Girlfriend Getaway in Playa del Carmen

It’s not as wild as Cancun, but for a group of girls out to make mischief and memories, Playa del Carmen is the Mayan Riviera’s best destination. Whether you’re breaking from college or doing a destination bachelorette, traveling with galpals or in a multi-generational group, this pretty little town will show you a good time.

For at least part of your trip, it’s totally permissible—even advisable—to spend time on the quintessential vacation pastimes of sunbathing, drinking margaritas, getting cheap massages on the beach, and shopping. But definitely plan a few adventures into the itinerary, ladies. Get muddy and rugged on an ATV tour through the jungle. Or go on a horseback ride along the beach.

For velvet ropes and silicone swimsuit models and guys who wax, you go to Vegas/Miami/LA. For sports bars and great beer and a vibe that’s actually fun, people in Middle America prefer to stick with Chicago, or Milwaukee, or Madison. Acknowledged as one of the best college party towns in the country, this place also has a thriving GLBT scene, an established performance art scene, fantastic microbrews, and some good live music joints.

Sports Bar—State Street Brats
Expect frat boys and hometown hotties, awesome drink specials and greasy waffle fries. Badger team spirit kicks the excitement level up to ten in this classic sports bar.

Gay Club—Plan B
New, hip, and centrally located on Williamson Street, this is the spot for the same-sex “it crowd” (to quote a phrase off their website). If you find that intimidating, just think: Wednesday night karaoke, drag queens, $3 Bacardi drink specials, and lots of house music all night long.

Brewpub—Great Dane
This is a Madison staple, with four locations serving its signature micro-brewed ales, lagers, and a seasonal stout. College students and tourists, couples and singles can all co-exist peacefully, bonded by their shared love of great beer and fried cheese curds.

What is there to do in Madison? Depends what month you’re coming! This little city has a calendar chock-full of events, ranging from cultural to alcohol-cent ered, literary to winter-sporty. A few of our favorites include:

Madison Winter Festival
When you’re talking about one of the snowiest places in the continental U.S., a list of top annual events must start with this annual snow sports showcase. A cross-country ski-race series, a snowshoe rela,y and a snow-carving contest are among the competitive events. Then there’s just-for-fun stuff like the Trek Store Snow Bike obstacle course and the snowshoe terrain park. Held annually in mid-February.

Willy Street Fair
Madison’s biggest block party features somewhere between three to five stages (depending on the day and the year) and has a traditional Sunday morning parade that allows total audience participation. Food stalls, vendors, and artists line a three-block stretch of Williamson Street. This community fundraiser takes place annually in early autumn.

Okay, now: Raise your hands if you want a Julia Roberts—er, Elizabeth Gilbert—experience in Bali. Inspired by her tale of reinvention and discovery, many people are coming to Bali right now to seek love, culture, and/or a spiritual epiphany. And luckily, the island is uniquely abundant in all three experiences. (If you’re on a budget, India and Italy can wait.)

EAT
Whether you’re dining on Indonesian, Sumatran, Javanese, or the less available (in tourist areas) traditional Balinese food—the key ingredients of which are coconut, pressed rice, and tropical fruits—dining in Bali is a spicy, flavor-filled firework of an experience. If you want to take it a step beyond restaurant-hopping, sign up for a cooking class at Best Bali Cooking Classes or at the restaurant Bumbu Bali.

While there’s a definite temptation to snooze on a lounge chair and appreciate the flowers, bird songs, and tropical drinks all day long, if you want a richer Bali travel experience, you’ll need to venture out onto the island. Experience the rich culture, the warmth of the native people, and the natural beauty of this beautiful island.

Gamelan music is older than the predominating religions of Indonesia, and carries a cultural significance much heavier than mere entertainment. Gamelan orchestras are a combination of flutes, plucked strings, and percussive “hammer-struck” instruments like xylophones. Gamelan orchestras accompany most of the traditional Balinese forms of music. There are many types of drama in Bali: Arja, which encompasses dance, gorgeous costumery, and singing, and is performed by a strictly male cast; Prembon, which is traditional mask dancing; Drama Gong, a new style of dance that was in invented in the 1960s; and Wayang, traditional puppet theater which traces its roots to the 9^th century.

Self-contained, luxurious, and ever-evolving, the all-inclusive properties in Puerto Vallarta are a vacationer’s dream. From boutique luxury properties to family-friendly beach playgrounds, they offer a variety of experiences at great rates—and just a short flight from many major U.S. cities.

For destination weddings and splurge reunions, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is a favorite. It’s one of the most beautiful properties in the Dreams chain—all gleaming white, Mediterranean style, set against the most naturally beautiful backdrop there is, a deep blue sea. It’s also one of the resort brands that are equipped to cater to families while still giving honeymooners and business travelers its trademarked Unlimited Luxury experience. One tip: If you’re looking for luxe digs, make sure and get a room in the preferred tower, which is the latest addition to the property and has bigger, more modern rooms than the old tower.

The golf courses of Puerto Vallarta only rose to worldwide prominence in 2002, but many of them have become regular tournament and special event sites. Designed around the sandy, hilly terrain and situated to take advantage of beautiful Banderas Bay or other ocean vistas, these courses offer challenging play and gorgeous scenery—plus tropical weather and lush greenery (that’s tended in a sustainable manner, using all recycled water).

Before their development, much of the land in this area was jungle and marsh, with all kinds of wildlife flourishing, and loath to be disturbed. Flamingos Club de Golf is one development that decided not to move the native species any more than absolutely necessary. Thus, the prolific wildlife that make their home around the course remain one of its main draws today, more than 30 years after its opening. A recent three million dollar renovation ensured that this oldtimer remains a favorite among visiting golfers and local event planners alike.

Historically developed in isolation, the Galapagos Islands avoided attention from most humans except the Darwins of the world… scientists and students who came to study. Its thriving ecosystem has now become a world-renowned tourist draw—but one that must be strictly regulated. And as in many places, the issue has become one of regulating the traffic enough to protect the environment, while still allowing people to see the area and become passionate about it, thereby sustaining it economically.

In the past, Galapagos National Park regulated that guests could only visit on boats and ships. Park authorities also regulated where the boats could go… and what size boats could go to which islands. This is all still in place: if you’re in a boat over 140 people you can’t go to some of the smaller islands. Ninety percent of Galapagos—the islands and the water—is considered Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. However, the cap on daily land visitors coming off the live-aboard boats has increased, and land-based tourism is also becoming a viable option. There are some settlements and smaller towns, populated by park employees, fishermen, coffee plantation workers, and a few hospitality workers. Do the right thing by Galapagos and yourself, though, and make sure you’re staying at a permitted place like Finch Bay Eco-Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. This is an excellent home base for a brief land-based visit because it’s on the same island as the famous Charles Darwin Research Center, where you’ll see Galapagos’ legendary giant tortoises.

One of the most exciting developments to hit Oahu in a decade, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, represents a new chapter in Hawaii’s tourism evolution. Sure, this South Pacific paradise has seen plenty of big resorts… and luxury resorts… and big brands. But thus far it’s resisted an actual theme park.

Indeed, Aulani is not a theme park, or even a theme hotel. It is Disney’s dedicated, no-expenses-spared attempt to distill the essence of Hawaii into its purest form… and then stage it in one luxurious family-friendly setting, on a cache of land that was once reserved for royalty. Sprinkle a dash of Mickey magic around the entire 21-acre property, and you’ve got a recipe for amazement.

Joe Rohde, the senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering who is helming this project, is no stranger to creating major-scale magic. His previous project was Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the development of which took several years and garnered its own Discovery Channel series. Rohde has great things in the works at the Aulani, including a water playground with hidden springs and waterslides carved into rock; an 18,000 square foot spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy center; and the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon and more intense “Contact Pond” where a limited number of guests will be able to interact with manta rays and other majestic creatures of the deep.

Columbus’ early identity was shaped in part by substantial numbers of German immigrants who arrived in the early 1800s, and German Village, the neighborhood where many of them settled, receives due recognition as a place charged with preserving American history. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a federally designated “Preserve America Community.”

The original character of the neighborhood has only been enhanced by the restoration and preservation work of recent decades: distinctive red brick buildings, traditional German restaurants, and Victorian inns of the charming “Queen Anne” style line the tree-shaded streets. Locals and visitors relax in the public gardens and—when the weather permits—ride along the well maintained bike paths.

Many people might say the greatest cultural experience you can have in German Village is a visit to Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus (as seen on the Food Network and the Travel Channel). If you can’t do justice to the famous German Autobahn Buffet, go “light” with some Bavarian cabbage rolls, a Schnitzel platter, or one of the signature Jumbo Cream Puffs.

Photo Credit: German Village, Columbus, Ohio (Wikipedia)

Five Great Bars of Madison

For velvet ropes and silicone swimsuit models and guys who wax, you go to Vegas/Miami/LA. For sports bars and great beer and a vibe that’s actually fun, people in Middle America prefer to stick with Chicago, or Milwaukee, or Madison. Acknowledged as one of the best college party towns in the country, this place also has a thriving GLBT scene, an established performance art scene, fantastic microbrews, and some good live music joints.

Sports Bar—State Street Brats
Expect frat boys and hometown hotties, awesome drink specials and greasy waffle fries. Badger team spirit kicks the excitement level up to ten in this classic sports bar.

Gay Club—Plan B
New, hip, and centrally located on Williamson Street, this is the spot for the same-sex “it crowd” (to quote a phrase off their website). If you find that intimidating, just think: Wednesday night karaoke, drag queens, $3 Bacardi drink specials, and lots of house music all night long.

Brewpub—Great Dane
This is a Madison staple, with four locations serving its signature micro-brewed ales, lagers, and a seasonal stout. College students and tourists, couples and singles can all co-exist peacefully, bonded by their shared love of great beer and fried cheese curds.

What is there to do in Madison? Depends what month you’re coming! This little city has a calendar chock-full of events, ranging from cultural to alcohol-cent ered, literary to winter-sporty. A few of our favorites include:

Madison Winter Festival
When you’re talking about one of the snowiest places in the continental U.S., a list of top annual events must start with this annual snow sports showcase. A cross-country ski-race series, a snowshoe rela,y and a snow-carving contest are among the competitive events. Then there’s just-for-fun stuff like the Trek Store Snow Bike obstacle course and the snowshoe terrain park. Held annually in mid-February.

Willy Street Fair
Madison’s biggest block party features somewhere between three to five stages (depending on the day and the year) and has a traditional Sunday morning parade that allows total audience participation. Food stalls, vendors, and artists line a three-block stretch of Williamson Street. This community fundraiser takes place annually in early autumn.

Okay, now: Raise your hands if you want a Julia Roberts—er, Elizabeth Gilbert—experience in Bali. Inspired by her tale of reinvention and discovery, many people are coming to Bali right now to seek love, culture, and/or a spiritual epiphany. And luckily, the island is uniquely abundant in all three experiences. (If you’re on a budget, India and Italy can wait.)

EAT
Whether you’re dining on Indonesian, Sumatran, Javanese, or the less available (in tourist areas) traditional Balinese food—the key ingredients of which are coconut, pressed rice, and tropical fruits—dining in Bali is a spicy, flavor-filled firework of an experience. If you want to take it a step beyond restaurant-hopping, sign up for a cooking class at Best Bali Cooking Classes or at the restaurant Bumbu Bali.

While there’s a definite temptation to snooze on a lounge chair and appreciate the flowers, bird songs, and tropical drinks all day long, if you want a richer Bali travel experience, you’ll need to venture out onto the island. Experience the rich culture, the warmth of the native people, and the natural beauty of this beautiful island.

Gamelan music is older than the predominating religions of Indonesia, and carries a cultural significance much heavier than mere entertainment. Gamelan orchestras are a combination of flutes, plucked strings, and percussive “hammer-struck” instruments like xylophones. Gamelan orchestras accompany most of the traditional Balinese forms of music. There are many types of drama in Bali: Arja, which encompasses dance, gorgeous costumery, and singing, and is performed by a strictly male cast; Prembon, which is traditional mask dancing; Drama Gong, a new style of dance that was in invented in the 1960s; and Wayang, traditional puppet theater which traces its roots to the 9^th century.

Self-contained, luxurious, and ever-evolving, the all-inclusive properties in Puerto Vallarta are a vacationer’s dream. From boutique luxury properties to family-friendly beach playgrounds, they offer a variety of experiences at great rates—and just a short flight from many major U.S. cities.

For destination weddings and splurge reunions, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is a favorite. It’s one of the most beautiful properties in the Dreams chain—all gleaming white, Mediterranean style, set against the most naturally beautiful backdrop there is, a deep blue sea. It’s also one of the resort brands that are equipped to cater to families while still giving honeymooners and business travelers its trademarked Unlimited Luxury experience. One tip: If you’re looking for luxe digs, make sure and get a room in the preferred tower, which is the latest addition to the property and has bigger, more modern rooms than the old tower.

The golf courses of Puerto Vallarta only rose to worldwide prominence in 2002, but many of them have become regular tournament and special event sites. Designed around the sandy, hilly terrain and situated to take advantage of beautiful Banderas Bay or other ocean vistas, these courses offer challenging play and gorgeous scenery—plus tropical weather and lush greenery (that’s tended in a sustainable manner, using all recycled water).

Before their development, much of the land in this area was jungle and marsh, with all kinds of wildlife flourishing, and loath to be disturbed. Flamingos Club de Golf is one development that decided not to move the native species any more than absolutely necessary. Thus, the prolific wildlife that make their home around the course remain one of its main draws today, more than 30 years after its opening. A recent three million dollar renovation ensured that this oldtimer remains a favorite among visiting golfers and local event planners alike.

Historically developed in isolation, the Galapagos Islands avoided attention from most humans except the Darwins of the world… scientists and students who came to study. Its thriving ecosystem has now become a world-renowned tourist draw—but one that must be strictly regulated. And as in many places, the issue has become one of regulating the traffic enough to protect the environment, while still allowing people to see the area and become passionate about it, thereby sustaining it economically.

In the past, Galapagos National Park regulated that guests could only visit on boats and ships. Park authorities also regulated where the boats could go… and what size boats could go to which islands. This is all still in place: if you’re in a boat over 140 people you can’t go to some of the smaller islands. Ninety percent of Galapagos—the islands and the water—is considered Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. However, the cap on daily land visitors coming off the live-aboard boats has increased, and land-based tourism is also becoming a viable option. There are some settlements and smaller towns, populated by park employees, fishermen, coffee plantation workers, and a few hospitality workers. Do the right thing by Galapagos and yourself, though, and make sure you’re staying at a permitted place like Finch Bay Eco-Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. This is an excellent home base for a brief land-based visit because it’s on the same island as the famous Charles Darwin Research Center, where you’ll see Galapagos’ legendary giant tortoises.

One of the most exciting developments to hit Oahu in a decade, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, represents a new chapter in Hawaii’s tourism evolution. Sure, this South Pacific paradise has seen plenty of big resorts… and luxury resorts… and big brands. But thus far it’s resisted an actual theme park.

Indeed, Aulani is not a theme park, or even a theme hotel. It is Disney’s dedicated, no-expenses-spared attempt to distill the essence of Hawaii into its purest form… and then stage it in one luxurious family-friendly setting, on a cache of land that was once reserved for royalty. Sprinkle a dash of Mickey magic around the entire 21-acre property, and you’ve got a recipe for amazement.

Joe Rohde, the senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering who is helming this project, is no stranger to creating major-scale magic. His previous project was Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the development of which took several years and garnered its own Discovery Channel series. Rohde has great things in the works at the Aulani, including a water playground with hidden springs and waterslides carved into rock; an 18,000 square foot spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy center; and the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon and more intense “Contact Pond” where a limited number of guests will be able to interact with manta rays and other majestic creatures of the deep.

Columbus’ early identity was shaped in part by substantial numbers of German immigrants who arrived in the early 1800s, and German Village, the neighborhood where many of them settled, receives due recognition as a place charged with preserving American history. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a federally designated “Preserve America Community.”

The original character of the neighborhood has only been enhanced by the restoration and preservation work of recent decades: distinctive red brick buildings, traditional German restaurants, and Victorian inns of the charming “Queen Anne” style line the tree-shaded streets. Locals and visitors relax in the public gardens and—when the weather permits—ride along the well maintained bike paths.

Many people might say the greatest cultural experience you can have in German Village is a visit to Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus (as seen on the Food Network and the Travel Channel). If you can’t do justice to the famous German Autobahn Buffet, go “light” with some Bavarian cabbage rolls, a Schnitzel platter, or one of the signature Jumbo Cream Puffs.

Photo Credit: German Village, Columbus, Ohio (Wikipedia)

Madison Hot Dates

What is there to do in Madison? Depends what month you’re coming! This little city has a calendar chock-full of events, ranging from cultural to alcohol-cent ered, literary to winter-sporty. A few of our favorites include:

Madison Winter Festival
When you’re talking about one of the snowiest places in the continental U.S., a list of top annual events must start with this annual snow sports showcase. A cross-country ski-race series, a snowshoe rela,y and a snow-carving contest are among the competitive events. Then there’s just-for-fun stuff like the Trek Store Snow Bike obstacle course and the snowshoe terrain park. Held annually in mid-February.

Willy Street Fair
Madison’s biggest block party features somewhere between three to five stages (depending on the day and the year) and has a traditional Sunday morning parade that allows total audience participation. Food stalls, vendors, and artists line a three-block stretch of Williamson Street. This community fundraiser takes place annually in early autumn.

Okay, now: Raise your hands if you want a Julia Roberts—er, Elizabeth Gilbert—experience in Bali. Inspired by her tale of reinvention and discovery, many people are coming to Bali right now to seek love, culture, and/or a spiritual epiphany. And luckily, the island is uniquely abundant in all three experiences. (If you’re on a budget, India and Italy can wait.)

EAT
Whether you’re dining on Indonesian, Sumatran, Javanese, or the less available (in tourist areas) traditional Balinese food—the key ingredients of which are coconut, pressed rice, and tropical fruits—dining in Bali is a spicy, flavor-filled firework of an experience. If you want to take it a step beyond restaurant-hopping, sign up for a cooking class at Best Bali Cooking Classes or at the restaurant Bumbu Bali.

While there’s a definite temptation to snooze on a lounge chair and appreciate the flowers, bird songs, and tropical drinks all day long, if you want a richer Bali travel experience, you’ll need to venture out onto the island. Experience the rich culture, the warmth of the native people, and the natural beauty of this beautiful island.

Gamelan music is older than the predominating religions of Indonesia, and carries a cultural significance much heavier than mere entertainment. Gamelan orchestras are a combination of flutes, plucked strings, and percussive “hammer-struck” instruments like xylophones. Gamelan orchestras accompany most of the traditional Balinese forms of music. There are many types of drama in Bali: Arja, which encompasses dance, gorgeous costumery, and singing, and is performed by a strictly male cast; Prembon, which is traditional mask dancing; Drama Gong, a new style of dance that was in invented in the 1960s; and Wayang, traditional puppet theater which traces its roots to the 9^th century.

Self-contained, luxurious, and ever-evolving, the all-inclusive properties in Puerto Vallarta are a vacationer’s dream. From boutique luxury properties to family-friendly beach playgrounds, they offer a variety of experiences at great rates—and just a short flight from many major U.S. cities.

For destination weddings and splurge reunions, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is a favorite. It’s one of the most beautiful properties in the Dreams chain—all gleaming white, Mediterranean style, set against the most naturally beautiful backdrop there is, a deep blue sea. It’s also one of the resort brands that are equipped to cater to families while still giving honeymooners and business travelers its trademarked Unlimited Luxury experience. One tip: If you’re looking for luxe digs, make sure and get a room in the preferred tower, which is the latest addition to the property and has bigger, more modern rooms than the old tower.

The golf courses of Puerto Vallarta only rose to worldwide prominence in 2002, but many of them have become regular tournament and special event sites. Designed around the sandy, hilly terrain and situated to take advantage of beautiful Banderas Bay or other ocean vistas, these courses offer challenging play and gorgeous scenery—plus tropical weather and lush greenery (that’s tended in a sustainable manner, using all recycled water).

Before their development, much of the land in this area was jungle and marsh, with all kinds of wildlife flourishing, and loath to be disturbed. Flamingos Club de Golf is one development that decided not to move the native species any more than absolutely necessary. Thus, the prolific wildlife that make their home around the course remain one of its main draws today, more than 30 years after its opening. A recent three million dollar renovation ensured that this oldtimer remains a favorite among visiting golfers and local event planners alike.

Historically developed in isolation, the Galapagos Islands avoided attention from most humans except the Darwins of the world… scientists and students who came to study. Its thriving ecosystem has now become a world-renowned tourist draw—but one that must be strictly regulated. And as in many places, the issue has become one of regulating the traffic enough to protect the environment, while still allowing people to see the area and become passionate about it, thereby sustaining it economically.

In the past, Galapagos National Park regulated that guests could only visit on boats and ships. Park authorities also regulated where the boats could go… and what size boats could go to which islands. This is all still in place: if you’re in a boat over 140 people you can’t go to some of the smaller islands. Ninety percent of Galapagos—the islands and the water—is considered Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. However, the cap on daily land visitors coming off the live-aboard boats has increased, and land-based tourism is also becoming a viable option. There are some settlements and smaller towns, populated by park employees, fishermen, coffee plantation workers, and a few hospitality workers. Do the right thing by Galapagos and yourself, though, and make sure you’re staying at a permitted place like Finch Bay Eco-Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. This is an excellent home base for a brief land-based visit because it’s on the same island as the famous Charles Darwin Research Center, where you’ll see Galapagos’ legendary giant tortoises.

One of the most exciting developments to hit Oahu in a decade, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, represents a new chapter in Hawaii’s tourism evolution. Sure, this South Pacific paradise has seen plenty of big resorts… and luxury resorts… and big brands. But thus far it’s resisted an actual theme park.

Indeed, Aulani is not a theme park, or even a theme hotel. It is Disney’s dedicated, no-expenses-spared attempt to distill the essence of Hawaii into its purest form… and then stage it in one luxurious family-friendly setting, on a cache of land that was once reserved for royalty. Sprinkle a dash of Mickey magic around the entire 21-acre property, and you’ve got a recipe for amazement.

Joe Rohde, the senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering who is helming this project, is no stranger to creating major-scale magic. His previous project was Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the development of which took several years and garnered its own Discovery Channel series. Rohde has great things in the works at the Aulani, including a water playground with hidden springs and waterslides carved into rock; an 18,000 square foot spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy center; and the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon and more intense “Contact Pond” where a limited number of guests will be able to interact with manta rays and other majestic creatures of the deep.

Columbus’ early identity was shaped in part by substantial numbers of German immigrants who arrived in the early 1800s, and German Village, the neighborhood where many of them settled, receives due recognition as a place charged with preserving American history. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a federally designated “Preserve America Community.”

The original character of the neighborhood has only been enhanced by the restoration and preservation work of recent decades: distinctive red brick buildings, traditional German restaurants, and Victorian inns of the charming “Queen Anne” style line the tree-shaded streets. Locals and visitors relax in the public gardens and—when the weather permits—ride along the well maintained bike paths.

Many people might say the greatest cultural experience you can have in German Village is a visit to Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus (as seen on the Food Network and the Travel Channel). If you can’t do justice to the famous German Autobahn Buffet, go “light” with some Bavarian cabbage rolls, a Schnitzel platter, or one of the signature Jumbo Cream Puffs.

Photo Credit: German Village, Columbus, Ohio (Wikipedia)

Eat, Pray, Love in Bali

Okay, now: Raise your hands if you want a Julia Roberts—er, Elizabeth Gilbert—experience in Bali. Inspired by her tale of reinvention and discovery, many people are coming to Bali right now to seek love, culture, and/or a spiritual epiphany. And luckily, the island is uniquely abundant in all three experiences. (If you’re on a budget, India and Italy can wait.)

EAT
Whether you’re dining on Indonesian, Sumatran, Javanese, or the less available (in tourist areas) traditional Balinese food—the key ingredients of which are coconut, pressed rice, and tropical fruits—dining in Bali is a spicy, flavor-filled firework of an experience. If you want to take it a step beyond restaurant-hopping, sign up for a cooking class at Best Bali Cooking Classes or at the restaurant Bumbu Bali.

While there’s a definite temptation to snooze on a lounge chair and appreciate the flowers, bird songs, and tropical drinks all day long, if you want a richer Bali travel experience, you’ll need to venture out onto the island. Experience the rich culture, the warmth of the native people, and the natural beauty of this beautiful island.

Gamelan music is older than the predominating religions of Indonesia, and carries a cultural significance much heavier than mere entertainment. Gamelan orchestras are a combination of flutes, plucked strings, and percussive “hammer-struck” instruments like xylophones. Gamelan orchestras accompany most of the traditional Balinese forms of music. There are many types of drama in Bali: Arja, which encompasses dance, gorgeous costumery, and singing, and is performed by a strictly male cast; Prembon, which is traditional mask dancing; Drama Gong, a new style of dance that was in invented in the 1960s; and Wayang, traditional puppet theater which traces its roots to the 9^th century.

Self-contained, luxurious, and ever-evolving, the all-inclusive properties in Puerto Vallarta are a vacationer’s dream. From boutique luxury properties to family-friendly beach playgrounds, they offer a variety of experiences at great rates—and just a short flight from many major U.S. cities.

For destination weddings and splurge reunions, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is a favorite. It’s one of the most beautiful properties in the Dreams chain—all gleaming white, Mediterranean style, set against the most naturally beautiful backdrop there is, a deep blue sea. It’s also one of the resort brands that are equipped to cater to families while still giving honeymooners and business travelers its trademarked Unlimited Luxury experience. One tip: If you’re looking for luxe digs, make sure and get a room in the preferred tower, which is the latest addition to the property and has bigger, more modern rooms than the old tower.

The golf courses of Puerto Vallarta only rose to worldwide prominence in 2002, but many of them have become regular tournament and special event sites. Designed around the sandy, hilly terrain and situated to take advantage of beautiful Banderas Bay or other ocean vistas, these courses offer challenging play and gorgeous scenery—plus tropical weather and lush greenery (that’s tended in a sustainable manner, using all recycled water).

Before their development, much of the land in this area was jungle and marsh, with all kinds of wildlife flourishing, and loath to be disturbed. Flamingos Club de Golf is one development that decided not to move the native species any more than absolutely necessary. Thus, the prolific wildlife that make their home around the course remain one of its main draws today, more than 30 years after its opening. A recent three million dollar renovation ensured that this oldtimer remains a favorite among visiting golfers and local event planners alike.

Historically developed in isolation, the Galapagos Islands avoided attention from most humans except the Darwins of the world… scientists and students who came to study. Its thriving ecosystem has now become a world-renowned tourist draw—but one that must be strictly regulated. And as in many places, the issue has become one of regulating the traffic enough to protect the environment, while still allowing people to see the area and become passionate about it, thereby sustaining it economically.

In the past, Galapagos National Park regulated that guests could only visit on boats and ships. Park authorities also regulated where the boats could go… and what size boats could go to which islands. This is all still in place: if you’re in a boat over 140 people you can’t go to some of the smaller islands. Ninety percent of Galapagos—the islands and the water—is considered Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. However, the cap on daily land visitors coming off the live-aboard boats has increased, and land-based tourism is also becoming a viable option. There are some settlements and smaller towns, populated by park employees, fishermen, coffee plantation workers, and a few hospitality workers. Do the right thing by Galapagos and yourself, though, and make sure you’re staying at a permitted place like Finch Bay Eco-Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. This is an excellent home base for a brief land-based visit because it’s on the same island as the famous Charles Darwin Research Center, where you’ll see Galapagos’ legendary giant tortoises.

One of the most exciting developments to hit Oahu in a decade, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, represents a new chapter in Hawaii’s tourism evolution. Sure, this South Pacific paradise has seen plenty of big resorts… and luxury resorts… and big brands. But thus far it’s resisted an actual theme park.

Indeed, Aulani is not a theme park, or even a theme hotel. It is Disney’s dedicated, no-expenses-spared attempt to distill the essence of Hawaii into its purest form… and then stage it in one luxurious family-friendly setting, on a cache of land that was once reserved for royalty. Sprinkle a dash of Mickey magic around the entire 21-acre property, and you’ve got a recipe for amazement.

Joe Rohde, the senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering who is helming this project, is no stranger to creating major-scale magic. His previous project was Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the development of which took several years and garnered its own Discovery Channel series. Rohde has great things in the works at the Aulani, including a water playground with hidden springs and waterslides carved into rock; an 18,000 square foot spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy center; and the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon and more intense “Contact Pond” where a limited number of guests will be able to interact with manta rays and other majestic creatures of the deep.

Columbus’ early identity was shaped in part by substantial numbers of German immigrants who arrived in the early 1800s, and German Village, the neighborhood where many of them settled, receives due recognition as a place charged with preserving American history. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a federally designated “Preserve America Community.”

The original character of the neighborhood has only been enhanced by the restoration and preservation work of recent decades: distinctive red brick buildings, traditional German restaurants, and Victorian inns of the charming “Queen Anne” style line the tree-shaded streets. Locals and visitors relax in the public gardens and—when the weather permits—ride along the well maintained bike paths.

Many people might say the greatest cultural experience you can have in German Village is a visit to Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus (as seen on the Food Network and the Travel Channel). If you can’t do justice to the famous German Autobahn Buffet, go “light” with some Bavarian cabbage rolls, a Schnitzel platter, or one of the signature Jumbo Cream Puffs.

Photo Credit: German Village, Columbus, Ohio (Wikipedia)

Experiential Travel in Bali

While there’s a definite temptation to snooze on a lounge chair and appreciate the flowers, bird songs, and tropical drinks all day long, if you want a richer Bali travel experience, you’ll need to venture out onto the island. Experience the rich culture, the warmth of the native people, and the natural beauty of this beautiful island.

Gamelan music is older than the predominating religions of Indonesia, and carries a cultural significance much heavier than mere entertainment. Gamelan orchestras are a combination of flutes, plucked strings, and percussive “hammer-struck” instruments like xylophones. Gamelan orchestras accompany most of the traditional Balinese forms of music. There are many types of drama in Bali: Arja, which encompasses dance, gorgeous costumery, and singing, and is performed by a strictly male cast; Prembon, which is traditional mask dancing; Drama Gong, a new style of dance that was in invented in the 1960s; and Wayang, traditional puppet theater which traces its roots to the 9^th century.

Self-contained, luxurious, and ever-evolving, the all-inclusive properties in Puerto Vallarta are a vacationer’s dream. From boutique luxury properties to family-friendly beach playgrounds, they offer a variety of experiences at great rates—and just a short flight from many major U.S. cities.

For destination weddings and splurge reunions, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is a favorite. It’s one of the most beautiful properties in the Dreams chain—all gleaming white, Mediterranean style, set against the most naturally beautiful backdrop there is, a deep blue sea. It’s also one of the resort brands that are equipped to cater to families while still giving honeymooners and business travelers its trademarked Unlimited Luxury experience. One tip: If you’re looking for luxe digs, make sure and get a room in the preferred tower, which is the latest addition to the property and has bigger, more modern rooms than the old tower.

The golf courses of Puerto Vallarta only rose to worldwide prominence in 2002, but many of them have become regular tournament and special event sites. Designed around the sandy, hilly terrain and situated to take advantage of beautiful Banderas Bay or other ocean vistas, these courses offer challenging play and gorgeous scenery—plus tropical weather and lush greenery (that’s tended in a sustainable manner, using all recycled water).

Before their development, much of the land in this area was jungle and marsh, with all kinds of wildlife flourishing, and loath to be disturbed. Flamingos Club de Golf is one development that decided not to move the native species any more than absolutely necessary. Thus, the prolific wildlife that make their home around the course remain one of its main draws today, more than 30 years after its opening. A recent three million dollar renovation ensured that this oldtimer remains a favorite among visiting golfers and local event planners alike.

Historically developed in isolation, the Galapagos Islands avoided attention from most humans except the Darwins of the world… scientists and students who came to study. Its thriving ecosystem has now become a world-renowned tourist draw—but one that must be strictly regulated. And as in many places, the issue has become one of regulating the traffic enough to protect the environment, while still allowing people to see the area and become passionate about it, thereby sustaining it economically.

In the past, Galapagos National Park regulated that guests could only visit on boats and ships. Park authorities also regulated where the boats could go… and what size boats could go to which islands. This is all still in place: if you’re in a boat over 140 people you can’t go to some of the smaller islands. Ninety percent of Galapagos—the islands and the water—is considered Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. However, the cap on daily land visitors coming off the live-aboard boats has increased, and land-based tourism is also becoming a viable option. There are some settlements and smaller towns, populated by park employees, fishermen, coffee plantation workers, and a few hospitality workers. Do the right thing by Galapagos and yourself, though, and make sure you’re staying at a permitted place like Finch Bay Eco-Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. This is an excellent home base for a brief land-based visit because it’s on the same island as the famous Charles Darwin Research Center, where you’ll see Galapagos’ legendary giant tortoises.

One of the most exciting developments to hit Oahu in a decade, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, represents a new chapter in Hawaii’s tourism evolution. Sure, this South Pacific paradise has seen plenty of big resorts… and luxury resorts… and big brands. But thus far it’s resisted an actual theme park.

Indeed, Aulani is not a theme park, or even a theme hotel. It is Disney’s dedicated, no-expenses-spared attempt to distill the essence of Hawaii into its purest form… and then stage it in one luxurious family-friendly setting, on a cache of land that was once reserved for royalty. Sprinkle a dash of Mickey magic around the entire 21-acre property, and you’ve got a recipe for amazement.

Joe Rohde, the senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering who is helming this project, is no stranger to creating major-scale magic. His previous project was Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the development of which took several years and garnered its own Discovery Channel series. Rohde has great things in the works at the Aulani, including a water playground with hidden springs and waterslides carved into rock; an 18,000 square foot spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy center; and the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon and more intense “Contact Pond” where a limited number of guests will be able to interact with manta rays and other majestic creatures of the deep.

Columbus’ early identity was shaped in part by substantial numbers of German immigrants who arrived in the early 1800s, and German Village, the neighborhood where many of them settled, receives due recognition as a place charged with preserving American history. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a federally designated “Preserve America Community.”

The original character of the neighborhood has only been enhanced by the restoration and preservation work of recent decades: distinctive red brick buildings, traditional German restaurants, and Victorian inns of the charming “Queen Anne” style line the tree-shaded streets. Locals and visitors relax in the public gardens and—when the weather permits—ride along the well maintained bike paths.

Many people might say the greatest cultural experience you can have in German Village is a visit to Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus (as seen on the Food Network and the Travel Channel). If you can’t do justice to the famous German Autobahn Buffet, go “light” with some Bavarian cabbage rolls, a Schnitzel platter, or one of the signature Jumbo Cream Puffs.

Photo Credit: German Village, Columbus, Ohio (Wikipedia)

All-Inclusive Mega-Resorts of Puerto Vallarta

Self-contained, luxurious, and ever-evolving, the all-inclusive properties in Puerto Vallarta are a vacationer’s dream. From boutique luxury properties to family-friendly beach playgrounds, they offer a variety of experiences at great rates—and just a short flight from many major U.S. cities.

For destination weddings and splurge reunions, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is a favorite. It’s one of the most beautiful properties in the Dreams chain—all gleaming white, Mediterranean style, set against the most naturally beautiful backdrop there is, a deep blue sea. It’s also one of the resort brands that are equipped to cater to families while still giving honeymooners and business travelers its trademarked Unlimited Luxury experience. One tip: If you’re looking for luxe digs, make sure and get a room in the preferred tower, which is the latest addition to the property and has bigger, more modern rooms than the old tower.

The golf courses of Puerto Vallarta only rose to worldwide prominence in 2002, but many of them have become regular tournament and special event sites. Designed around the sandy, hilly terrain and situated to take advantage of beautiful Banderas Bay or other ocean vistas, these courses offer challenging play and gorgeous scenery—plus tropical weather and lush greenery (that’s tended in a sustainable manner, using all recycled water).

Before their development, much of the land in this area was jungle and marsh, with all kinds of wildlife flourishing, and loath to be disturbed. Flamingos Club de Golf is one development that decided not to move the native species any more than absolutely necessary. Thus, the prolific wildlife that make their home around the course remain one of its main draws today, more than 30 years after its opening. A recent three million dollar renovation ensured that this oldtimer remains a favorite among visiting golfers and local event planners alike.

Historically developed in isolation, the Galapagos Islands avoided attention from most humans except the Darwins of the world… scientists and students who came to study. Its thriving ecosystem has now become a world-renowned tourist draw—but one that must be strictly regulated. And as in many places, the issue has become one of regulating the traffic enough to protect the environment, while still allowing people to see the area and become passionate about it, thereby sustaining it economically.

In the past, Galapagos National Park regulated that guests could only visit on boats and ships. Park authorities also regulated where the boats could go… and what size boats could go to which islands. This is all still in place: if you’re in a boat over 140 people you can’t go to some of the smaller islands. Ninety percent of Galapagos—the islands and the water—is considered Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. However, the cap on daily land visitors coming off the live-aboard boats has increased, and land-based tourism is also becoming a viable option. There are some settlements and smaller towns, populated by park employees, fishermen, coffee plantation workers, and a few hospitality workers. Do the right thing by Galapagos and yourself, though, and make sure you’re staying at a permitted place like Finch Bay Eco-Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. This is an excellent home base for a brief land-based visit because it’s on the same island as the famous Charles Darwin Research Center, where you’ll see Galapagos’ legendary giant tortoises.

One of the most exciting developments to hit Oahu in a decade, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, represents a new chapter in Hawaii’s tourism evolution. Sure, this South Pacific paradise has seen plenty of big resorts… and luxury resorts… and big brands. But thus far it’s resisted an actual theme park.

Indeed, Aulani is not a theme park, or even a theme hotel. It is Disney’s dedicated, no-expenses-spared attempt to distill the essence of Hawaii into its purest form… and then stage it in one luxurious family-friendly setting, on a cache of land that was once reserved for royalty. Sprinkle a dash of Mickey magic around the entire 21-acre property, and you’ve got a recipe for amazement.

Joe Rohde, the senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering who is helming this project, is no stranger to creating major-scale magic. His previous project was Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the development of which took several years and garnered its own Discovery Channel series. Rohde has great things in the works at the Aulani, including a water playground with hidden springs and waterslides carved into rock; an 18,000 square foot spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy center; and the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon and more intense “Contact Pond” where a limited number of guests will be able to interact with manta rays and other majestic creatures of the deep.

Columbus’ early identity was shaped in part by substantial numbers of German immigrants who arrived in the early 1800s, and German Village, the neighborhood where many of them settled, receives due recognition as a place charged with preserving American history. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a federally designated “Preserve America Community.”

The original character of the neighborhood has only been enhanced by the restoration and preservation work of recent decades: distinctive red brick buildings, traditional German restaurants, and Victorian inns of the charming “Queen Anne” style line the tree-shaded streets. Locals and visitors relax in the public gardens and—when the weather permits—ride along the well maintained bike paths.

Many people might say the greatest cultural experience you can have in German Village is a visit to Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus (as seen on the Food Network and the Travel Channel). If you can’t do justice to the famous German Autobahn Buffet, go “light” with some Bavarian cabbage rolls, a Schnitzel platter, or one of the signature Jumbo Cream Puffs.

Photo Credit: German Village, Columbus, Ohio (Wikipedia)

Golf Puerto Vallarta

The golf courses of Puerto Vallarta only rose to worldwide prominence in 2002, but many of them have become regular tournament and special event sites. Designed around the sandy, hilly terrain and situated to take advantage of beautiful Banderas Bay or other ocean vistas, these courses offer challenging play and gorgeous scenery—plus tropical weather and lush greenery (that’s tended in a sustainable manner, using all recycled water).

Before their development, much of the land in this area was jungle and marsh, with all kinds of wildlife flourishing, and loath to be disturbed. Flamingos Club de Golf is one development that decided not to move the native species any more than absolutely necessary. Thus, the prolific wildlife that make their home around the course remain one of its main draws today, more than 30 years after its opening. A recent three million dollar renovation ensured that this oldtimer remains a favorite among visiting golfers and local event planners alike.

Historically developed in isolation, the Galapagos Islands avoided attention from most humans except the Darwins of the world… scientists and students who came to study. Its thriving ecosystem has now become a world-renowned tourist draw—but one that must be strictly regulated. And as in many places, the issue has become one of regulating the traffic enough to protect the environment, while still allowing people to see the area and become passionate about it, thereby sustaining it economically.

In the past, Galapagos National Park regulated that guests could only visit on boats and ships. Park authorities also regulated where the boats could go… and what size boats could go to which islands. This is all still in place: if you’re in a boat over 140 people you can’t go to some of the smaller islands. Ninety percent of Galapagos—the islands and the water—is considered Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. However, the cap on daily land visitors coming off the live-aboard boats has increased, and land-based tourism is also becoming a viable option. There are some settlements and smaller towns, populated by park employees, fishermen, coffee plantation workers, and a few hospitality workers. Do the right thing by Galapagos and yourself, though, and make sure you’re staying at a permitted place like Finch Bay Eco-Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. This is an excellent home base for a brief land-based visit because it’s on the same island as the famous Charles Darwin Research Center, where you’ll see Galapagos’ legendary giant tortoises.

One of the most exciting developments to hit Oahu in a decade, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, represents a new chapter in Hawaii’s tourism evolution. Sure, this South Pacific paradise has seen plenty of big resorts… and luxury resorts… and big brands. But thus far it’s resisted an actual theme park.

Indeed, Aulani is not a theme park, or even a theme hotel. It is Disney’s dedicated, no-expenses-spared attempt to distill the essence of Hawaii into its purest form… and then stage it in one luxurious family-friendly setting, on a cache of land that was once reserved for royalty. Sprinkle a dash of Mickey magic around the entire 21-acre property, and you’ve got a recipe for amazement.

Joe Rohde, the senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering who is helming this project, is no stranger to creating major-scale magic. His previous project was Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the development of which took several years and garnered its own Discovery Channel series. Rohde has great things in the works at the Aulani, including a water playground with hidden springs and waterslides carved into rock; an 18,000 square foot spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy center; and the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon and more intense “Contact Pond” where a limited number of guests will be able to interact with manta rays and other majestic creatures of the deep.

Columbus’ early identity was shaped in part by substantial numbers of German immigrants who arrived in the early 1800s, and German Village, the neighborhood where many of them settled, receives due recognition as a place charged with preserving American history. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a federally designated “Preserve America Community.”

The original character of the neighborhood has only been enhanced by the restoration and preservation work of recent decades: distinctive red brick buildings, traditional German restaurants, and Victorian inns of the charming “Queen Anne” style line the tree-shaded streets. Locals and visitors relax in the public gardens and—when the weather permits—ride along the well maintained bike paths.

Many people might say the greatest cultural experience you can have in German Village is a visit to Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus (as seen on the Food Network and the Travel Channel). If you can’t do justice to the famous German Autobahn Buffet, go “light” with some Bavarian cabbage rolls, a Schnitzel platter, or one of the signature Jumbo Cream Puffs.

Photo Credit: German Village, Columbus, Ohio (Wikipedia)

Travel Responsibly in Galapagos

Historically developed in isolation, the Galapagos Islands avoided attention from most humans except the Darwins of the world… scientists and students who came to study. Its thriving ecosystem has now become a world-renowned tourist draw—but one that must be strictly regulated. And as in many places, the issue has become one of regulating the traffic enough to protect the environment, while still allowing people to see the area and become passionate about it, thereby sustaining it economically.

In the past, Galapagos National Park regulated that guests could only visit on boats and ships. Park authorities also regulated where the boats could go… and what size boats could go to which islands. This is all still in place: if you’re in a boat over 140 people you can’t go to some of the smaller islands. Ninety percent of Galapagos—the islands and the water—is considered Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. However, the cap on daily land visitors coming off the live-aboard boats has increased, and land-based tourism is also becoming a viable option. There are some settlements and smaller towns, populated by park employees, fishermen, coffee plantation workers, and a few hospitality workers. Do the right thing by Galapagos and yourself, though, and make sure you’re staying at a permitted place like Finch Bay Eco-Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. This is an excellent home base for a brief land-based visit because it’s on the same island as the famous Charles Darwin Research Center, where you’ll see Galapagos’ legendary giant tortoises.

One of the most exciting developments to hit Oahu in a decade, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, represents a new chapter in Hawaii’s tourism evolution. Sure, this South Pacific paradise has seen plenty of big resorts… and luxury resorts… and big brands. But thus far it’s resisted an actual theme park.

Indeed, Aulani is not a theme park, or even a theme hotel. It is Disney’s dedicated, no-expenses-spared attempt to distill the essence of Hawaii into its purest form… and then stage it in one luxurious family-friendly setting, on a cache of land that was once reserved for royalty. Sprinkle a dash of Mickey magic around the entire 21-acre property, and you’ve got a recipe for amazement.

Joe Rohde, the senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering who is helming this project, is no stranger to creating major-scale magic. His previous project was Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the development of which took several years and garnered its own Discovery Channel series. Rohde has great things in the works at the Aulani, including a water playground with hidden springs and waterslides carved into rock; an 18,000 square foot spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy center; and the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon and more intense “Contact Pond” where a limited number of guests will be able to interact with manta rays and other majestic creatures of the deep.

Columbus’ early identity was shaped in part by substantial numbers of German immigrants who arrived in the early 1800s, and German Village, the neighborhood where many of them settled, receives due recognition as a place charged with preserving American history. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a federally designated “Preserve America Community.”

The original character of the neighborhood has only been enhanced by the restoration and preservation work of recent decades: distinctive red brick buildings, traditional German restaurants, and Victorian inns of the charming “Queen Anne” style line the tree-shaded streets. Locals and visitors relax in the public gardens and—when the weather permits—ride along the well maintained bike paths.

Many people might say the greatest cultural experience you can have in German Village is a visit to Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus (as seen on the Food Network and the Travel Channel). If you can’t do justice to the famous German Autobahn Buffet, go “light” with some Bavarian cabbage rolls, a Schnitzel platter, or one of the signature Jumbo Cream Puffs.

Photo Credit: German Village, Columbus, Ohio (Wikipedia)

Get Ready for Aulani

One of the most exciting developments to hit Oahu in a decade, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, represents a new chapter in Hawaii’s tourism evolution. Sure, this South Pacific paradise has seen plenty of big resorts… and luxury resorts… and big brands. But thus far it’s resisted an actual theme park.

Indeed, Aulani is not a theme park, or even a theme hotel. It is Disney’s dedicated, no-expenses-spared attempt to distill the essence of Hawaii into its purest form… and then stage it in one luxurious family-friendly setting, on a cache of land that was once reserved for royalty. Sprinkle a dash of Mickey magic around the entire 21-acre property, and you’ve got a recipe for amazement.

Joe Rohde, the senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering who is helming this project, is no stranger to creating major-scale magic. His previous project was Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the development of which took several years and garnered its own Discovery Channel series. Rohde has great things in the works at the Aulani, including a water playground with hidden springs and waterslides carved into rock; an 18,000 square foot spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy center; and the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon and more intense “Contact Pond” where a limited number of guests will be able to interact with manta rays and other majestic creatures of the deep.

Columbus’ early identity was shaped in part by substantial numbers of German immigrants who arrived in the early 1800s, and German Village, the neighborhood where many of them settled, receives due recognition as a place charged with preserving American history. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a federally designated “Preserve America Community.”

The original character of the neighborhood has only been enhanced by the restoration and preservation work of recent decades: distinctive red brick buildings, traditional German restaurants, and Victorian inns of the charming “Queen Anne” style line the tree-shaded streets. Locals and visitors relax in the public gardens and—when the weather permits—ride along the well maintained bike paths.

Many people might say the greatest cultural experience you can have in German Village is a visit to Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus (as seen on the Food Network and the Travel Channel). If you can’t do justice to the famous German Autobahn Buffet, go “light” with some Bavarian cabbage rolls, a Schnitzel platter, or one of the signature Jumbo Cream Puffs.

Photo Credit: German Village, Columbus, Ohio (Wikipedia)

German Heritage in Columbus

Columbus’ early identity was shaped in part by substantial numbers of German immigrants who arrived in the early 1800s, and German Village, the neighborhood where many of them settled, receives due recognition as a place charged with preserving American history. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a federally designated “Preserve America Community.”

The original character of the neighborhood has only been enhanced by the restoration and preservation work of recent decades: distinctive red brick buildings, traditional German restaurants, and Victorian inns of the charming “Queen Anne” style line the tree-shaded streets. Locals and visitors relax in the public gardens and—when the weather permits—ride along the well maintained bike paths.

Many people might say the greatest cultural experience you can have in German Village is a visit to Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus (as seen on the Food Network and the Travel Channel). If you can’t do justice to the famous German Autobahn Buffet, go “light” with some Bavarian cabbage rolls, a Schnitzel platter, or one of the signature Jumbo Cream Puffs.

Photo Credit: German Village, Columbus, Ohio (Wikipedia)