Travel Writing Adventures
  • Home
  • About
  • Highlights
  • Articles
  • Photography
    • Photo Blog
  • Videos
  • Get Featured!
  • STORE
  • Submit
  • Publishers
  • Contact
  • Travel Writing Partners
  • TWPartners Blog
  • Advertising

Island Devastation Affects our Own Elvis Stedman

10/10/2017

Comments

 
Picture
Tour Guide, Elvis Stedman
I'm writing this on behalf of Elvis Stedman, a contributor to this publication and one of the many people who's normal life, and livihood, has been stripped away by Hurricane Maria.

Elvis is a tour operator who's dedicated to helping scientists and nature lovers discover the beautiful natural wonders of Dominca, the most beautiful of the Caribbean islands, and the first to have been hit by the devastating 160 mph winds of Maria.
The final loss of life hasn't been determined... as of the last time I talked to Elvis, he, and his grandparents, had survived the storm, though they were left with just the clothes they were wearing when the storm hit and several family members were "lost" ...though I am unclear as to whether that just means they have not been located.

But while Elvis is alive and OK, just a few scratches, the island is not. There has been a complete loss of communication to most of the island, there is no food or water, and public and government buildings have been damaged as badly as private homes, so there is literally no place for many to shelter at all.

Dominca is considered a paradise for ecotourists... the pristine waterfalls, rain forests, diving and hiking opportunities are matched only by the diverse flora and fauna... which has been Elvis's life. With a background in biology and botany, Elvis is a naturalist who has guided university students and scientists, as well as just regular folk, like you and I, around his island home. ​
But that is over for now. A CNN crew who flew over Dominica reported: “Nearly every tree was touched – thousands snapped and strewn across the landscape – and the island was stripped of vegetation. The rainforests appear to have vanished."

“The breadth of the destruction is staggering – intact or untouched homes are hard to find amid the chaos.”

Besides a lack of food and water, food crops have been destroyed, food animals have died and been swept away and some communities, having only generators or car batteries as a source of power, are completely cut off. Because roads are impassable, relief teams have been dropping personnel, with satellite phones, into the most remote areas to coordinate supply drops.

Fortunately, nature is resilient, she will heal herself, and offer up her bounty again more quickly than man can rebuild his abodes. In the meantime, though, Elvis, his family and neighbors are desperate for the basics. 

How can you help?  

There are several ways you can donate.... this is one of the best, most direct, relief efforts for Dominica... www.darda.org/hurricane-maria-relief.html
​
AND, if you have ever wanted the opportunity to DIRECTLY impact someones life, you can donate to a GO Fund me account I have set up for Elvis and his family here...
  
Donate directly to Elvis and his family...
https://www.gofundme.com/ElvisStedman

NOTE: Mail will not be back in service until next month. As soon as it is, I will post an shipping address for Elvis and you will be able to buy supplies and ship directly to him as well.

​Want UPDATES? I'll let you know when I have that info if you want to give me your email address here... 
​
Picture
Picture
GREAT NEWS! 

As of October 23rd, we are almost halfway to our goal of $5000 for Elvis and his family.

Additionally, another friend has an additional fundraiser that has brought in another $500.

This is good news for Elvis and will help him to rebuild and to replace the possesions he lost in the storm.

Regular mail delivery should be restored soon as well, then we can send some supplies and clothing.

Yes, please keep me informed about Elvis!

Submit
Comments

Miami Beach, the Ritz & Bill Baggs State Park

9/2/2017

Comments

 
Picture
Key Biscayne is a barrier Island that sits just South of Miami Beach and is the home of Bill Baggs State Park and the beautiful Ritz Carlton Hotel.

​
The town of Key Biscayne, which is accessible by the Rickenbacker Causeway, sits right between two parks... Crandon Park (formerly a zoo and still home to a variety of birds lizards and turtles) and Bill Baggs State Park.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the home of a historic lighthouse built in 1825 and the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. The park is popular for sunbathing, swimming and picnicing and there is more than a mile of sandy Atlantic beachfront to enjoy,  Ranked of of the "Top 10 Beaches in America" by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka 'Dr. Beach.' Biking and kayaking are also popular activities. Fisherman can throw in their lines from the seawall for some of the best shoreline fishing in the region. Bicycles, beach chairs, and umbrellas can be rented.

Want a guided tour of the lighthouse and lighthouse keeper's cottage? They are given twice daily, Thursdays through Mondays. If you aren't prepared to bring your own picnic, you can also enjoy two restaurants, Lighthouse Café and Boater's Grill, which offers authentic Cuban cuisine.

The Ritz Carlton

​In the heart of the town of Key Biscayne, tucked between the two parks is the stunning Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Just 20 minutes from Miami International Airport and the City of Miami... the Ritz is perfectly situated to be your base of operations for visiting all the South Florida has to offer.
Picture
See the amazing video DRONE footage below of the Ritz and of Bill Baggs State Park, shot by Sky High Aerial Productions. You'll feel like you're there, and you're flying...
Visit the site of Sky High Aerial Productions
for more great videos (click)

Booking.com
If the Ritz is out of your budget, check out these other great deals avail in Miami!
Picture
Comments

Top 10 Things to do When You get to Seattle

1/25/2017

Comments

 
Congratulations on your visit, or your move, to Seattle! Whether you are new to the city or are intimately familiar with it, many adventures await. With that in mind, here are 10 must-do activities.

1. Hit the Coffee Shops and Microbreweries
Coffee joints are everywhere in Seattle, and so are microbreweries. Each one has a special ambiance and unique flavors that are fun to sample as you hop around town. Lisa Grimm, at "Seriously Eats"  wrote a brief history of Seattle Microbreweries here.
Picture
2. Uncover the Stairways
Seattle is hilly, and many buildings have lovely stairways. If you enjoy obscure adventures, what's better than setting out in search of steps? The quest will take you to all types of buildings and neighborhoods. Here's a MAP to get you started! Speaking of neighborhoods…
Picture

3. Check Out the Neighborhoods

If you've already done number four, try again. Odds are good that there are even more neighborhoods to check out (West Seattle, anyone?). Seattle is your new home; what better way to get to know the city than to cover every neighborhood, whether you are renting or have bought? Plus, entrepreneurs and savvy real estate investors can keep an eye out for promising properties.
4. Look into Real Estate Investing
Speaking of real estate, Seattle has one of the hottest and most expensive housing markets in the country. If you buy a fixer-upper, you could rent it out for a nice profit. Get in touch with a property management company to better understand your options.

If you're visiting, owning rental property is a great way to make future trips tax deductible.
Picture
5. Go Swimming
Seattle offers many swimming options, including the fun Lake Washington, Puget Sound and indoor and outdoor pools. Be sure to check out Colman Pool, which could quite possibly be the top pool in the U.S. It's even saltwater.

6. Take Advantage of Nature
From whale watching to hiking to visits to the San Juan Islands, the Seattle area has plenty of opportunities for you to get in tune with nature; take advantage of them, especially the beaches! Once you dive into daily life, it's harder to carve out these times.
Picture

​7. Discover Ways to Get Around the Traffic

With some planning, there are great alternatives to sitting in city traffic. Biking is big in Seattle, and it offers a new adventure every day. There is also public transportation with light rail bus services. Traveling during off-peak times is another good option if you can swing it.
8. Go to the Tourist Spots
Ironically, many people who live in a city never do touristy things and visitors often miss all but the most obvious. Get to know the city through the public transportation system... it's a great, stress free, way to see the sights. Go to spots such as Pike Place Market and the Elliott Bay Waterfront, 
Picture
Other iconic spots include Dick's Drive-In and the Space Needle. No explanation needed for the Space Needle; it's what represents Seattle on TV. ​Dick's is an iconic Seattle eatery that was founded in 1954 and that has since spread to multiple locations. Best burgers around! Pike Place Market is like a farmer's market, and you can find the freshest seafood and produce there, while the Elliott Bay Waterfront offers gorgeous views of the bay and is easily accessible in downtown Seattle.
Picture

​9. Find the Farmer's Markets

Practically every Seattle neighborhood has at least one farmer's market, and you can often shop all year round. Check out the Magnolia Farmers Market and others, support local agriculture, enjoy music and people watch.
 10. Meet People!
People are one of the best things about Seattle. Activities abound, including volunteer efforts, workshops, book readings, yoga classes and fitness camps​, so you can find at least one thing that interests you.

Also... check out the business organizations; there are many professional groups, such as the American Marketing Association - Puget Sound Chapter, Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and the National Property Management Association (NPMA) - Northwest Chapter.
​
There's a city out there waiting for you to explore it. Time to get started!
Booking.com
Picture
Patrick Rogers
​...is the Principal Property Manager for Asurent Property Management in Eugene Oregon and his company can be found here: PropertyManagementEugeneOregon.com
Comments

Bannerman’s Island, Hudson River, Upstate NY

1/8/2017

Comments

 
Picture
by Joe Mack

Approximately 50 miles north of New York City, there is a locale called the Hudson Valley. Some of us are lucky enough to live here. Others come for a visit. A day trip, a weekend, some stay for a week. There is long list of things to do and see up here. 
Picture
Probably the most unique spot in the Valley is Bannerman’s Island. I have to drive over Storm King Mountain everyday to get to work in West Point. It is a very scenic drive along the Hudson and, for years, I have seen Bannerman’s Island along that drive and always wanted to get out there and explore. There are myriad stories of people trying to get out there by canoe, or row boat, and getting in trouble, even losing their life, doing it. So that was not an option.
    
Then I heard about the Constellation Project. You can find out more about this and the history of the island by visiting HERE.

Melissa McGill is an artist. She had the idea to install long poles of various lengths around the “castle” with lights on the top of each pole. Each night as the sun goes down and the stars come out, Bannerman’s Island has its own “constellation” right over the island. 
They have set up a boat tour to take you out to the island, let you walk around the island, and then you get back on the boat at dusk, and, when the time is right, the sun is down, and the sky darkens, the lights begin to twinkle over the Castle. Visit Melissa’s web site for more info on how you can book a spot on her tour (and for a nice panoramic aerial video of the island).
Picture
Picture
For now, this is about my experience taking the tour. It's really quite easy. You get on the boat in Beacon NY; a very picturesque location across the river from Newburgh NY. You get there, find plenty of parking, and wait for the skipper and crew to show up. It is usually a full boat.

Once the boat is loaded, you head down the river, still with enough daylight to enjoy the sights on, and along, the river. As you get closer, you begin to see Bannerman’s Island.
Picture
Bannerman's once held one of the largest collections of historical munitions in the USA
When you get close enough you see the enormity of the structure. Such a shame most of it has collapsed over the years from not enough being done to preserve it. Not too long ago, though, a group set up to save the structure has installed bracing on the building to save what is left of it

​What I didn’t know before hand was that when you get off the boat, you have a series of steps to climb to get up to various strategic viewing locations for the island. When you get to the top of the steps the tour begins. This Architectural detail welcomes you to the property.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​As you walk along the pathway thru the woods you see the building from different angles, all special. This one is my favorite. It shows the Castle, its supports, some foliage in the foreground and a little bit of the river behind it.

As you continue to make your way to the high point on the island, you pass some gardens that were planted years ago and are still maintained by the group preserving the island.

When you get to the top there is a building built by the original owner, used to house the folks...
Picture
who worked for him in the warehouses on the island. What were stored here were arms and munitions. This too has gardens around it. These buildings are NOT what you usually see in the Hudson Valley. Kinds of reminds me of being on the Rhine or Danube.
Picture
As the day ends, we get back on the boat and begin to pull away from the island. The sights of the island change as the sun goes down; giving it an eerie and ghost like feeling.

​Once 
the sun sets, the moon starts to rise, and the stars come out. So do the "stars" suspended over the island by the “Constellation Project”
Picture
From every angle on the island the
​views are amazing and magical.
If you ever get the chance to come up to our area, this is a "must see" for history or architecture buffs or even just for those of you curious about "that island" that lies at the base of Storm King Mountain... the one you see everyday on the way to work. 
Picture
... by Joe Mack
Keep checking back to this site (or sign up for the NEWSLETTER reminders) because, in the coming weeks, I will be writing about other beautiful areas here in the Hudson Valley.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Joe Mack is a Photographer, Writer, Craftsman, Musician and Engineer Tech. He, and his wife Jaci live in upstate New York and love to travel.

​Look for more of their adventures here, or on his Facebook pages at:
Joe's Facebook
Vacation Photography

More photos on Viewbug
Comments

Things to do in Historic Key West Florida

12/28/2016

Comments

 
Picture
... by Linda Y. Walters

​When it comes to having a great time, Key West, a city founded back in 1822, is an incredible mixture of excitement, sea faring exploration and most of all, one's own imagination. There's no shortage of local bars and legendary haunts to "drop in on" on any given day. Just don't try to do them all at once!

Duval Street, a hub of activity, has long been the center of  Key West  night life. You might want to visit The Bull, Sloppy Joe's Bar, or The Whistle Bar which has a clothing optional mantra. Captain Tony's (known for its bar stools which hang upside down from the ceiling) was also reportedly the favorite afternoon haunt of the Pulitzer and Nobel prize winning author, Ernest Hemingway.   Many world reknowned persons including Tennessee Williams, former President Harry Truman and the legendary ocean treasure hunter, Mel Fisher, have contributed to the undeniable lure and history of this tiny island just 90 miles off the coast of Cuba.
Fisher's haul of buried treasure, which reportedly took him 16 years to eventually find, tragically cost him the loss of his son and daughter in law. After finding the 1622 wreck of the Spanish ship Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon, Fisher cashed in on years of determined treasure hunting. 
Picture
Picture
Fort Zachary Taylor is a Florida State Park

​During the Civil War, Key West flew the Confederate flag and Fort Zachary Taylor played a significant role in helping protect the coastline. Munitions were moved by the railroad tracks located there.
Prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis, ferries and trade between Key West and Havana were a common daily occurrence. Visit Zachary Taylor Fort for an exciting look at Key West's historical past.

With local haunts like Blue Heaven, Smokin Tuna, and a liquor store named "The Lost Weekend," Key West's significant cultural allure remains in place. Even John F Kennedy is said to have visited Captain Tony's, still known for the distinction of offering its visitors the opportunity to flip coins into the mouths of groupers. Recently renovated, this undeniable landmark reopened in early November of 2016.
Yacht charters are an everyday occurence in Key West and Floridays Yacht Charters has earned high marks for its  appeal, convenience and expertise on the water. Whether its a champagne sunset cruise, a private charter for a wedding party, or an afternoon snorkeling expedition, this is a sailing experience to be remembered. Check the website at: floridays.org or call 888 773 5455
Picture
Visit Floridays website
Mallory Square, located just a short walk off Duval Street, offers a popular stretch of beach which comes alive daily with a celebration of entertaining street performers and crafts vendors. There's also the undeniable allure of the amazing daily sunset. Thousands gather nightly to witness the splendor of watching as the sun seems to meld with the vastness of the ocean. Cameras poised, its a nightly celebration aptly named "the Sunset Walk".
Picture
For general sightseeing around Key West, try Hydrothunder Rentals which has a large fleet of individual rental bikes and scooters for use.

They also have motorized cars, golf carts, jetskis and other "toys" and transportation.

Reach them at 305 295 7000.
Key West generally has something for everyone whether its the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Audubon House, the Conch Tour Train, watersports, the Key West Aquarium, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, or the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
General admission fees apply to most of the attractions so, please, do your homework. Visit KeyWestAttractions.org 
​or call 305 293 7249.


Stay at the Hyatt Centric

The new Hyatt Centric Resort & Spa  is right in the heart of the old town, with it's own beach and within walking distance of all the fun!

​For more information, check out Linda Walters review of this exiciting new resort right here.

#KeyWest #Hyatt #LindaWalters
Comments

Key West Hyatt Centric: World Class Amenities

12/28/2016

Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
by Linda Y. Walters

The Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa offers a dynamic experience with world class amenities and lovely ocean views.

Your visit will be an experience you won't soon forget.  Sensory illumination is in full effect as the world class amenities at this luxurious hotel offer you a full palate during your stay.  

Fabulous dining at the Shor American Seafood Grill overlooking the water, cocktails at the fabulous Blue Mojito waterside bar, a full menu of relaxing  treatments at Jala, their newly renovated spa, or an exhiliariting  poolside experience as you enjoy  the warmth of fire pits after an evening swim.  
All of these tie in to make your visit a memorable one.

The recently refurbished and rebranded Hyatt Centric includes 120 ocean view rooms, a fully outfitted (state of the art) audio/visual enhanced conference room for corporate meetings and an additional 2,200 meeting room for use in all types of private events.  
Picture
Picture
With the hotel's prime water front location, weddings are frequently held here, with the reception often scheduled to take full advantage of the majestic Gulf Coast sunset view.

This Key West treasure is designed by Hyatt to be unique, and to fit into the community in which it is located. 
Picture
"Hyatt Centric", which is a branded subdivision of Hyatt Hotels, focuses on and utilizes the specifics of its locatIon and all its inherent components," stated Braedan Quigley,  Hyatt Sales & Marketing Director at Hyatts of the Caribbean.
​
He continued,  "In Key West, for example, we focused on Cuban coffee, Ernest Hemingway's influences, and Tenessee Williams' drink specialties, in giving this location its higher demand and visibility". 

The Hyatt Centric Key West offers extremely spacious bedrooms, each with a water view from your own private balcony. A sumptuous bathroom, with a generous sized shower, and the added luxury of your choice of operation including rain shower or hand held, in many ways is mindful of a spa experience minus the massage. Add the fragrant lotions and scents, and, of course, the relaxing effects of simply letting your thoughts slow down,  and firmly reconnect with your inner calm.
Picture
Which brings me to the Hyatt Centric's Jala Spa, a wonderfully energizing, yet relaxing experience which includes a full array of spa services. Whether its the island coconut milk and honey ritual, designed to nourish, hydrate, tighten and strengthen the skin, an after sun rescue wrap complete with fragrant Tropical Nut Oil; or the seaside renewal which offers a full Swedish massage, you will leave Jala Spa feeling as if you may have just become another person.  ​
Couples massages, called "duets", are available as well and can include full body signature massage, hot oil scalp massage , or the extremely rejuvenating footscrub. 

Jala, which means "water" in Sanskrit, is really all about getting you in touch with your essential life.   Explore the delightful experience of relaxation.  You owe it to yourself to slow down even if it's only for one hour.
If you're in the mood for an afternoon cocktail, or Happy Hour libations, visit the Blue Mojito Bar and Grill.

The bar sits poolside, looking over the ocean. Try a refreshing Key West Lemonade, the Key Lime Martini or sample the Prickly Pear Margarita.  
Picture
There's no shortage of imagination or deliciousness on the menu. Frozen drinks are also available and you can order from the Mojiti poolside menu which includes a great selection of salads and finger foods.

For breakfast, lunch or dinner, Shor American Seafood Grill is on property and does an amazing job of delivering five star cuisine.

The eclectic menu offers a wide array of internationally represented flavors with several choices of fresh catch, local favorites and delicately prepared side dishes you won't soon forget.  ​
Picture

Breakfast offerings include delicious smoked salmon served on pumpernickel break with egg white, cream cheese and capers which took the dish to another level in its delivery of flavor.   The Cajun Omelet was amazing and included Andouille sausage, bacon, peppers, Monterey Jack Cheese as well as several requisite Cajun spices.  The menu also included the ever popular Fried Chicken and Waffles, an Island  Breakfast Ceviche, Eggs Benedict and even a healthy Warm Tropical Fruit Quinoa.  Freshly squeezed orange juice, good, strong Cuban coffee and an assortment of teas are also available.   Lunch is available as well and includes great soups, salads sandwiches with a local flare and seafood choices as well.

The dinner menu at SHOR is nothing short of spectacular. Appetizers include everything from Charred Baby Octopus, Key West Seafood Hot Pot, Bacon Wrapped Pork Belly and/or Calamari Fries. Or choose from the  Angus Prime Steak, Orange Mojo Gulf Stream Mahi Mahi, Key West Ale Braised Short Ribs, or Pan Seared Local Catch of the Day. Much of the seafood served at this distinctive dining establishment has been caught locally and is done so on a daily basis. The freshness is evident.

​With an idyllic location in Old Town Key West, Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa offers access to prime sites for relaxation and rejuvenation. Get out on the water, lounge on the beach, or meander through the streets of Old Town as you marvel at the historical architecture. Whether your passion is golf, snorkeling, or spa treatments, you’ll find that you can experience it all from our Key West resort, leaving you refreshed when the time comes to journey home.  

Hyatt Centric website:
KeyWestHyat.com

Read more reviews
601 Front Street
​(305) 809-1234
Reservations:
​888-735-2954
​
Picture
Picture

More about Historic Key West

When it comes to having a good time, Key West, a city founded back in 1822, is an incredible mixture of excitement, sea faring exploration and most of all, one's own imagination  (read more)  
#KeyWest  #Hyatt  #LindaWalters
Picture
Comments

​Grand Case – French St Martin – The Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean

12/20/2016

Comments

 
​by Joe Mack

​Thinking about the Caribbean Island of St Martin, for me, there is only one side, the French Side. I had heard about St Martin. I knew half of the island was French. I like all things French. I go regularly to Quebec City, Canada, and I have toured the South of France.  Nice, St Tropez, Cannes.  But that’s another story.  HERE I deal with the Caribbean. 

I did research before coming to the island. My wife Jaci and I are “foodies" and I discovered the town of Grand Case is considered the “Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean.” There is a good reason why. Main Street in Grand Case is called Grand Case Blvd. Here you will find some hotels and B&B’s lining the beach side of the street but, the first thing you will notice, are the number of restaurants. They adorn both sides of the street. On the ocean side, you will get the extra benefit of an ocean view while you dine. Anything in Grand Case that is along the beach is RIGHT ON THE BEACH. It is not a walk to the beach, you are right on the beach. In St Martin, as in most Caribbean islands, no beach is private, they belong to everyone.
Picture
Picture
​After breakfast it’s off to the beach to enjoy the sun, sand and water. On Sundays, just about every Sunday, there is a Boat Race in Grand Case. The boat race is done by locals. They own and take pride in their boats. They head for to the beach. Get their boats ready, then off they sail to the Island of Anguilla that is just beyond St Martin. You can see it from the beach in Grand Case.  Watching them get ready was more fun than watching them sail.
My first time on the island, I stayed at the Atlantide. This is a small building. Three stories, and three units on each level. Then, they were all hotel units, but over the years they have been purchased privately and get rented out by the owners on Airbnb and web sites like that. This first photo is from our terrace. We had the middle unit on the first floor. Again, when I say we were RIGHT ON THE BEACH, I mean we were RIGHT ON THE BEACH. In Grand Case you don’t pay a fortune for this luxury. We have returned many times. The second is a shot taken from out in the water, what a great place to stay.

You like good food? So do I. Breakfast is simple and NOT so gourmet. But oh so French. Down the street from our room, is a small place. It’s only open for breakfast and lunch. Their menu was simple. And the price was always right. Café au lait, croissant, and French baguettes. 
Picture
Picture

​​On my first trip to St Martin, I didn’t know what to expect. And when I found the Atlántide, parked and then started walking, after seeing buildings similar to this one, I didn’t know what to expect. And thought,

​“Maybe this island stuff isn’t for me”.
Picture
​It didn’t take long for me to stop dwelling on these buildings. And they are not the norm. As of this date, places like this are few and far between. Renovations are booming.  And now, at least on the ocean side, it’s hard to find a vacant building. The rest of the town is wonderful. And the people really are friendly as the name implies, The Friendly Island.
Picture
Picture
​Grand Case Blvd is narrow. Cars park on both sides. Lucky for you, on most of Grand Case Blvd there is only one way traffic, including the main part. You learn to weave in and out of parked cars as you maneuver down the street. You see people walking, in cars and in their houses. You wave, they wave. You learn the rhythm of the island very fast.
Picture
​The beach is a small one. The water is shallow, warm as you might expect. There is a sandy bottom. Not really much of a surf.  If you want surf, got to Orient Beach.
Picture
​Oh, this was about food wasn’t it? You have your choice. French, Sea Food, Thai, Italian, Creole, Vietnamese, Indian, Japanese, Tapas and, of course, Caribbean.  There is an Island Barbeque type place with traditional island food called “a Lolo”. There is one in Grand Case. 
Picture

​Don’t expect luxury. Plastic forks, plastic knives and paper plates. But the food is delicious and you can’t beat the price. When I was there last, it was New Year’s week.  The Lolo had entertainment, this steel drum band. They were very good and the music went well with the food. Great ambiance

​​On New Year’s Eve that year, we did “the restaurant crawl”. We had a pre-dinner drink in one bar. Then on to a restaurant for an appetizer. We left and picked out another for our entre. We found our last restaurant for desert. We really learned how to ring in the New Year that night in Grand Case.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​
​So at the end of the day. What do YOU think of? After desert and drinks I mean. SUNSET right?

Grand Case has the best sunsets. You can sit on the beach to watch the sun set, or you can watch it from your table at your restaurant if you were lucky enough to get one on the beach side of the street. We did.
Picture
​At the end of your stay. Before you pack your bags and head for the airport, you have go to “Tijon Perfumeries & Boutique”. Here you will get a lesson in making perfume. The owner is very knowledgeable about scents, and guides you thru the process of making YOUR own personal scent. You take one of these scents, one of those, one of the other. He mixes it for you. Catalogs it in his data base. YOU give it a name and the formula is saved. If and when you come back, you can have more made, the same fragrance. Or you can contact him thru a web site and re order your own special scent that NO ONE else in the world has but YOU.
Picture

​Did you enjoy this short tour of Grand Case, on the French Side of St Martin? It really is a beautiful little town to stay in. You have so many choices of types of places to stay. A Resort, a B&B, a Hotel, maybe a Condo, you name it.  

One more thing. I forgot to tell you. It’s about our very favorite restaurant, if we eat nowhere else, we eat at “Le Pressoir”. It’s at the end of the street, well beyond the rest of the restaurants and stores. There is a large old Salt Press across the street from the Restaurant, you can’t miss it. It’s worth the walk down the street. Get a table on the porch. It’s not beach side, well away from the water, but on the beach side, but it is still our favorite. If you like Pâté de Foie Gras get the sampler, “c'est très bon.“
If you want to know more about Grand Case, contact me: iwanttogotherephoto@yahoo.com

​
I’ll be happy to tell you more, answer questions or even make some suggestions for you for dinner or a place to stay.


Joe Mack is a 
Photographer, Writer, Craftsman, Musician and Engineer Tech. He, and his wife Jaci live in upstate New York and love to travel. Look for more of their adventures here, or on his Facebook pages at:
Joe's Facebook
Vacation Photography

More photos on Viewbug
 
Picture
Comments

Naturalist and Adventurer, Elvis Stedman

10/3/2016

Comments

 
Here is a quick introduction to our newest Travel Reporter for Travel Writing Adventures: Elvis Stedman from Dominca. Elvis conducts adventure tours, as well as documenting them in videos and photos. A highly sought after guide, Elvis's education and knowledge of natural flora and fauna of the region has twice earned him the title of "Princess Cruise Line Tour Guide of the Year for Dominica."   (click for more photos)

Picture
Environmental Students from Toronto (UTSC)
Picture

Keep an eye out here for future
updates and news from beautiful
​Dominica, courtesy of Elvis!
​
​ElvisTourGuide@Gmail.com
​+1 767-225-1971

This video is by Cedric Gourret, from Guadeloupe, France of his visit and tour of Dominica with Elvis. Enjoy, and click the Vimeo link to see more videos from Cedric as well.

DOMINICA from Cédric Gourret on Vimeo.


Dominica: Place your mouse over the photo below to begin the slideshow
Comments

    Travel
    ​Journals...

    Articles are submitted by our Travel Writing Partners and are copyrighted. To secure republishing rights, please contact the Author directly. Their information is at bottom of each article.

    Topic Categories

    All
    Accomodations
    Adventure
    Alaska
    Arts & Culture
    Beaches
    Budget
    Canada
    Central Florida
    Dominica
    Entertainment & Events
    Family
    Florida
    Food & Wine
    Great Deals
    Historic
    Iowa
    Islands
    Italy
    Kentucky
    Michigan
    Midwest
    New York
    Pacific Northwest
    Parks
    Pets
    Road Trips
    Romantic
    Spain
    Travel Tips
    USA
    Water Sports
    Wildlife

    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    January 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016

    RSS Feed

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Top Travel Blogs:
    Picture
    Picture

    Sponsors:
    Picture

    Picture

    Picture
    Get the book!

    Picture
    Greg Samborski, Seoul

    Picture
    A+: Better Business Bureau
    Kiwi.com - Book Cheap Flights!

    Unlimited travel in 24 countries
    EuRail: Europe by rail
    Picture
    Free Logo Set-up

    Picture

    Picture
    Get an Annual Pass

    Picture
    Free Membership

    ShawAcademy Limited Time Offer One FREE Course
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About
  • Highlights
  • Articles
  • Photography
    • Photo Blog
  • Videos
  • Get Featured!
  • STORE
  • Submit
  • Publishers
  • Contact
  • Travel Writing Partners
  • TWPartners Blog
  • Advertising