Destinations Diva

     Universal Orlando is a complete vacation destination located in Orlando, Florida and only 10 minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World.  It is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for family travel.  With two theme parks, a water park, four onsite hotels and a dining/entertainment complex, convention space and more expansion in the works, guests have no reason to leave!  The past few years have seen tremendous changes at the Universal complex, mostly due to the popularity of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.   Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the newest onsite hotel in the value category with perks like complimentary transportation to the parks and Early Park Admission.  The newest restaurant at Universal CityWalk, the onsite entertainment complex, is NBC Grill and Brew, a sports bar with much more! And we must not forget the recently opened Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World o...

I routinely find myself traveling down a very familiar stretch of I-10 in Louisiana between Baton Rouge and Lafayette.  I like to call it the "Cajun Stretch" of Louisiana highway.  Along this well traveled roadway are places and towns so unique they are unmatched anywhere in the world.  Crossing the Atchafalaya Basin bridge has a magical beauty.  When crossing it, I imagine the Louisiana wildlife living there, but hiding from my view, alligators, turtles, Louisiana black bears, egrets and more.  The Atchafalaya Welcome Center on I-10 at the Butte La Rose exit is no  ordinary rest area.  You are welcomed by the staff to try a sample of Louisiana coffee while you peruse the tourism materials and get advice on local travel.  You can even shop for gifts and watch a fantastic movie based on the Atchafalaya Basin. Small towns you'll pass on this stretch are Breaux Bridge, Cecelia and Henderson where you can do a swamp tour and dance during breakfast ...

Just outside Lafayette, Louisiana is the quaint town of Scott.  The town  hosts antique shops, the Scott Historical Society, coffee shops, and such.  However, Scott is quickly becoming famous for one main attraction--boudin. Boudin (boo-dahn', non-Cajuns often misspell it as boudain) is a "sausage" filled with a spicy combination of rice and pork (and sometimes alligator or crawfish).  Boudin can be found in the traditional link style and is usually prepared by steaming the links.  Other versions of the popular Cajun delicacy are smoked boudin links or boudin balls.  In April, Scott hosts the Scott International Boudin Festival which is quickly growing in popularity on the festival scene in Louisiana.  The festival features live music, arts and crafts, and a sumptuous line-up of edible Louisiana creations.   Scott became the boudin capital of the world when "boudin shops" sprang up around town.  A couple of boudin places have been in Sc...

I recently had the opportunity to accompany my husband on a business trip to the capitol of Arkansas, Little Rock.  The pity of it all was that is was only for one night, but I was able to squeeze in a few activities and sight seeing while there. We had stayed in downtown Little Rock once before for an LSU/Arkansas football game.  At that time we stayed at the downtown Marriott Courtyard hotel which was very nice with a gallery of local art on display.  On this trip, I was very excited to learn we were staying at the Capital!  This is the most historic hotel in the city and probably in the state.  The Capital sets the tone for the revitalized downtown area.  The multiple story lobby is anchored by dozens of Greek revival columns.  A grand staircase flanks the south end of the Lobby across from the entrance.  We were greeted by name and were taken to our Superior Queen Room which had two beds with luxurious bedding and fluffy pillows. ...

My husband and I recently had the opportunity to spend some time in the port city of Galveston, Texas.  He was traveling there for a convention (who knew there was a convention center in Galveston?).  Nevertheless, we headed out to the big state of Texas from Louisiana.  On the great advice of a friend, instead of going through Houston, we headed south at Beaumont for the scenic drive past coastal neighborhoods to Port Bolivar to catch the free Galveston Island Ferry.   Be sure to notice the picturesque Port Bolivar lighthouse on your right. Port Bolivar Galveston Island Ferry This ferry service departs every 30 minutes but during the summer it departs every 15 minutes.  If you're traveling during the busy summer season or weekends, plan to leave early to avoid a wait time that can extend past 2 hours.  This 20 minute ride is just what you need to put you in the relaxed mood of Galveston Island.  Head upstairs on the ferry to the viewing ...

Second Bar A gem on the landscape of the great state of Texas is Austin.  This city has a great geographical position being close to other tourist destinations such as San Antonio, New Braunfels, Houston and the Texas Hill Country.  It is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country, but still has the feel of a small town.  The bohemian arts element of Austin proudly boasts, "Keep Austin Weird." Charcuterie Block Beer Menu If you get the chance to stay in downtown Austin, you might just think you've landed in downtown Chicago or even the French Quarter.  The Sixth Street entertainment district is home of some of the best music venues and restaurants in the country.  If you're looking for live music, you're in the right place.  Stubbs BBQ, known for their smoked meats and amazing sauce is also a music venue which has hosted such artists as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Robert Cray, George Tho...