Thinking Riviera for vacation? Try Gulf Shores instead

Accommodations are plentiful on beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama

White sand, sparkling water, and sunny skies make a perfect vacation at the beach.  But if a retreat to the French Riviera is more dream than reality, Gulf Shores, Alabama makes a sparkling substitute.  This resort community is family friendly, which means it’s a great place to take the kids or grandkids—or even schedule a multi-generational getaway.
Along with lazy days spent building sand castles and cooling off under splashing waves along 32 miles of soft, sugar-white sand, this coastal region offers a bounty of ways to enjoy its Southern charm.  No matter your age, you’ll enjoy the beach town simplicity and abundant opportunities to enjoy Mother Nature.

Dolphin sightings are guaranteed in the back bays of Gulf Shores.

Dolphin cruises—Companies such as Dolphin Express leave from Bear Point Marina and travel out on the back bays to view these playful creatures.  Dolphins are here year-round, and spotting these graceful mammals playing in their natural environment is an exciting experience.  Captains know exactly where to go and how to position their boats to attract dolphins.

Well-maintained trail at Bon Secour
National Wildlife Refuge

Hike the trails of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, an undisturbed barrier habitat of almost 7,000 acres.  The Pine Beach trail is an easy two mile round trip path through a variety of ecologies including marine forest, saltgrass, and marshes to unspoiled beaches and sand dunes. The Refuge is also a stopping point for migratory birds and a nesting site for sea turtles. 

Secluded beach is a welcome destination.

Captain Skip Beebe started a family tour on Sailaway Charters because he noticed kids got bored on regular sailboat tours. So now he engages children with tales of diverse wildlife in the area and lots of hands-on experiences with sea critters he draws into his nets—and then releases.  As you float through local bays and bayous during this quick-paced and informative pontoon boat ride, you’ll see oysters, crabs, shrimp, birds, and even dolphins (attracted by the tapping of a hammer on the side of the boat). 

Family cruises teach kids about marine life.

View the sunset from a dinner cruise leaving from Orange Bay. While dining on seafood and dishes made from locally grown produce, guests watch dolphins swoop and splash alongside the boat’s hull. Coastal birds following the boat also provide plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching and photography.  Towards evening, blue sky fades into pink-tinged gray, dark-shadowed trees frame the setting sun, and delicate psychedelic ripples skim the water’s surface. 

Adults and older children enjoy exploring Alabama’s multiple fresh waterways by kayak at the Five Rivers Delta Center.  Outfitters provide single or double kayaks for rent. As you paddle through areas of mossy growth and open, easily navigated spaces of calm water, you’ll experience the beauty of scenic rivers, woods, and wetlands.  After an excursion on the water, spend time at the visitor center viewing exhibits about history of the region, importance of the rivers, and conservation activities for preserving the delta.  

Kayaking is pleasant in smooth water at Five Rivers Delta Center.

The Alabama coast is an angler’s paradise. Orange Beach is home to the largest fishing fleet on the northern Gulf Coast. Alabama has built many artificial reefs, both inshore and on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, to improve fishing opportunities for snapper, grouper, amberjack, cobia, triggerfish, and king mackerel.  Prefer to stay on land? Cast your rod off the 825-foot fishing pier at Gulf State Park.

Golf is a year-round sport in the mild climate.  Ten signature courses are within driving range of the beach, with several other courses open for public play.  Tennis, parasailing, scuba diving and snorkeling—and, of course, shopping are other activities enjoyed by visitors.

Whet your appetite with giant shrimp.

When you get hungry, head out for fresh seafood. Shrimp, crabs, oysters, and an impressive variety of fish can be found in most of the area’s restaurants, from casual barefoot hangouts to romantic white-linen candlelit dinners for two.  You might decide Gulf Shores is even better than the Riviera.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Don't call it off-season: Visit Grand County, Colorado in spring or fall

When visitors think of northern Colorado, two seasons come to mind: summer and winter. But there’s a great time to visit after the music concerts and festivals of summer have ended and before snow-packed activities of winter begin. If the opportunity to savor the scenery and hike or bike in relative serenity is more your style than shuffling through crowds, consider visiting towns in Grand County during the fall.

Aspens around Winter Park, Colorado glow in autumn
as leaves turn golden

Fall is an absolutely glorious time to enjoy the amenities—natural and manmade--of the Winter Park-Fraser Valley region, located 65 miles west of Denver. Golden aspens glow in the sunlight during late September when temperatures are cool in early morning and shirt-sleeve warm in the afternoon. There’s still time before snowfall to enjoy the lakes, either boating or fishing, or to check hot-air ballooning off your bucket list.

Here are some favorite activities to try before the snow returns (or after it melts):

Arrive in Grand Country from Denver by driving Berthoud Pass, a scenic highway that twists and turns its way through thick forests and past gushing waterfalls, summiting at the Continental Divide.

Water flows to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from
the Continental Divide in Colorado.

There’s a reason the region is called “Mountain Bike Capital U.S.A. It doesn't matter if you are a serious gear head or just interested in seeing the mountains in a new way, there are 600 miles of mountain bike trails that will satisfy beginner to expert bikers.

Saddle up. In Grand County, horseback riding isn't just a hobby — it's a way of life.

Grand Lake offers many recreational opportunities.

Sail on Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake,which is known for spectacular views of peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Spend a night outdoors and get reacquainted with nature at one of Grand County's many public campgrounds.

Play a round at Pole Creek Golf Club in Winter Park, which has 27 holes on three courses. You’ll love how your game improves in the thin air. Golf balls not only travel further at higher altitude, but they spin less, too, meaning straighter approach shots (in theory anyway!).

You won't worry about where the golf ball lands when you have
scenery on the golf course this beautiful to grab your attention.

Paddle a canoe or kayak or cast your line on Monarch Lake, a small, scenic lake at the foot of the Indian Peaks southeast of Lake Granby (which is also a great fishing spot). On some days, your only competition for fish will be nesting ospreys.

Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is an exquisite
drive in fall--before it's covered with winter's snow.

Head to Rocky Mountain National Park and drive Trail Ridge Road. It’s a postcard in your windshield, a breathtaking view at every turn. Hike trails along the way, or bike down Trail Ridge Road when it is open.

Wild Horse Inn is an excellent place to relax and enjoy any
season in Winter Park, Colorado.

On the other hand, if your idea of the perfect vacation is peaceful relaxation in a rustic setting, check into Wild Horse Inn, an intimate bed and breakfast just outside Winter Park. A little further down the road you’ll find the larger Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa with more amenities—a great place if you prefer restful fun with a bit of zing for your holiday.

Think of Grand County as a four-season destination, with lesser-visited late spring and fall among the most glorious times to arrive.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

Fall is the perfect time to visit Lake Geneva and famous lakes of Walworth County, Wisconsin

Crunching colorful leaves on the shoreline path of Geneva Lake. Hitting golf balls beside the banks of Lake Como. Sounds like I was miraculously transported to the famous waterways of Europe.

Walking along the shore of Lake Geneva reveals lovely scenes like this.

But I was actually visiting the famous lakes of Walworth County in southeastern Wisconsin.

Surrounded by million-dollar mansions and boasting brilliant fall foliage, nine-mile-long Geneva Lake is the second deepest lake in Wisconsin and the hub of activity for the town of Lake Geneva.

 Recently named one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Towns in America during Fall, Lake Geneva (the town's name reverses the words) also has ample shopping and restaurants, world-class resorts, historic buildings and museums, farm and winery tours, and outdoor recreation opportunities to attract visitors in every season.



Lake Geneva reflections highlight the beauty of fall colors.

Apple and cherry trees bloom in spring, and trees become a blazing kaleidoscope of color in fall. Fresh snow provides the basis for downhill and cross-country skiing and a world-class snow sculpting contest during Winterfest.

Here are a couple of highlights you can experience when visiting the area:

Mail jumpers must be quick and agile to make their deliveries.

Lake Geneva Mailboat tour. For nearly 90 years mail has been delivered by boat every day from June through September to about 40 homes around the lake. The fun part? The boat doesn’t stop, so the mail jumper must complete a delivery before the boast has passed by the pier.



Black Point Estate is reminiscent of
early visitors to Lake Geneva.

Tour of Black Point Estate. Built in 1888, this stately home located on a bluff overlooking Geneva Lake was inhabited by members of the original family until it was donated to the state for preservation in 2005.

Yerkes Observatory. Home to the largest refracting telescope in the world, the history of how this place came to be is as interesting as its creation of modern astrophysics.

Lake Walk Tour.  An old law requires the winding path around Lake Geneva be open to the public. As a result, walking on the shoreline takes walkers into the backyards of beautifully manicured, expensive lakefront homes.

Yerkes Observatory has a fascinating history.

Zip though the air. Soar among an explosion of fall color on Lake Geneva Canopy Tours. Eight zip lines, five sky bridges, three spiral staircases, and a “floating” double helix stairway are highlights of this spectacular forest adventure, which our guides assured us were popular year-round.

Zip lining is an amazing experience in any season.

Golfing, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, and hiking. With three notable lakes in the county (Delavan Lake is the third), there are many opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreational activities in every season. Golf courses are abundant, and biking is a favorite way for visitors to get around.



Lush golf courses attract many visitors.

If you live in the South, this is a perfect destination to escape hot summer days. Or plan a visit in the fall to admire outstanding color--and see why the town of Lake Geneva has received numerous accolades.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

 

 

 

Touring the Big Island of Hawaii and Hilton Waikoloa Village

It's all about water at Hilton Waikoloa Village

A tropical paradise awaited my first visit to the Big Island of Hawaii. We had booked a five-night stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, and after canceled and delayed flights on the front end, managed to get there for four of those nights. Although we arrived after dark, I immediately knew this resort was special, and we would have a magnificent Hawaiian holiday after all.

Hotel accommodations are spread throughout the 63-acre resort.

Located on the dry side of the island, volcanic activity is evident as soon as you leave the airport.  A two-lane highway is bordered by black lava and jagged boulders. People have created a form of graffiti using small white rocks placed on the black lava to spell out names and dates.

Once we entered the 63-acre resort, the landscape metamorphosed into brilliant gardens, swaying palm trees, and lovely ocean views—the quintessential Hawaiian vista. Resort amenities include five swimming pools, dozens of water features including fountains and bridges, dolphin pool, and gorgeous landscaping everywhere.

Sunset from Budda Point at Hilton Waikolao Village

You’ll get plenty of exercise walking on paved paths, but a shuttle train will also transport visitors around the property. Magnificent statues and artwork filled all areas of the resort. I especially enjoyed art pieces, many with an Asian influence, that decoraed long hallways. A variety of colorful (and sometimes squawking) birds added to the tropical ambience.

Take a helicopter ride to see lava fields.

Guests can dine at a variety of restaurants, from casual to upscale. A favorite was the Malolo Grill where we enjoyed dinner on a back patio by the light of table-side torches. A walk in the moonlight capped the romantic evening.  Sunset viewed with an appetizer of wine and cheese at Budda Point near the Ocean View Tower was another perfect moment. Most mornings we ate breakfast on our balcony; since our room was in the Ocean View Tower soothing rhythms of the ocean provided a relaxing start the day.

Active volcanoes on the Big Island still put out glowing, steamy lava

Our excursions included an exciting full-day tour to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Another day we drove to Hilo, on the lush, wet side of the island, for an open-door helicopter tour of the lava fields, a visit to Akaka Falls State Park, ziplining excursion with Skyline Eco Adventures, and a stop at Laupahoehoe Point Park for awesome views of waves crashing against the rugged shore.

Zip line near Hilo on the lush, humid side.

Golf at the Beach Course was fun but challenging because of a strong—but normal—wind. Beautiful views of the ocean made up for gusts blowing hair across my face.

One of the most spectacular sights on the Big Island is Waipio Lookout at Kukuihaele Park, about an hour north of the resort. The first evening we stopped there a huge cloud bank obscured the wavy coastline. Returning on a clear day we were rewarded with outstanding views of the coast and Waipio Valley.

Waipio means wavy coast

Then we headed south to the busy tourist town of Kona, a great place for a seafood lunch, walking along the shore, and shopping. I was struck by the huge contrast of drab, brown landscape on the drive there and the deep blue saturation of the ocean. We ventured out to Kahauu Beach near Keauhou Bay, south of Kona and waded in the rock-studded water.

Beach golf course overlooks the ocean.

Too soon it was time to leave the Big Island. But our next stop was Kauai, another perfect example of Hawaiian paradise.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

 

 

Major renovations for La Cantera Hill Country Resort in San Antonio

La Cantera Hill Country Resort before renovations

I’ve visited La Cantera Hill Country Resort in SanAntonio and was duly impressed with the western elegance, colorful landscaping, and luxurious rooms. That was several years ago. Now the management company, DestinationHotels, has committed to a multi-million dollar transformation that will affect the entire footprint of the 250-acre facility that appeals to both business and leisure travelers, including families.

Public areas will also get a redesign

Changes include the construction of a new, freestanding destination spa, an extensive reconfiguration of the front entrance, lobby and lobby bar, and a complete redesign of the San Saba Courtyard including a new event lawn.  A junior ballroom, expanded meeting and convention space, redefined restaurants, bars and lounge concepts, and contemporary pools and family areas are also on tap in the most extensive reshaping of the resort since its opening in 1999.

"This substantial upgrade will allow the Resort to enhance its spectacular setting and the exceptional amenities guests have come to expect,” said Destination Hotels President and Chief Operating Officer Jamie Sabatier. "It will also continue to position La Cantera Hill Country Resort as a world-class destination.” 

Palmer Golf Course overlooks Six Flags over Texas theme park.

 “Because the magnitude and impact of the project will prevent our associates from providing our guests with our customary offerings and services, the resort will suspend overnight accommodations and restaurant operations during the major phase of construction from November 3, 2014 through early April 2015,” said resort Vice President and Managing Director John Spomer.  

“Both of our award-winning golf courses – the Resort Course and the Palmer Course – will remain open and operate as usual during the renovations, as will their respective clubhouses and adjacent event venues,” Spomer added.

Golf courses will remain open during the hotel transformation.

Perched atop one of the highest points around San Antonio, La Cantera Hill Country Resort offers sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country and a huge expanse of majestic Live Oak groves interrupted only by native Texas limestone outcroppings, golf course fairways, and sparkling pools.

Sunset is a beautiful time at one of the pools.

Over the past 15 years, San Antonio has enjoyed record growth, bringing a diverse group of visitors to the area. It is a popular escape not only for Texans, but also for visitors from around the world, and La Cantera aims to keep pace with the demand by updating the facility in this major undertaking. I’m anxious to see the changes next spring.

Information courtesy of Jill Byrd, KGBTexas

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Vancouver to Whistler by floatplane

Taking off from the water

The plane leaves Harbour Terminal in Vancouver.

Thick cloud banks hung in the sky the  morning we took off from Harbour Terminal on the waterfront of Vancouver, British Columbia. Reggie, our Harbour Air pilot, wasn’t sure if he could fly the floatplane through the dense clouds or if we would have to go around. But it was our lucky day—Reggie managed to find enough openings to give us a spectacular ride.

Incredible sight flying over mountains covered in snow and ice

We were headed to Whistler for a day of golf at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler course. Since there were only three passengers (and Reggie’s bicycle) in the small plane, he invited me to ride in the co-pilot seat. From this front row vantage point I had excellent views of the mountains, trees, and rivers below.

Amazing scenery below the plane

We fly above clouds and close to the mountains.

Flying over steep Girabaldi Mountain, an inactive volcano with occasional small lava flows, provided spectacular scenery. Reggie pointed out the Lions, two mountain peaks that protruded through the clouds even though we were flying at almost 8,000 feet altitude. Ice from glaciers and packed snow on the mountains reminded us of a winter wonderland on this warm August day.

And then there was Girabaldi Lake, a beautiful creamy blue-green alpine lake whose color is a result of rock flour (pieces of rock and dirt) moved by the glacier into the lake. Other colors of the prism are absorbed by the water and air, leaving only blue and green reflected.

Giralbaldi Lake forms a spectacular scene from the air.

Started in 1982, Harbor Float Planes take guests to remote spots for fishing, camping, or on sightseeing excursions. Flights to Vancouver Island, whale watching, along the west coast, and other scenic routes are available. Guests going to Whistler can fly round trip or combine the sea plane experience with a train or bus ride one way. Included is a shuttle to Whistler’s famous Village, packed with shops and restaurants, or bike rental so you can meander on your own.

Reflections from our landing on Green Lake at Whister.

Our flight was thrilling despite the thick clouds (or because of them). Stunning panoramas floated just under the plane’s wings almost the entire journey. As we approached Whistler, Reggie expertly guided the plane into a smooth landing on Green Lake, a short ride from the golf course.

Beverly poses with the pilot Reggie after landing at Whistler.

Golf in the mountains

Although it’s not such a long course, mountainous conditions made playing golf at Fairmont Chateau Whistler quite challenging. Many bunkers guard fairways as well as greens. If your ball goes into the forest, down a hill, or in a gulley, it likely won’t be found again.  So the course has instituted a one-minute rule to search for a lost ball.

Majestic mountains guard lush, green fairways of the Fairmont
Chateau Whistler golf course. Who cares how well you play?

Bears had been spotted on the course in May, when they came out of hibernation, but the mid-70s temperature that day was too warm for bears to be roaming around. Despite the bunkers, fast greens, and numerous gulleys to hit over, the course was in excellent condition with gorgeous mountain scenery all around. It was the kind of day everyone dreams of--just perfect.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Golfing at La Cantera Resort in San Antonio

Resort Course at La Canters Resort in San Antonio

Only once in my golfing life—which is relatively short—have I played on a course that was prepped for a major professional tournament.  That really increases the challenge factor, not just because those courses are generally more difficult than a run-of-the-mill course, but also because maintenance takes a different path.

In this case, the course was Westin La Cantera Resort Course in San Antonio, and the occasion was prior to the Valero Texas Golf Tournament in September 2009, the 15^th and final year La Cantera hosted this PGA event.  Normal mowing of the roughs had been suspended, leaving grass tall enough to bury a ball that missed the fairway. 

Roller coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in background

On a recent visit to La Cantera Resort, I played the Resort Course again. This time the roughs had been mowed, so I didn’t have to dig any errant balls out of tall grass.  Having an easier time with golf shots allowed me to enjoy the beauty of this Texas Hill Country course more fully.

Known for outstanding views of the countryside surrounding San Antonio—as well as roller coasters at nearby Six Flags Fiesta Texas--the course has six natural water features, huge live oak trees, and limestone outcroppings.  There are no out-of-bounds; if your ball is unplayable, you simply take a stroke and place the ball at a playable location.

The 18-hole, par 72, 7001-yard course was designed by course architect Jay Moorish and pro golfer Tom Weiskopf.  Five sets of tees accommodate every skill level, so I drove the cart right past the “pro” black tees to the ladies’ jade markers—still enough challenge for my abilities.  Several holes drive from an upper level, over ravines, to lower fairways, and generally roll left to right. Well-groomed Bermuda grass makes fast greens that seemed hard to read. A total of 75 bunkers guard the course, and it’s well-known that sand has a magnetic attraction for golf balls.

Signature hole at Palmer Course

Still, it’s a very playable course for any golfer, and the scenic panoramas make a splendid outing. Take time before your round to hit a few warm-up balls on the range and putting green, both available for guests of the resort to use. Pay special attention to hole #7, the signature hole of the Resort Course, and see if you can match my husband’s hole-in-one on # 13, a 120-yard par three.

Barbeque dinner at The Palmer Grille

La Cantera Resort also features the Palmer Course, designed by the golf legend himself, with signature hole #4 that requires a long carry over a lake, waterfalls along the front of the green, and nostalgic Winnie’s Bridge, Palmer’s memorial to his wife. This is a more challenging course with a final hole that requires blind shots over a hill. It ends just in front of the club house, so take time to celebrate your round with a delicious lunch or dinner (or at least a drink) at The Palmer Grille.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Read more about La Cantera Resort at http://stripedpot.com/2011/04/04/san-antonios-la-cantera-resort-built-on-texas-legends/

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