Travel, Food, Technology and More!

A group of friends went to Hawaii over Thanksgiving this year.   While going for a casual drive, we came upon the Diamond Head Crater.   Feeling adventurous, we decided to give it a shot. 

If we had it to do over, we would have definitely wore tennis shoes (not flip flops) and brought along some water.    It is a relatively short hike (about 40 minutes up, and 20-30 minutes down).  As you ascend the side of the crater, beautiful panoramas of the entire island come into view.  We had an absolutely perfect day, and snapped some amazing photos.   If you are afraid of stairs, you will want to avoid this.  We actually saw one person look at the larges series of stairs and head back.  At the top you actually get to see some of the WWII gun turrets at the top of the mountain.  One of the best views is that of Waikiki beach, where you can see a modern city with every amenity imaginable meet the crystal blue waters of the Pacific.

After you are finished and back at the parking lot in the base of the crater, don’t forget to try some shaved ice.  I don’t know if it was the fact we forgot water, but the shaved iced was the best I ever had!  I’d definitely like to repeat this hike the next time we go.  

Official Website:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/hiking/oahu/Index.cfm?hike_id=2

Contact Information:
Off Diamond Head Road
Between Makapu’u Avenue and 18th Avenue, Honolulu, HI
 (808) 984-8109

Trail Head:
 21°15′48.19″N
157°48′18.97″W

We got a late start to Kennedy Space Center, but were glad to find that they reduced their rate in the afternoon.  We just missed the last bus to the launch pad the day before an Atlantis launch!  There were still plenty of things to see. 

New in 2007, the Space Shuttle Launch Experience was an A+ attraction.  Even though it was quite busy the day before the launch, the wait wasn’t very long at all.   The simulator actually raises you to a 90 degree angle and shakes you like the real thing.  On its own it was worth the price of admission.

Next to the simulator is a full size replica of the space shuttle you can go inside to explore.    

Also notable was the 3D IMAX movie of the International Space Station.  It felt like you were really there!   It uses the same 3-D technology the new movie Avatar uses, which is a bit more realistic than the old fashion red and blue cardboard glasses.     

After the movie, of course we had to stop at the gift shop and stock up on souvenirs. 

The next day we saw the shuttle launch from the airport.  Hopefully we’ll be able to come back before the end of the program to whitness it closer. 

Official Website:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/index.html

Contact Info:
State Road 405 East
Cape Canaveral, FL 32899
(321) 449-4400

My Dad turned 60 this year, and I thought it would be a good idea to take him bass fishing in Florida.  I looked at several bass fishing destinations; however Orlando had not only good fishing, but also good entertainment.

Hilton just opened their brand new flagship hotel right inside Disney World in Bonnet Creek.  I can truly say that I was thoroughly impressed with every aspect of my stay.   The staff were extremely helpful and courteous.  

Every morning we had the buffet breakfast in the Harvest Bistro.  Everything was incredibly fresh and perfectly cooked.   The variety of food made it feel like a Sunday brunch every day of our stay.

I also had the opportunity of ordering a pulled pork sandwich from the pool restaurant..  Fantastic!   The pool area itself has a relaxing lazy river that connects two pools.  If you’re feeling adventurous, try the water slide.  

The Muse Cafe offers freshly brewed coffee and light desserts.  The brownies and muffins were excellent.

The hotel was very well thought out.  Everything flows perfectly together and the decor is fresh and airy.   Even the elevators only take 10 seconds to go from the lobby to the top floor!  It truly is a destination in itself.  

Also onsite was a golf course, affiliated with the attached Waldorf Astoria.  The convention center connecting the two hotels is massive.    I can’t wait until we go back again next year! 

Official Website:
http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/ORLHHHH-Hilton-Orlando-Bonnet-Creek-Florida/index.do

Contact Info:
14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane,�
Orlando, FL  32821
(407) 597-3600   Phone
(407) 597-3701 Fax

Hotel:
28°21′32.08″N
81°32′6.12″W

I must say I fell victim to hotel info channel advertising.  Every time I turned on the TV it went on and on about the local aquarium.  Seeing as I was looking for something to do, I decided to go check it out.

I was happy to find that the aquarium was part of a complex of movie theaters, restaurants, and shops.   Parking was easy – and partially validated if you see a movie.

When you first enter the aquarium, you descend via an escalator which makes you feel like you are actually going under water.  Along with the huge, impressive shark tanks are smaller, more specialized habitats for not only fish but amphibians, crabs, snakes, birds and muskrats.

One of my favorites was the Jellyfish room, where they had several species.   I visited over Halloween weekend so I also got to witness a diver carving a pumpkin underwater.   They also do something with Santa for Christmas.   The kids seemed to love it.  Well worth the $20 admission price.

Official Website:
http://www.newportaquarium.com/

Contact Info:
1 Aquarium Way
Newport, KY 41071-1679
(859) 261-7444

Aquarium:
39° 5′41.05″N
84°29′50.25″W

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Overall, the Vineyard Cafe and Wine bar is my favorite restaurant in Cincinnati. I’ve been there about four times now and every time has been a memorable experience. From dining on their patio overlooking Hyde Park Square in the summer, to dining in their cozy wine room on a cold fall night; each time the food, service, and hospitality were top notch.

Located in Hyde Park, the restaurant is surrounded by quaint little shops that warrant a visit. Just be sure to shop before dinner as many close around 5.

To start off, I highly recommend the Brushetta Trio. You get to try olive tapenade, boursin hummus, and sun dried tomato basil spread all in one appetizer.

For dinner my favorite is the Tenderloin Medallions. The sauce that comes with them is perfectly paired with the steak. I always worry that the sauce will take away from the high quality of meat, but this truly did accent the flavor instead of masking it.

If you have enough room for dessert, try the Key Lime Tart. The best way to describe it would be an explosion of lime flavor in every bite. The flaky graham cracker crust is rich and buttery.

I make it a point to come back at least once every time I visit.

Official Website:
http://www.vineyardwineroom.com/

Contact Info:
2653 Erie Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45208
(513) 871-6167

Restaurant:
39° 8′22.60″N
84°26′36.90″W