Places | Las Travel Blogueras

Tudal Winery: My favorite in Napa Valley

November 7, 2015 by Amanda T. Filed Under: Amanda, English, Places

As I was planning my trip to Napa Valley, I was blown away by all the options and possibilities when researching wineries and vineyards…especially when it came to the boutique variety. We decided to join Platypus Tours to help make these decisions for us and I’m happy to report that they over-delivered when they took us to the Tudal Winery.

While the bigger name labels and show-like atmospheres can sometimes draw you in, the real treasures of Napa lie in the lesser known places hidden in the valley. These are the kind of places that will steal your heart…just like the Tudal Winery stole mine!

So to find the Tudal Family Winery, we had to venture off the beaten path just past the town of St. Helena, right off Highway 29. Tucked away on the most charming dirt road, you really feel like you are visiting someone’s farm house instead of arriving at a vineyard. Apart from their modern amenities and winemaking technologies, this property is like a little time capsule that is layered with interesting stories and hidden treasures. I had the pleasure of speaking with John Tudal, who let me tag along as he fed his chickens (pictured above) and then shared with me the amazing nostalgia that this property has for him. He has painstakingly managed to keep the property as his father and grandfather kept it (still using some of their same vines!) even restoring their old tractor shed and turning it into a barrel room and tasting facility. He also proudly displays their antique tractors on the property which ads to the charm.

The @tudalwinery is such a unique and amazing experience! Our favorite stop of the trip, thanks to @platypuswinetours!
A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 16, 2015 at 1:22pm PDT

My favorite part of the property was the gorgeous vegetable garden where the outdoor tastings are held and were our tour enjoyed a light lunch from Platypus Tours. I have quite a keen appreciation for “junk” so I loved wandering around and seeing all the displays of old empty bottles of wine and oak barrels.

As much as I loved the grounds, I can also say I love their wines. Here are those that are considered the most notable at Tudal Winery:

2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2009 Clift Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2010 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
2009 Napa-Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Between the charming grounds, the charming stuff, and the charmingly delicious wines, our experience at Tudal Winery is what most tempts me back to visit the Napa Valley. Attending their Annual Harvest Party officially has a spot on my bucket list and I intend to continue buying wines from them for years to come!

Best Western Plus The Tuscan: Hotel Review

October 21, 2015 by Amanda T. Filed Under: Amanda, Places

Best Western Plus The Tuscan: Hotel Review

Looking for the perfect spot for you and your family to stay when you are exploring the great city of San Francisco? We found one at the Best Western Plus The Tuscan! During our recent trip to California, we were looking for a centrally located hotel that would keep us right in the middle of all of the action for the best of San Fran attractions. We were just passing through on our way to our anniversary trip in Napa Valley, so we wanted a place that was centrally located so we could use our limited time in the best way possible but that also had a nice, boutique vibe…which is how we found the Best Western Plus The Tuscan.

The Best Western Plus The Tuscan was perfectly situated near the Fisherman’s Wharf, just a few blocks away from the bay and all the major tourist attractions. While I assumed this area would only be filled with low-end hotels/motels and over-priced standard accommodations, I was pleasantly surprised by the reviews of this BW! To me this was the best of both worlds, being able to say in almost a boutique-style hotel while enjoying the close proximity to everything we wanted to see in the city.

Keep in mind, however, that anywhere you stay will most likely be a solid 20-30 minutes from the SFO airport. Be prepared to take a shuttle to your hotel because a cab ride could exceed $50. You should contact the hotel so they can help you set up travel arrangements, as there are several companies who offer group-cab type transportation to help cut down on the cost.

You would have never know that this was a metro hotel, I was so very surprised with how spacious everything was! The room was bright and welcoming and the bed was spectacular! This is always a huge plus when looking for a place to stay while on vacation..especially with all of the walking that is required on the streets of San Fran, our room was the perfect place to rest our feet and recharge for the next adventure!

Depending on the timing of your trip, you can get a really good deal on this hotel! We traveled during high season, so the cost was around $250 per night which was a great rate for the area during that busy weekend. From what we saw, this Best Western tends to offer one of the better rates in this uber-popular part of town.

The only additional fee to be careful about is the parking. They only offer valet parking which is around $50/night, however you can get a discount if you show your AAA card. Honestly, unless San Fran is a stop in your road trip, I would avoid renting a car during your stay and stick to public transportation…in the end it will help you save a few bucks!

The service at the Best Western The Tuscan was awesome! Even though they were having a busy weekend, everyone was very friendly and helpful during our stay! From the front desk to the service, everyone went above and beyond to make sure our stay was enjoyable. You definitely feel like you are staying in a smaller boutique with the personal details!

But really, what is better service then providing your guests with nightly happy hours with free servings of wine? It created the most friendly environment and it was so cool to see the guests congregating in the lobby, chatting it up and interacting with all the hotel staff.

I would place the Best Western The Tuscan somewhere in the middle here. While the location makes this the perfect hotel for the family, it didn’t seem too over-the-top focused on families. As a young couple, sometimes we feel too uncomfortable if we are the odd-ones-out without kids, but the hotel really had a solid mix of all types of travelers…even the four-legged kind! This Best Western is pet-friendly and has fun little amenities (like water bowls, doggie treats) around the property. So, if you are like me and consider your puppy as part of your family, then give them another point for being Furry Family Friendly!

I’ve already mentioned several of the little “secrets” that really aren’t that secret! The happy hour is just such a fun treat that you rarely see at any hotels anymore, who knew a free glass of wine could to do much?!

Since our stay, I’ve been keeping up with the Best Western Plus The Tuscan via their Facebook page which features lovely photos from the city as well as hotel offers and special event information. So tempting to just hop on the plane and visit them again!

San Francisco Vacation for Young Couples

October 19, 2015 by Amanda T. Filed Under: Amanda, Places

San Francisco Vacation for Young Couples

No surprise here! San Francisco, with its hip neighborhoods and exciting nightlife, makes for a great destination for young couples looking to get away and see something new. While there are certain parts of San Francisco that are over-the-top touristy, there are still plenty of authentic experiences that even the pickiest of travelers would appreciate. Earlier this month, I set out to plan the ideal San Fran getaway for my partner and I that would balance both the hip parts of the city, without missing out on the classic must-see attractions of the area.

Surprisingly enough, airfare to SFO has always been pretty affordable every time I’ve looked at flights. The key is planning in advance, where you can enjoy the lowest rates around 3 months before. When I’m thinking about traveling, I always set a price alert on Kayak.com so I can catch the cheapest flights whenever they become available.

Depending on where you stay in San Francisco, I would recommend for or against a rental car. The SFO airport is quite a distance from the city, so the cab/shuttle cost can get up to $50 per person…which could end up being more expensive than a rental car, depending on how many days you are in town. However, if you are staying in the city center, beware that most hotels charge $30-$80 a night to park your car…so it really all about asking questions and doing the math to see which option will be the best for you.

On this trip, we planned to drive up to Napa after our stay in San Francisco – so we did get a car. We were lucky enough to get paired up with the Mitsubishi Mirage with was a perfect fit for the winding roads of San Francisco.

A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 13, 2015 at 3:49pm PDT

This is definitely a great city-dweller car and we fit in like locals driving around in our bright blue Mirage. The compact size made street parking a breeze, but we had more than enough space for the two of us plus all of our luggage. Sticking to the hippie vibe of San Fran, the Mirage is the highest ranked non-hybrid vehicle on the prestigious “Greenest Vehicles” List! During a previous trip to San Francisco, I stayed in the Union Square area as I felt like it was the better fit for our “young couple” tastes and that it was closer to more “hip” restaurants and things to do. However, during this trip, I decided to keep us closer to all the action of San Fran and we stayed right in the Fisherman’s Wharf area at the Best Western Plus, The Tuscan. This was a fantastic choice and now I definitely understand the perks of staying closer to the bay! This Best Western, specifically, was a real treat! Apart from the fantastic location (we walked about 4 minutes to the Pier for our Alcatraz tour…more on that below), this hotel had such a great vibe and was a breath of fresh air after arriving from the airport. Our timing couldn’t have been better, as the front desk explained to us, because the evening Wine Happy Hour was just beginning. Como? Que? What? A hotel with a free happy hour just BECAUSE? That is exactly what happened and it was just what we needed. Check out our complete review HERE.

Loving our stay at the #BestWestern in #sanfrancisco! They have a daily wine hour, with free copas…awesome detalle!! ??? A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 13, 2015 at 9:52am PDT

While this location was perfect, you should know that not all Fisherman’s Wharf hotels are created equal. This Best Western is ranked in TripAdvisor’s Top 20, offers free Wi-Fi and complimentary morning coffee, tea and hot chocolate. I also loved that they are pet-friendly..sure wish my little puppy could have made the trip, she would have loved it there!

As an active young couple, there is so much to see and do in this city! I say active, because they really aren’t kidding with their hills and steep inclines in San Fran! While I was tempted to step out in my stylish heels or funky flats, I remembered my last experience of running around the city to see Everything In One Day and I totally learned my lesson! Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather, which will most likely get chilly after the sun goes down…so save your cute and uncomfortable stylish outfits for another trip!

While you might expect that I recommend a romantic dinner with your honey, I decided to mix things up for our date night in the city and booked us on the night tour of Alcatraz! Que romantico, verdad? Well, actually, this evening tour makes for an intimate and educational excursion for you and your partner. The ferry leaves right before the sun goes down, making for some amazing views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Capturing that #sanfrancisco skyline ?
A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 13, 2015 at 8:57am PDT

Once you arrive, be prepared to do plenty of walking at a pretty steady incline…so again, wear comfortable shoes! The tour is very interesting and the darkness gives the experience another layer of eeriness! You will definitely want to cuddle up with your love on the ferry ride back…enjoying your freedom together as you make your way back to civilization!

I hope we can escape!! Loving the view @alcatrazcruises! #Alcatraz #alcatrazcruises #onlyinsf A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:43pm PDT

Important tip: Make sure you book your tours in advance, especially if you want to join the night tour which seems to be one of the first ones that are sold out!

There really are endless activities for Young Couples and its hard to decide just exactly what you want to do in your limited time. A great way to be able to see a little bit of everything is to buy the CityPass or the GoCard. These both serve almost as “tour guides” for you since they include the entrances to the top attractions in the city…doing some of the research for you! I especially liked the CityPass since it included the cost of public transportation so it was our “ticket” to ride the trollies around the city and saved us some time on walking everywhere!

The best way to see all that #sanfrancisco has to offer! The #CityPass and #GoCard!
A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:16pm PDT

For more tips on what to do when you visit San Francisco, visit our blog post where we experienced the city in ONE DAY! Also, if you have any recommendations for young couples visiting the city, please let us know in the comment section below.

Napa Valley Vacation for Young Couples

September 27, 2015 by Amanda T. Filed Under: Amanda, English, Places

Napa Valley Vacation for Young Couples

Not all vacations are created equal when you are a young couple looking to enjoy a get away from your crazy schedule. Some destinations are too “family-friendly” aka hundreds of kids running around and ruining your romantic moments, while other “adult-friendly” trips might cater to the needs of couples, yet they are just too out of the budget range for young folks living on a early professional or just-graduated incomes.

Napa Valley has been a trip that was on the top of my must-see list for years, but I always assumed it was a vacation that was way out of my budget and not quite exciting enough to keep my attention. Well, this month, I set out to prove that a young couple can enjoy the Napa Valley area just as much as anyone! While I did get to “cheat” a bit and enjoyed a media rate on several of these excursions, I purposefully chose options that wouldn’t break the bank and made sure to spend money on the moments that would be most memorable.

Flying in to San Francisco was the best flight option from Miami and booking about 3 month in advance gave us the lowest rate. I highly recommend setting a price alert on Kayak.com so that you spot the ideal week to visit. In general, rates are lower during the week (versus during the weekend) in Napa, so keep that in mind when booking!

Love zipping around #Caifornia in this guy! Our #mitsubishi #mirage is the perfect size with great gas mileage! #drivemitsubishi @mitsubishimotors
A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 15, 2015 at 9:14am PDT

The Napa Valley is about 1-2 hours from the San Francisco airport (depending on traffic and where in Napa you are staying), so you should definitely pass on the larger vehicle options when picking out a rental. The Mitsubishi Mirage helped us save a pretty penny on the gas and also helped us navigate the windy roads of the California hillside. The bright blue color sparkled against the green landscapes of the valley and we found that while the Mirage was on the smaller side, it provided ample space for the two of us! The engine also had sufficient “get-up-and-go” to maneuver us up and down the mountainsides – while also keeping our gas consumption to a minimum. Within the Napa Valley, there are endless hotels and inns – each with their own nuances and specialties. Most people think they have to stay right in the city of Napa to enjoy the area and that is just not true. Up the valley, there are several small towns that have just as much to offer as the larger city of Napa. If you are looking to watch your budget, consider a hotel in one of the smaller towns, which tend to offer better rates (especially during off-season) to tempt you away from the city. We stayed in the Mount View Hotel & Spa in Calistoga, which is at the top of the valley. This quaint little town was the perfect get-away we were looking for during our romantic getaway. Main street looks like it comes out of a storybook and the locals are very welcoming to tourists. Definitely check out the town website to check to see if they are hosting a special event like the Harvest Table or Hoe Down.

We never wanted to leave our #winecountry oasis in #Calistoga! @mountviewhotel was a perfect getaway! A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 16, 2015 at 7:49pm PDT

Depending on the type of vacation you are hoping to have, these smaller towns might be the perfect fit or leave you wanting more. Think about it this way, the farther north you go and the farther you get from the city of Napa, the earlier the restaurants close and the fewer bars you will find. If you are looking for late night bar hopping, then downtown Napa or closer to Yountville might be the better fit. However, after a long day of wine tasting, I was perfectly happy to have an early dinner and call it a night!

Obviously, the answer here is wine tasting and tours. However, how you schedule your trip and plan your days can really make or break your experience. Let’s get real here: You are coming to Napa to taste wine! Unfortunately, the best vineyards aren’t all lined up next to each other so you can hop from one to another like you do a bar. So, the smartest and safest option is to join one of the tours or get a driver for the day. Obviously you can save some money if you go with the group tours, but you do have a sacrifice a bit on the personalization – opting for letting your tour guide pick out their favorites or best options for the day.

We saw SO MUCH during our afternoon with @platypuswinetours, I especially appreciated the “bonus stops” so we could jump out and take photos!! A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 16, 2015 at 1:42pm PDT

The group tours were a GREAT option for us since this was our first trip to Napa Valley, so we got to sit back and let someone else do all the scheduling and planning for us. In these group tours, it was also great that they can usually pick you up directly from your hotel and then drop you off there at the end of the day, meaning you can drink to your hearts content and not have to worry about driving yourself! We tried both the Beau Wine Tours and Playtpus Wine Tours based on their amazing views on Trip Advisor/Yelp. You definitely can’t go wrong with either of these tours!

Loving our guided tour with @beauwinetours! Our ride is sweet and the tour guide is awesome! #beauwinetours A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 14, 2015 at 4:06pm PDT

Both of these companies also offer private/charter tour, which I definitely think I will splurge for on our next trip. After taking these two group tours, I feel like I have a better understanding of the area and type of vineyard/winery that is a good fit for me. So keep that in mind, also! If you want to read more specific details about these tour companies, check out our reviews here: Beau Review & Platypus Review.

Napa Valley definitely oozes with romance, especially in the evenings when things cool down a bit and can snuggle up to a fire with a glass of wine. While we were there, we tried to pick a few excursions that would be especially romantic, since its pretty easy to caught up in the “vineyard” hopping that you need to make sure you take a few minutes at the end of the day to enjoy your significant other. We did this by booking the dinner at the Napa Valley Wine Train and also hand-picked a few vineyard that have an extra-special romantic feel.

Our first night in the valley, we joined the dinner trip of the Napa Wine Train! Your journey begins in downtown Napa and the train takes you north through the valley and then back down on the same tracks- in total, it was about a 2-3 hour trip. The dinner trip is very romantic, as the 2nd part of the journey after sunset. While this doesn’t make for the best site-seeing experience, the overall vibe of the train is very classic romance.

Wine and a sunset from the #winetrain ❤️?❤️?❤️
A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 13, 2015 at 8:06pm PDT

If you are looking for a unique way to observe the wine country, go for the lunch tour – if you want to enjoy more of the train and your partner’s company and conversation…then go for the dinner train! Apart from the Wine Train, we found that some of the tastings/tours could also be romantic! We ventured to Del Dotto Vineyard in St. Helena to explore their caves as an interesting alternative to the typical outdoor vineyard tour. The cool and dark caves can definitely make for a romantic environment…as you wander and enjoy their exquisite wines.

Had an amazing experience at the @deldottowine vineyard this morning. The cave tour is a must see!! ?️? A photo posted by Las Travel Blogueras (@travelblogueras) on Sep 15, 2015 at 7:37pm PDT

We were even lucky enough to try some of their 10 point wine! Following the tasting, they fed us some tasty cheese and prosciutto…which topped off the experience perfectly. Would highly recommend this tour to take a break from the outdoor vineyard experience to cool off in the cave with your special someone!

Do you have anything you would recommend for young couples during their Napa vacation? Please let us know in the comment section below!

Last Minute Labor Day Deals: Cancun

August 11, 2015 by Amanda T. Filed Under: Amanda, Places

Last Minute Labor Day Deals: Cancun

Ready to make a quick getaway during the upcoming holiday? The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau announces an array of hotel deals and discounts that visitors can take advantage of during Labor Day weekend. Cancun has been ranked several times as the top Labor Day destination for U.S. travelers by Orbitz, and we hope these deals encourage visitors to celebrate the end of summer in Cancun.

Below is a list of local hotels that are currently offering special deals and Labor Day packages:

The Pyramid at Grand Oasis – Guests staying at this elegant, all-inclusive resort can save up to 57 percent on their Labor Day getaway. The Pyramid at Grand Oasis is perfect for families or couples who want nightly non-stop Cirque du Soleil-style shows, access to exclusive gourmet restaurants, and personalized service. The resort also features the longest pool in all of Cancun and wonderful waterfront bali beds. Rates start at $124.40 per person, per night based on double occupancy. These savings are available starting now through Labor Day.

Grand Oasis Sens– Surrounded by pristine beaches, Grand Oasis Sens sets the stage for the perfect Labor Day escape, where guests can save up to 50% off their vacation. Grand Oasis Sens is ideal for couples or groups of friends who are 21 years of age and older. Some of the best, most unique dining experiences are included for guests, including Benazuza, a molecular gastronomy restaurant by a Ferran Adria-trained Chef; The Black Hole, a dining in the dark sensory experience; and popular White Box Gastrobar. The resort also features plush oceanfront guestrooms, many of them with private plunge pools overlooking the Caribbean. Starting rates at the adults-only Grand Oasis Sens are $92.50 per person, per night based on double occupancy. Guests can book online now and all the way up to Labor Day to get this special deal.

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun – Guests staying at Grand Residences over Labor Day weekend can save up to 25 percentage off their vacation! This Labor Day Weekend promotion is valid on the European Plan or Grand Gourmet All-Inclusive Package. Starting rates for two people start at $218 for a Junior Suite or $284 for a Master Suite for the European Plan, and $320 for a Junior Suite or $432.33 for a Master Suite for the All-Inclusive plan with a four-night minimum length of stay for both plans. The travelwindow begins August 22 and the Stay Longer and Save promotion can be booked by calling Reservations at 1-855-381-4340.

In addition to these great Labor Day deals, visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities while in Cancun. One of the most extraordinary experiences available during this time of the year is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Once in the area, animal-lovers can also enjoy sea turtle nesting season, which lasts from May until December. In addition, art lovers should not miss the opportunity to visit Cancun’s Underwater Museum (MUSA), the biggest underwater museum in the world that features hundreds of statues that double as home for fish and other underwater organisms as a reef.

Cancun Named #1 Mexican Destination for Hindu Weddings

July 5, 2015 by Amanda T. Filed Under: Amanda, Places

Here is an interesting bit of news: Cancun Named #1 Mexican Destination for Hindu Wedding! The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) announced that during the second edition of the South Asian Wedding Certification press conference, Cancun was named the number one tourist destination in Mexico for Hindu weddings by Dream Weddings Mexico, one of the destination’s top wedding planning firms!

I really had no idea that over 350 Hindu ceremonies are performed in Cancun every year. In an effort to cater to this segment, Cancun is investing in wedding certification programs to offer local experts in Hindu weddings. Cancun certification programs will take place July 14, 15 and 16 at Live Aqua Cancun Hotel & Resort.

Brenda Fernandez, CEO of Dream Weddings Mexico and the only India-certified Mexican wedding planner for Hindu Weddings, announced that in the last four years Cancun has become a favorite wedding destination for Hindus living in the U.S. and Canada. This increase in popularity is mostly due to the destination’s beautiful beaches, renowned service, modern hotel offerings, and its broad international flight connections.

According to Fernandez, with the number of certified specialized wedding planners in the Mexican Caribbean increasing yearly, the number of Hindu ceremonies in Cancun is expected to increase 30 percent in the coming years.

“This segment has grown rapidly in the last four or five years, thanks to couples’ interest in Cancun as an exotic destination that fulfills all their expectations, and hotel brands’ increasing investment in the destination weddings market,” mentioned Fernandez.

Live Aqua is answering the increasing demand for these weddings and is in the process of training their staff to attract this wedding niche that can generate between 100 – 700 guests per wedding with an average stay between five and 15 days, and a total cost of $150,000 – $500,000 per event.

The three-day South Asian Wedding Certification Program will host 50 wedding planners in Cancun to prepare them to organize Hindu wedding ceremonies, a training that is being supported by the Indian embassy’s Cultural Center and includes topics such as culture, ceremonies, cuisine, floral design, religion, dress, music, decoration, and more.

Wish we were at… Grenada!

February 17, 2015 by Andrea Filed Under: Andrea, English, Places

Best Caribbean destination: Grenada.

From the Huffington Post.

Grenada is an island country in the Caribbean Sea — its main landmass is also known as “The Spice Island,” and sometimes there’s even a smell of nutmeg in the air.According to a recent KAYAK study, Grenada is also the top trending beach destination in the world.

The best time to head to Grenada is from literally right now until May. It’s currently dry season on the island, which might mean a few more tourists. But then again, you’ve got more than 40 beaches to choose from, with both black and white sand.

Which one is your favorite beach?

10 Things to do in Miami for Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2015 by Andrea Filed Under: Andrea, English, Places

Keep it casual with a the largest South Florida art street festival, or make it classy with a fancy dinner at Turnberry Isle. This Valentine’s, grab your significant other, or a bunch of your significant friends, and celebrate chocolate, friendship and love around our favorite city: Miami.

Get Artsy at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival

What began in 1963 as an intimate “clothes line” art show featuring a handful of artists and a few thousand onlookers as part of a promotion for the Coconut Grove Playhouse’s production of Irma la Douce has transformed itself into South Florida’s most successful arts festival. Today, the event attracts an estimated 120,000 people to the winding streets of Coconut Grove during President’s Day weekend.

2. For Her: Into The Woods

DreamCatcher Theatre’s beautiful new production of INTO THE WOODS takes place in the fairytale kingdom of the Brothers Grimm where, once upon a time, a baker (J.J. Caruncho) and his wife (Arielle Jacobs) were sent on a quest into the woods by a mysterious witch (Tituss Burgess). Thrust into a world of magic and adventure, they find their story intertwined with a group of legendary characters including Cinderella (Annemarie Rosano), Little Red Riding Hood (Magan Dee Yantko), and a certain young man named Jack (Bruno Vida) who has some very magical beans.

3. For Him: Sex and The Animals

Zoo Miami’s Good Will Ambassador Ron Magill will present his critically acclaimed, outrageously funny and incredibly popular program, “Sex & the Animals” in Zoo Miami’s Sami Family Amphitheater. The show will begin at 8:30 p.m., preceded at 7:30 with a wine and cheese reception for general admission ticket holders, or a full catered romantic dinner if you choose the Premium package. Tickets are $35 per person and $30 for Zoo members, which includes the reception. A limited number of Premium packages are available that include a full dinner and dessert bar as well as beer, wine and soft drinks.

For the Fancy Pants: Turnberry Isle Miami

Treat your special someone to an enticing dinner celebration this Valentine’s Day at Turnberry Isle Miami. Bourbon Steak, a Michael Mina restaurant, will offer a contemporary three-course prix fixe dinner, including a take-home gift, a rose for each lady and a complimentary photo booth, for $135 per person, plus tax and service charge. Look at the delicious menu here.

For Cool Groups (friends, girlfriends, recent daters, all the above): The Butchershop

Yes, it really is all of the things in its name with certified prime Angus, hormone-free organic chicken and house-made sausages. You can take it home to cook or have the kitchen take on those duties. The beer garden features an outdoor bar and picnic tables for drinking and eating.

Get Scared: The Flying Trapeze School

If you needed proof he really loved you or she would actually have your back, take a dare and head over to Bayfront Park. We don’t recommend going after a lavish lunch or even a smoothie for breakfast, though. Apparently all the reviewers on Yelp raved about it and could only describe it as “I felt so amazing.” Why in the world you would pay someone to throw you from a really high place is beyond our understanding, but hey, it sounds cool and it’s different. And it makes for great conversation for Mondays. Go. Tell us later.

7. For the Romantic: Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In

Movies under the stars are an American tradition that Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In continues, but it’s changed up the experience a bit. Instead of a huge open field, the drive-in is right in the city and accommodates up to 18 cars per showing, creating cozy outdoor movie watching. Check out the Valentine’s Day specials and buy tickets here.

5 American Cities You Should Visit

February 9, 2015 by Andrea Filed Under: Andrea, English, Places

Via: http://www.vectordiary.com/freebies/15-best-american-flag-vectors/

With tons of exciting and exotic getaways, we wanted to also feature some great vacations and places to see, right here in the US. We loved the Huffington Post Travel recommendation for their top 5 American cities you should visit in 2015, so we decided to share it with you today!

Portland, Oregon, is a heaven for Foodies.
San Antonio is the new Austin!
Raleigh is full of Southern Charm.
Albuquerque if you are a Breaking Bad fan.
Denver, because it’s “just plain awesome.”

Have you been to any of the cities on the list?

Where to go naked

February 8, 2015 by Andrea Filed Under: Andrea, English, Places

Via: Yahoo Travel. Where to go Naked!

We saw a lot of benefit to Yahoo Travel’s Top 10 Spots recos for where to go naked. For starters, no stressing out about packing, coordinating outfits, or worrying about getting anything wrinkled.

As it turns out, all you might need is some yourself and some extra SPF. We are bashful Latinas so we are not sure we ran to out notepads to add any of these destinations for our 2015 wanderings. However, it was a great, fun read and it definitively motivates us to get to the gym today.