You'll Love the Ideas in This Week's Fast Five!

 

1.    The Kimberly Bridge at Casa Kimberly, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  I don't care who you are, romance is infectious.  Casa Kimberly probably shouldn't be famous, but when you get Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor together in 1964; a very good year by the way, romance is inevitable.

The Bridge of Love was built as a replica of the Bridge of Sighs of Venice fame.  Richard Burton built the bridge so that he could visit Liz at Casa Kimberly from his own casita across the street without being hounded by paparazzi.  Following that, he gave Casa Kimberly to Liz for her 32nd birthday.  To this day, the bridge is known as Puente del Amor and is a very special spot in Puerto Vallarta.

So, if you happen to be in Puerto Vallarta, you have to take time to visit the Bridge of Love and the history of one of Hollywood's greatest romances.

https://casakimberly.com/the-unique-history-of-casa-kimberlys-puente-del-amor-bridge-of-love/

https://www.instagram.com/casakimberly/p/C2-s9XcyGbU/

https://lprluxury.com/casa-kimberly-legacy-elizabeth-taylor-gets-makeover/

https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Hotels/A-Look-at-Puerto-Vallarta-s-Iconic-Casa-Kimberly

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l265/?cmp=ga&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=15508043452&cq_con=129665666566&cq_term=attraction%20in%20puerto%20vallarta&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=15508043452&adgroup_id=129665666566&target_id=aud-1393039795340:kwd-295542241413&loc_physical_ms=9003419&match_type=b&ad_id=569262886228&keyword=attraction%20in%20puerto%20vallarta&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxeyxBhC7ARIsAC7dS38AFeuk7iZEMjUlKdQfH5LAaMHJv1Oc4DoEZW5blom513WHkZE3WwYaAry2EALw_wcB

2.    Include a unique event in your travel plans.  Have you ever gone to a place to see something, and it fell flat?  I find that it's normally fun and exciting to have a plan that involves an event.  Recently, we went to NYC to see a hockey game.  A few months ago, we went to Iceland because it was Northern Lights' Season.  Having a something instead of just a somewhere helps enhance travel.

Whether you'd like to participate in Holi in India, go see some of the original Highland Games in Scotland or even watch people jump off of a bridge in West Virginia; there's something for everyone going on out there around the world.  Just because a Wife Carrying Competition isn't something you'd participate in, doesn't mean it isn't fun to watch.

I've been to Maine for a Sea Plane Fly In.  I've been to Boston for the Marathon.  I've been to Cleveland for Rock and Blast.  I've been to Cedar Point for Twins Day.  Some of the things I've been to are a little out of the mold, but even getting in the world's biggest traffic jam to see a total eclipse of the sun was fun.  So, if you have a bucket list spot; check and see if the best time to go might be for an annual festival or event.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/festivals

https://www.tourradar.com/f/festivals-and-events

https://www.exploreworldwide.com/experiences/festival-tours

https://www.afar.com/travel-inspiration/art-and-culture/festivals-and-events

https://www.musicfestivals.com/

3.    The International Burro Race, Boom Days, Leadville, Colorado.  That's right, it's a race where people run with Burros.  This is one of the events that I was talking about as a unique reason to visit a location at a particular time.  Leadville, Colorado is a great place to go and enjoy small town life and lots of hiking and other outdoor mountain activities.  It's one of the most beautiful spots in the country, but once a year they have a festival.  Part of that festival is the Burro Race.

There's a short race of 15 miles and a long race of 21 miles.  The rule is that you have to finish the race with your Burro.  Don't have one?  That's okay.  The locals will match you with a burro if you don't have one.  That's right; matchmaking for burros and people to run a long race.  If you aren't into the run, I promise you'll still be entertained.  It's a one of a kind experience no matter how you look at it, and if you enjoy the Rocky Mountains, you should swing by Leadville and check it out.  If you can't make it to Leadville to enjoy the original, check out some of the other burro races that have sprung up across the state.  It's spreading out.

https://leadvillepackburrorace.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=10797

http://www.leadvilleboomdays.org/welcome-2/

https://www.packburroracing.org/races

https://www.thirstcolorado.com/source/2024/5/2/burro-racing

https://www.facebook.com/LeadvilleBoomDays/

4.  It's the return of the Paris Waiters Race, Paris, France.  This spring marked the first time that this one of a kind event had taken place in over a decade.  Reportedly founded in 1914, although I'm not positive about that date, waiters race across Paris in a unique way.  They must carry a tray with a croissant, a glass of water and a coffee cup over a mile through old town with no disasters.  They aren't supposed to run, exactly, but the first one who arrives at the finish line items in tact, wins.  Around 200 waiters ran the race this year ahead of the Summer Olympics, and hopefully it will continue as a tradition.  If visiting Paris, the race takes place tentatively in the spring and could be a great event to plan a trip around.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/24/world/europe/paris-waiters-race.html

https://apnews.com/article/paris-olympics-food-drink-waiters-france-969ab5ae581716bf32d794ff9cf80bf0

https://www.theleader.com.au/story/8572497/paris-fastest-waiters-crowned-in-2024-as-waiter-race-returns/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/waiters-and-waitresses-raced-through-the-streets-of-paris-180984025/

https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2024/03/24/paris-waiters-race-streets-crpog-lon-orig-is.cnn

5.    AllTrails.  Let's take a moment and discuss the rational side to travel.  Most of us aren't travel vloggers, and don't have time and money to take grand vacations all the time.  I'm one of those people who have to get out and get some air to get away from the stress in my life, and I don't always have time or money to do the things I most desire.

AllTrails is my latest passion and the only app I've ever paid for.  This wonderful app, that only costs $35.99 a year will help you find outdoor places to get away from it all

THIS IS NOT A PAID PROMOTION!!!

AllTrails will tell you about places to take a walk on a trail near you.  It will tell you about places you never knew about, no matter how long you've lived in the area.  It tells you the distance, difficulty, elevation change and gives you a map of each and every trail.  You can preview the trail.  You can use it to help you navigate the trail.  It will help you find the trail head.  There are reviews so you can even gauge the current condition of the trail.  It's great information.  

I can't recommend this app enough.  Sometimes I just need to get out, and I have multiple options at any time with AllTrails.  It's helped me get in better shape, feel better, and clear my head from some very stressful days.  For anyone who likes to get away to clear their head, this is the best!

The reality is, we can't all just jump on a plane and get away.  We can't all just spend a fortune to clear our heads.  This is the answer for anyone who likes to get outside and get away.  I wouldn't recommend it if I didn't love it myself.

https://www.alltrails.com/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alltrails.alltrails&hl=en_US&gl=US

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alltrails-hike-bike-run/id405075943

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8lsGsHJsYo

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=528606746056733

So, there you have it.  Events are a great motivator and enhancer of travel.  Special locations within a travel location are also travel enhancers.  Travel is a multi level experience.  Places can be special, but it's the events the history that make the memories.  Always keep in mind what you'll be doing and not just where you'll be going.  The two go together hand in hand and make the experience all it can be.

And, if you don't have time, like I normally don't; look into a hiking app.  I love AllTrails, but there are other ones if it's not for you.  I have to get away from it all to relax and local hiking is a great thing to get me through my day.

Hope you've enjoyed all my ideas and that you'll get out there and enjoy!

Mostly in the United States for This Week's Fast Five!

 

1.    Take a storm chasing tour!  Believe it or not, when in the middle of the country; this is a thing.  Straight down the middle of the flattest states in the country is what is known as Tornado Alley.  It runs from southern South Dakota down through the Texas Panhandle.  Years ago there was a movie called "Twister".  You may have heard of it.  What happened was ridiculous.  It spawned and entire adventure travel subset.

There are a lot of companies, mostly operating out of Oklahoma and Texas, although I have seen some in Kansas, who will take you out to chase storms; aka, tornadoes.  This isn't for the feint of heart.  These tours can be a day or several; depending on what you want to get out of it.  What you will get is an adrenaline rush.  For someone who's been around a tornado or two, and not by choice, I'd say prepare yourself for this one.

That being said; if you can't get enough adventure and happen to be in Tornado Alley; this is probably something for you!

https://extremetornadotours.com/

https://www.tempesttours.com/

https://www.stormtours.com/

https://stormchasing.com/

https://stormchasingtour.com/

https://www.tornadicexpeditions.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g51560-i521-k7010127-Tornado_Storm_Chasers_Which_company_to_go_with-Oklahoma_City_Oklahoma.html

2.  The Cerro Gordo Mine and Ghost Town, near Death Valley, California.  Nathan Barry decided to buy a ghost town in 2018 with a friend and has been turning it into a destination ever since.  The desert lands of California were abuzz with activity during the gold rush years of the 1800's.  But after the boom was over, so was the town.  In its new incarnation, the old ghost town is a location to visit.  You can come and visit, see the old mines, see the old town, buy some souvenirs, and even stay the night if you like.  There aren't many creature comforts here, but it will be a massive adventure.  Barry is a generous host and knowledgeable about the history of the property, so come, learn, and experience this historic mining town.

http://explorehistoricalif.com/ehc_legacy/cerro_reserve1.html#:~:text=Stay%20a%20night%20in%20historic%20Cerro%20Gordo&text=You%20and%20your%20group%20can,(accommodating%20up%20to%204).

https://nathanbarry.com/cerro-gordo/

https://whichmuseum.com/museum/cerro-gordo-mines-keeler-20263/opening-hours

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32549-d107950-Reviews-Cerro_Gordo_Mines-Keeler_California.html

https://store.cerrogordomines.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS0kyvIXOu4

3.    Falkenstein Castle, Burnet, Texas.   This one's fun.  They say it's not too far from Austin, and it's a real castle.  The creators, the Young's visited Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria and decided to make one of their own.  It took 10 years and was a labor of love.  Now, the castle is available for events like weddings and so forth.  For the right price, you can bring up to 12 people and stay for a couple of nights with the entire castle to yourself.  It's a once in a lifetime experience, and something to keep in mind if you happen to be in central Texas!

https://www.hillcountrycastle.com/

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45767504?source_impression_id=p3_1714593727_ne0i3W5QQ61S0quw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL20nEif51Y

https://texashillcountry.com/falkenstein-castle-fairy-tale/

https://www.facebook.com/falkensteincastleburnettx/

4.    Ragbrai, aka, Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, Iowa.   I've been to Iowa.  It's one of those places where you kind of end up making your own fun.  Not a lot of tourist attractions.  The biggest event for decades was the state fair.  Corn is king in the state, and if you don't believe me, you can come and see it for yourself.  In 1973, Ragbrai was created.  It's a 450 or so mile bike ride across the state.  It happens every year.  It's become the biggest non competition bike ride in the world and the longest running as well.  There are events, food, entertainment and a lot of fun along the way.  Currently, they've become so popular that you can't just join like you used to be able to.  May 15th is the last day for registration for this year's 8 day biking adventure.

https://ragbrai.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RAGBRAI/

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/living-well/ragbrai/2023/07/19/ragbrai-still-growing-as-it-turns-50-john-karras-donald-kaul-bicycle-ride-sioux-city-davenport/70362204007/

https://ragbraisiouxcity.com/

https://www.iowacorn.org/education/ragbrai-iowa-corn

5.    Sylt, Germany.  What?  Sylt is one of the Frisian Islands off the north coast of Germany.  That's right.  The North Sea.  Why would anyone go there?  Well, German folks have gone to the area for rest, relaxation, vacation, and rejuvenation forever.  It's always been the land of tourism for them.  Most of the rest of us either haven't heard of it or wonder why you'd go there instead of someplace warm.  

Along this coast of the North Sea you'll find beautiful beaches, lovely coastline and picturesque villages.  This island is no different in that respect.  However, Sylt is also home to the creme du la creme of spas and luxury accommodations.  If you want to be pampered, this is your spot.  There are resorts and spas that will indulge your Michelin Star appetite, your massage and beauty treatment pampering, and your sauna and pool rejuvenation.  It's a classy place with a lot of history, and if you find yourself in Germany in the summer; well, there's a whole lot of sunlight there too.

https://www.germany.travel/en/nature-outdoor-activities/sylt-island.html

https://www.sylt.de/en

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/spend-weekend-sylt-germany-lesser-known-island-escape

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g198651-Sylt_North_Friesian_Islands_Schleswig_Holstein-Vacations.html

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/10/10/how-a-german-island-in-the-north-sea-became-a-magnet-for-the-rich-and-famous

https://www.booking.com/region/de/sylt.de.html?aid=339272;label=sylt-apUdJ3sDfXlcT4qqm6ZYkgS387656658685:pl:ta:p1:p2:ac:ap:neg:fi:tiaud-146342138710:kwd-54009127:lp9003419:li:dec:dm:ppccp=UmFuZG9tSVYkc2RlIyh9YcUc3ZfdbbfEWXOoFXTjaLE;ws=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0MexBhD3ARIsAEI3WHLvd6zR7MWL7zXv-juWqoTALpvUn5KUJOEIVDu_AIf7NtqNTsDSIGAaAkRxEALw_wcB

There you have it.  If you want something truly out of the ordinary, I think we've covered it.  Whether it be luxury accommodations in Texas or on the North Sea in Germany.  If you want to investigate gold mining history, chase a storm or ride your bike across Iowa; we've covered that this week.  Just remember, as this one is telling you; travel should be about the journey.  If you can't appreciate the location, the accommodations, the history, and by all means the ride; then you aren't appreciating it just right.  So, try an adventure; pack your bags and enjoy!