Toronto Canada- An enjoyable whirlwind Experience

The CN Tower

*As this an affiliate post, if you choose to purchase anything through the links below, I will get paid a small comission, from that sale, with no extra cost to you. It's not mandatory, but highly appreciated. *

 

Warm weather, a glass of red wine and a quick early-morning flight led me to my first time in Toronto, Canada. It was an amazing whirlwind experience. I was initially interested in this as it was one of the featured trips in the network marketing company I was in. I had never been there before and was excited to go. So I grabbed my sister and we went exploring.

Rogers Centre

 

We drove and parked my car at the airport and proceeded to check in early and wait in the airport for our 12 pm flight. Check-in at the hotel was at 3 p.m. so we would land right on time to go and check-in. While waiting at the boarding gate we were approached by the porter airlines crew, asking us if we wanted to catch an earlier flight into the city. Excitedly, we agreed. instead of flying out at 12 pm, we flew out at 10:30 am and landed at noon. Although the flight was under two hours, we were still offered snacks and a complementary glass of wine during it.  

 

I was nervous about what we were going to do with our bags since we had more time to wait before checking in at the Westin, only to be pleasantly surprised by the hotel itself. When we got there, they promptly took our bags, gave us a tag and told us to return, when it was time to check in, give them the tag and they would bring our stuff up to our room. 

 

With that we left to go sightseeing. The first place we went to was to a cafe for breakfast where we had Red-Velvet Belgian Waffles and Nutella Crepes for the first time. It was amazing. To this day I still haven't had waffles that topped that. My sister had a side order of Canadian bacon and when I had a piece of that, it was orgasmic. I've since stopped eating pork, but I'm glad I got to experience that before I did. 

View from my room

While walking around, I found my bank branch across the street from where we were. It was then I had us change some of our spending money into Canadian currency. I usually do that for every country I travel to, as it makes it easier for me to keep track of spending and such (easy math). Their money was a lot more colorful than my original currency; literally each of the bill denominations were a different color and the coins were valued based on the size of it. The fabric of it felt thin and plastic-like. 

Town of Leslieville

We spent the rest of the day checking into the hotel and visiting the neighboring town Leslieville. It was a quiet Surburb where we grabbed dinner and watched the sunset. We got back to the hotel and our bags were brought to our room and I was amazed by the view, as they granted my request to have a view of lake ontario. My room was on the south side of the hotel overlooking the ferry that traveled to Centre island. I was able to watch the sunset, over the water; from my room for the rest of the trip. 

 

 

The next day we went on an excursion to Niagara Falls. The bus picked us up at the hotel and we drove two hours to the waterfalls. We spent the day there taking pictures, taking in the sights, getting in the boat, to go towards the falls (we were soaked from the mist and the spray). While on the boat, we saw all of the tourists on the New York side of Niagara Falls, walking along the falls and going into the caves, behind the falls. No lie, I was jealous of them, because I wanted to do that too. Especially when I noticed all who entered the cave, suddenly had a grey hue to them.

Niagara Falls

The falls tour

Afterwards, we went to eat at Niagara on-the-falls restaurant, on the top floor, it was an all glass enclosure where we were able to see the falls, all around us. It was a beautiful view. That area had a lot of restaurants, gift shops and niagara themed trinkets. We then went wine tasting in a vineyard and I had ice- wine for the first time. Ice wine is wine made from frozen grapes as they are harvested during the winter season. 

 

Front Row Seat

Since's it's frozen, the amount of liquid used to make the wine is smaller, thus the bottles are smaller. The benefit of having less water to squeeze is the liquid taste's sweeter, as the sugar content is more concentrated. We ended up buying a few bottles that day. While the white wine was sweeter than the red one, the red one had more flavor overall. Getting both the wine and syrup flavored ice wine, was my favorite part of that day. 

The next day we took a trip downtown and went to both the Aquarium and the CN tower. We  touched the stingrays, took pictures next to the jellyfish and saw an array of different types of fish, sharks and other aquatic animals. Ripley's Aquarium is huge. The CN Tower was a fun experience, as we got to see the whole city from above and with all of the buildings and urban landscape, it looked similar to New York City. We walked to the part of the tower that had a glass floor. 

 

It was a total mind trick, watching people, cars and buses drive by underneath me, and having my realization of how high up I was, sink in. While we took pics on the glass floor, I remember how freaked out I got, when a toddler stood next to me (while with their parent) and started jumping on the floor. Although the floor wouldn't shatter due to that kids weight, I will say this, toddlers are very brave. 

 

Ripley's Aquarium

I enjoyed the last two days we spent there, the most as we got to explore the city as both a tourist and a local. We took the circle line tour bus downtown and while taking pics from the upper level, we witnessed the pride parade. We had an unexpected front-row seat to the festivities and enjoyed the music as we were surrounded by the parade goers and performers. We waved, smiled and rocked out. While driving past one of the main roads, we passed a slew of tattoo shops and being a tat enthusiast herself, my sister convinced us to enter one of the shop to get matching tattoo's. I go into more detail about that experience here.

Glass Floor at CN Tower

View Of Toronto

We went back to the hotel, grabbed food at the hotel's restaurant on the very top floor, and then retired to our room. Following day, we took the circle line tour again and this time, did the "river cruise" part of it and got on a boat that took us to both Wards and Centre island. We waved to the people on both islands and then circled back to the mainland. Afterwards we went souvenir shopping, by taking the train down to Dundas Square , which is their version of Times Square. 

 

I want to confirm that the people in that city are so helpful and hospitable because on two occasions we asked for help and directions while there and the one's who helped us, not only gave us directions, but also walked with us in the opposite direction of where they were going, to make sure we got to where we needed to be. Extremely welcoming too.

  

 

While buying souvenirs, we noticed there was a festival going on in the square. We went to it, and enjoyed the music, food, drinks and party. Seeing the stage, the musicians and vendors in the middle of a backdrop filled with designer stores and billboards, in the background was amazing. Shortly afterwards, we headed back to the hotel and grabbed dinner by the bar downstairs before heading back up to pack and head home. 

Yonge-Dundas Square

Overall I would definitely go back as I had an incredible time. If you're ever curious to see what the 6 is like, feel free to click the links above to check out the places I've visited and all of it's offerings. Listed below are some links that will help you book your own adventure along with some additional attractions that are in the city, that I didn't get the opportunity to explore. 

 

Book Flights

Book Hotels 

Book Activities

 

 

*As this an affiliate post, if you choose to purchase anything through the links below, I will get paid a small comission, from that sale, with no extra cost to you. It's not mandatory, but highly appreciated.*

How to quickly pack for a getaway in three hours or less.

 

As an avid travel enthusiast, whether I'm heading out for my next getaway or international trip; the one thing I'm always doing is packing last minute. It's a very bad habit that I've been unsuccessful in breaking. This resulted in me coming up with a strategy that allows me to pack all of my essentials and even some extra's in three hours or less. Hey, I always say, if you can't beat it, then work with it.

 

While I will be describing how I specifically packed for this trip, feel free to tailor this method to your needs. Everything mentioned can easily be substituted, added to or removed altogether, to account for what works best for you. 

 

On my most recent trip to Washington D.C. I will go into detail about how I used my travel essentials checklist as well as my strategy on how to pack everything you need and along some extra's so you don't leave anything out. It was literally the night before I was supposed to leave and I assumed that because this trip was a few hours away, in another state I had more time than I actually did, to pack.

I started packing my bags with what I call the "inside-out" method. This means I packed my clothes, toiletries and electronics, from what was directly touching my body first, and worked my way out from there.  For the clothing, I began with the underwear, bra's socks, pajamas and head-wraps and systematically worked my way to the clothing I would wear outside. 

 

I took (6) pairs of underwear, (3) pairs of bra's and socks and (2) headwraps. one for bed and the other for outerwear. After putting that away I then grabbed (2) bathing suits, (3) dresses, (2) Pants, (2) skirts and (3) pairs of shoes. That didn't include the pair I was already wearing down there. 

 

After the clothing was placed in the suitcase, I then gathered up my toiletries and spent the next 45 minutes sorting through what I needed and was bringing. I used the checklist as a guide to sort through all of the toiletries I wanted to bring and after collecting them into one big pile; I specifically picked the items that were going to be used immediately and the containers were almost empty. This way I finish using the remainder of the product, and lessen the clutter in my home. 

I took what was left of my body scrub, tinted moisturizer, travel size face wash, toner, gel moisturizer, (4) sheet masks, (2) travel size eye shadow palettes, (2) lipsticks, (1) lip gloss and (1) chap stick. Followed by (3) roller-ball perfumes that I needed to finish up. I split the storage of these items between a small makeup case and a small container for the face wash and toner. 

 

The remaining miscellaneous items I brought were travel sized body wash, toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrush and case for it along with my own towel, towel headband, flush able wipes and washrag. 

 

This was in the same small container as the toner and face wash. This entire process from gathering up what I needed and sorting through what I took and what I put back, lasted two hours and fifty-three minutes. 

 

Despite being in a frenzy since I had to go to bed by a certain time as I was driving down the following morning, I was able to sleep peacefully knowing I packed everything I needed.

                    

McLoone's Boathouse, a local eatery and neighborhood gem.

Have you ever found yourself driving home, past an establishment, and saying to yourself, one day you have to check that place out? Did you ever let that thought run through your mind every time you pass by that area and see that restaurant for months at a time? That was me continuously in regard to this place until this year when I finally decided to visit. I must say, the relaxing atmosphere and the upscale ambiance made me regret not going there sooner.  

McLoones' boathouse is an American seafood restaurant located within the South Mountain Recreation Complex, right on the banks of Orange Reservoir. The view it gives its customers is akin to that of a lakehouse, surrounded by a walking trail loop and a section with Swan paddle boats, for recreational use.  It is beautiful, and the only thing that matches the peaceful and serene view of the lake is the inside of the restaurant. It was a mix between your grandmother's home in the south and a long island beach house in the Hamptons. 

Named after Tim McLoone, who was a Musician, Athlete, and Entrepreneur; while he was a philanthropist at heart, he had an affinity for Americana cuisine and beach house decor. Hence why all of the restaurants he owns are either by the beach, by a body of water, or on the boardwalk. Although the boathouse in West Orange was opened in 2011, it was McLoone's sixth restaurant as he already had restaurants opened and successfully operated down the jersey shore and in Maryland.  You can see a snippet of his background here.   

I went one rainy weekend in May, with a couple of friends, like an outing to take my mind off of the tragedy that happened at work.  It hadn't planned to go out that weekend specifically, but took the offer and used it as an opportunity to finally visit. 

I walked in, through two large front doors, towards this fireplace in the middle of the room. The waiters' booth was to the left and as I inquired about the reservation and my friend's seating location, my friend found me and led me to the table. I sat down to being teased about being late and being able to defend myself this time, as compared to my usual track record, I made good time. We talked; looked over the menu and It took me a while to decide as they had so many good options on the menu. Our waiter was fast and friendly and he took really good care of us. 

 I ended up ordering a glass of sangria, with cauliflower bites and a side of fries, and Seared Salmon. The cauliflower bites were more savory and delicious than I expected, (especially when re-heated the morning after) but when I offered to share amongst my friends, they declined, once finding out what it was. I guess some people still don't like vegetables, even in adulthood.  

We shared some jumbo wings for the table, while one ordered the filet mignon and the other shrimp rigatoni vodka. We had multiple drinks and we were so full we couldn't order dessert. There was more than one to-go plate packed. 

While heading out, I made a detour from the exit, as I heard a familiar song being played, in the other room. We walked past the fireplace, by the entrance to see two performers singing a popular Caribbean song, acoustically. I saw the two performers behind the keyboard, drum, and microphone and the large group of people they were singing to, on the other side. 

We made it to the parking lot shortly afterward and spent the next three hours talking and laughing until it started raining and we all ran to our cars and texted each other when we got home. It was a great night with good company and great food. If you're ever in the area of west orange and the south mountain recreation complex, stop by McLoone's boathouse, you'll love the food and ambiance and leave with great memories.

 

Your Stress- Free planning of your family vacation

 

Family trip, takes a day at the beach.

 

How to take the stress, out of distressingly planning your family vacation.

 

Looking to book the best vacation on a budget? Have no idea how to get everyone to agree on the same place? Tired of the lack of input, help, or harmony surrounding this topic? Dreading planning the annual family trip? Since it may take a few tries before finding the rhythm that works for you; here are a few tips to help ease the process of figuring it out. All while fostering a sense of unity and inclusion.

Have all members that are traveling together make a list of all the places they want to go. Encourage them to leave no stone unturned. Every city, town, and country are eligible to make their lists. Then review and read the lists aloud to see if there are any commonalities. Every place that is mentioned repeatedly, circle them and write those down on a separate list. Those places will advance to the next step. The ones that didn't make it past the preliminaries, use those as ideas for the next year.

Family trip strolling through a field

 

Take the new list, with all of the places everyone had in common, and write the pros and cons of each place, next to each of the options that you have to choose from. Depending on the size of your family and the age of everyone involved, this will determine what will be the best choice for everyone. If traveling with young children, you will need to determine if the place is kid-friendly and family-oriented, as opposed to older children you might just need the place to speak your native language fluently, be safe, and have lots of excursions to choose from. This variable also affects which excursions you can book and how you plan on spending your time while on vacation. 

 

 

Then look at each option and determine their relative geographical location to each other. If you notice a trend where everyone is favoring visiting the Caribbean or the islands/ countries that are neighboring each other, decide if you can visit multiple destinations by way of a cruise, or other forms of "country-hopping". For example, if everyone wants to visit Aruba, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico, it might be easier to accomplish that on a cruise as opposed to going to each place separately. If primarily European countries make the list, see if you can plan a backpack excursion and take the Eurail train that spans 33 different European countries. This is the best way to get a taste of each country and, if you fancy a particular place, you can always go back and spend more time there.

 

 

Family Trip through the desert on horseback.

If none of the places are within the same region, then you can further narrow down the options in a creative way. This is the fun part, as you are in total control of this. You can do anything from playing games to having little family competitions, where the winner gets to pick the place. Playing team games like charades, taboo and dominoes will build and strengthen familial bonds while individual games like UNO, crazy eights, and monopoly will allow the winner to take all and pick the place. My friend and I couldn’t decide between Puerto Rico and the Bahamas and we played an old-fashioned game of rock-paper-scissors. I won, by the way, and we ended up going to Puerto Rico that year. I eventually visited the Bahamas later on that year with my family. 

Implementing this will not only make family trip planning, more fun, creative and inclusive; It also makes the process of planning trips much easier; less daunting and more exciting to look forward to. Try some of these techniques and any you come up with and let me know how they work for you in the comments below.

 

How Tennessee, became the perfect surprise, travel destination

 On one of my recent trips, I visited the southern state of Tennessee. I met up with one of my good friends and we embarked on a ski trip to the smokies. I flew to Atlanta where she lived; we hung out for the day and the next morning, we hit the road and drove 4 hours to Gatlinburg. Our hotel was in Pigeon Forge, which was 25 minutes away from the mountain and I enjoyed the charm of that town. The locals were hospitable and friendly and the food in the smaller non-franchise eateries were delicious. 

We went during a weekend event being held by The S.E.T, a travel organization that hosted the festivities that weekend. Although disappointed in the event itself, I was able to make up for it, by exploring the town. While I go into more detail about the diaster's of the festival itself here, these are the highlights that helped me to salvage my weekend.  

The Sunliner Diner: 

 

This was right next to our hotel and while I walked into this establishment unintentionally, it was the best detour I could have made that night. They have such a cute 1950's "Happy Days" glamour concept. I loved how upon walking into the establishment, you're automatically transported into another atmosphere. From the menu, to the desserts to the decór, you feel as if you're in another era. The customer service was top-notch as the waitress was attentive, friendly and a courteous. I ordered a BLT, fries and some chilli. I was temped to grab a sundae milkshake as a neighboring patron was enjoying their's. However my lactose intolerance would have cut that enjoyment short. 

 

Brick and Spoon: 

Now, this place holds a special place in my heart. While looking for a place to have Brunch on Sunday, My friend looked up this spot and we decided to experiment with it by trying it out. They have a softening salt scrubber in their bathroom and I loved it. Their menu presents a good variety of food that feels like your enjoying Grandma's secret family recipe with the feel of a close-knit family restaurant. The food was amazing. I had Banana's in Pajamas' for the first time, and that fosters' sauce I ordered doubles of. I also had crab cake eggs with hollandaise sauce and shared in some of the homefries my friend ordered with her meal. Needless to say, we were stuffed when we left. I highly recommend it. 

Marcos'  Pizza and Panda Express:  

These two establishments are franchises that are not considered Mom and Pop "niche" shops, however, Marcos is exclusively in the South. The title suggests that it's a pizza shop, but I was able to order wings, breadsticks, and other Non-dairy items to make a meal for myself. It was a pleasant surprise. The customer service was reminiscent of the "southern hospitality" culture and I enjoyed how freshly made the food was. I can imagine their pizza is just as good. 

Panda Express we visited it through the drive-thru and while this can be found up north, it's been years since I've tried their food. The menu options have definitely changed and now have more vegan options for those who have changed their diet since the last time they've been here. 

 Ober Gatlinburg: 

This was the highlight of the trip. The lodge was beautiful and had plenty of activities to do both inside and outside of the venue. I noticed from the waterslide at the bottom of the hill, that this place must be open during the summers as well. Getting there was quite the adventure as it entailed driving up a steep cliff on a very narrow road with no guardrails. I literally held my breath the whole ride, while my friend drove 5 MPH to make sure we survived the curves and turns in the road. It was one of two "close-calls" experiences that happened to me that weekend. When I spoke to one of the mountain lodge staff members about how dangerous that road was: He laughed stating "You're not from 'round here, huh?"

If his accent wasn't so loveable, I would have taken offense to his statement. 

Music Hotel Road: 

This is the hotel that I called home for a few days. My room was comfortable and spacious and the view of the river from the balcony was very peaceful and serene. They have a heated section within their pool while the neighboring Hot Tub was relaxing because of the powerful jets and the sauna-like temperatures. I spent most of my time in the pool, however, as I prefer to swim and I take advantage of every opportunity I get to do so. My friend however enjoyed that hotel luxury and spent most of her time there. We spent our time in the indoor pool as it was during the winter season that we visited. Due to covid restrictions, they did provide masks in the lobby upon request. They were selling them for Two-Dollars a piece, which I found ironic since no one in the lobby was wearing one. as a matter of fact, very few people were wearing masks down there. It was surreal to see.  

 Our final stop before heading home happened at one of the gift shops located on the 440 parkway. It was 9.99 or less, a.k.a. Souvenir City. I walked in and bought a navy blue smoky mountain mug that had a cork bottom. It was the only thing in that store that was unique enough for me to buy. I was taken aback by the confederate flags that were plastered on the walls and on clothing items. To my surprise they were courteous to me and my friend while we were shopping; however, she wanted to get out of there ASAP. I can't say I blame her. 

So if you ever find yourself traveling through the south and are curious enough to pass through Tennessee, I would recommend visiting the 440 parkway strip in Pigeon Forge for a few days as there is plenty to do. From shopping at the Tanger mall outlet, riding the coasters, visiting the upside-down museum to feeding the bears, you are guaranteed to have a memorable adventure.