfect pitstop during a long drive. Little did we know we were about to meet one of the world’s great dreamers.

dscn5756

Continue reading →