Wine and Spirits Travel

I have always enjoyed trips initiated by a resort. This has been especially true since I’ve been dealing with health issues and don’t do a lot of walking. I can bring my scooter into the place and use it wherever needed – without having to worry to get me (and it) in and out of the car. Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, Illinois , is made for those of us who like an all-inclusive experience in one place. There is never a need to get into your car, whether it’s Band-Aids, lunch, or activities you are looking for. A lot of the experience at the Illinois Great Wolf Lodge is about bringing the outside in – with the exception of the weather. The outdoorsy experiences and décor make you forget that you are inside a resort. After a hearty breakfast, Brittany, Kyler, Shaun and I toured the lodge, checking out the various suites (they have ones that are even big enough for 12) with the management and those from the public relations firm. Then we were off on our own. We

It didn’t take me long to feel relaxed and comfortable at the Inn at Bay Harbor, a hotel in the Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection.  My suite was perfect, and I had slept well. I was ready to take the relaxation to another level. My day was wide open with the exception of the start of it -- at The Spa. I arrived a few minutes before my appointment for the Ginger Glow treatment.  I changed into my luxurious robe and sat down with a cup of tea in the quiet waiting area. The Ginger Glow is one of the signature offerings at the Inn at Bay Harbor, and I can certainly understand why its so popular. I could easily rename it “Heaven on Earth.” It began with a scrub made of ginger, with a hint of eucalyptus, to get rid of the dead cells on my skin.  After that was rinsed off, I had a full body massaged with a ginger oil and hot stones. The next part was probably my favorite as arthritis always has me seeking warmth: my whole body was wrapped in a warm r

As the weather warms, it’s always a great time for an outdoor day trip. I had never been to Knights Action Park in nearby Springfield, Illinois , before and I was anxious to check it out. For a small amusement park, Knights Action packs a lot in. They have a waterpark, amusement rides, miniature golf and a golf range, and a racing track. I had a teen and a pre-teen with me who were anxious to hit the long slides, while I am always happy to grab a tube an relax in a lazy river. I enjoyed that for a while and ten hit the wave pool, where I met up with Brittany, Jacob, and  Kyler. We walked around for a while and saw the Seal Bay area for younger kids, as well as the river, where they have paddle boats. Unfortunately, the paddle boats weren’t available the day we where there. It’s something I’d definitely enjoy next time I’m back. There is a snack bar inside at  Knights Action Park , but the consensus was to go outside and take a short drive to Ch

It was a beautiful morning at Fox Harb’r Resort in Nova Scotia, Canada, and my daughter, Sam and I were excited to check the place out. We woke up fairly early in our Executive Suite to go join the rest of the group for breakfast at the Cape Cliff Dining Room, where we had eaten the night before. For breakfast we were served Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, which Sam loved. Since I am allergic, I had a filling plate of eggs, potatoes, and fresh fruit. When everyone was done eating, we washed up (even the bathroom here is opulent-look at that sink) and got ready for a tour around the resort. We walked to the downstairs of the clubhouse to head out through there. It was filled with photos, clubs, and trophies from this very prestigious golf course at Fox Harb'r, which is just outside Halifax , Nova Scotia. In fact, the golf course spread out through most of the resort, along the hills and valleys, and most spectacularly, along the water. We went ove