Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Welcome to the new edition of the OTC Blog.
Its summer time! And we all know what that means... VACATION TIME. There are so many amazing places to see and things to do. So how do you pick? Rachel and I have been talking about buying a camper van for a few years now. We've been blessed and have traveled to many amazing locations but have so many more on our bucket list.
So we thought it would be fun to share with you our top 10 bucket list travel places. Some we have been to and would like to go back and others are still waiting in line for their turn.
Walt Disney World, FL- As many of you know I'm a Disney fan. Rachel and I had a chance last fall to take our family to experience it for the first time. We are huge Star Wars nerds, so our favorite place inside the most magical place on earth is Hollywood Studios. We spent an entire day just inside Star Wars Land -( Batuu). But if you are not a Star Wars geek like us, there are so many adventures waiting for you inside Disney's magic bubble.
Virginia Beach, VA-( Actually are any beach vacations bad?)- Every year we are blessed to be able to stay at friends' home in Virginia Beach. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting on the back porch and staring out into the ocean. It's also a wonderful place to be creative and write. We also visit Lewes Beach in Delaware. The area is so quiet and full of the cutest shops.
New York City, NY- Then I was younger this was my happy place. I would take day trips to see Broadway shows, shop on 5th Avenue, or just walk Time Square and people-watch. Rachel's first time in the city was rough. Our bus broke down on the way to the city. Thankfully things got better and we went to see her first Broadway musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang -( it was a cute show! ) Since Covid I haven't been back but hope this fall to spend my birthday seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Salem, MA - Several years ago, Rachel played on an all-girls football team. One of the games was just outside of Salem. So we took advantage of the opportunity and stayed a few extra days to take in the sites. I must admit that most of the area is very touristy but if you look deep you can find some amazing historical and haunted places to visit. This is a place I recommend everyone see at least once.
Nashville, TN- I attend a conference in Nashville every year. This is truly Music City. On every corner of Broadway, you can hear up-and-coming artists performing from some of the world's most famous bars and clubs. Make sure to stop at the Legendary Tootie's for some whiskey!
Las Vegas- A few years ago, Rachel and I were able to visit our son who lived there for a time. The best time to be on the strip is nighttime. The lights and sounds are mesmerizing. Make sure to eat at Hell's Kitchen and ride the High Roller Observation wheel at the LINQ. Fremont Street is where it gets crazy at night. If you're into people-watching, this is the place for you! They host an event every summer called Downtown Rocks Free Concert Series, where you can see national touring acts.
San Francisco, CA- This was the first vacation that Rachel and I went on almost twenty years ago! The weather is nearly perfect all year round and has a little bit of everything. We toured Alcatraz, grabbed dinner at Pier 39, walked the Golden Gate Bridge, and took a thrilling ride down Lombard Street's eight hairpin curves. I had a chance to visit there again last year and it was just as beautiful and I remembered.
New Orleans- This is still on our bucket list. This historic city calls to us with its jazz music and Creole food. I'm not sure I'm wild enough to visit during Mardi Gras, but I've been told it's one hell of a party.
Hawaii-any island would be paradise-This has to be top of my bucket list. To be able to soak up the sun, snorkel, or jet ski on any of these gorgeous islands would be a dream come true. Maye one day?
Home- Now don't laugh... sometimes staycations are the best! We are so blessed to live close to so many places. A day trip to Hershey Park, Gettysburg to tour the battlefield or antiquing in Amish Country. Or what about a quick overnight visit to Washington DC to tour the museums, Visit the Liberty Bell or see a concert in Philadelphia or attend a Steelers game in Pittsburgh?
So what destinations are on your bucket list? Are you drawn to the crowds of tourist locations like Disney World or would you prefer the beaches of Hawaii?
As always, thank you so much for following us and coming along on our adventures.
Much love,
AnnMarie and Rachel
**** Research done using Wikipedia and a 2017 article in Inside Notion Press.
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