Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain

San Louis Hotel Galveston Texas

First off let me say that they have taken time and energy into making the lobby and pool look very nice.  The staff was helpful and the food was pretty good. As far as the room goes... Not so much.  We booked last minute and there was only a standard room left.  Very dark and dated.  A bit depressing too.  The decor was from 1980. The air conditioning was so loud I had to turn it off in the middle of the night.  You can hear people talking right outside the door. Another horrible situation were the elevators.  Oh my.  It took literally forever to get into the elevators and they were jam packed every time.  Not good if you want to leave or if you are claustrophobic. The pool was really pretty but they had zero umbrellas in any area for shade.  Your choice is to rent a bake or rent a cabana.   

Oh and we checked into our room it was still in the process of being cleaned.  One bed wasn't made and there was junk around.  Went to the pool at and came back at 4pm the room was the same way.  We had to call and get it fixed. 

Valley Ho Scottsdale

Supper cool 

But I'm looking at a parking lot as a view... 

Either way it's still neat. 

Corkyard Carmel Valley

Definitely take a drive to Carmel Valley while in the region and stop by Corkyard for lunch.  

Super cute and delicious. The burger was too good! 

Point Lobos Carmel

Point Lobos Park is 10 miles down from Carmel.  I can't reccomend this enough!  It's absolutely beautiful.  

Get your hiking shoes on and go! Pack a lunch and spend the day on the trails. 

Very easy to moderate trails! 

www.pointlobos.org 

Big Sur California

Big Sur is about 30 miles down the coast from Carmel.  To say it's absolutely beautiful would be an understatement.  If you are in the area, you must go! 

I'd also stop at Point Lobos, it's gorgeous! I'll make another post on that! 

As for Big Sur, eat lunch at Sierra Mar if you want a little upscale mixed with a killer view. 

The drive itself is its own wonder.  Stop often especially at Bixby Bridge and Vista Point. 

The entire trip is worth the scenic views at Julia Pfeiffer State Park! 

Sierra Mar Big Sur California

http://www.postranchinn.com

First off Big Sur, swoon.  Omg could this place be anymore beautiful? 

If by chance you do head that way do yourself a favor and stop by Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn. 

This place is gorgeous.  There is a 3 course price fixed menu or a 5 course tasting menu.  We opted for the 3 course to ensure we could still hike after. The striped bass, lamb, oysters were fantastic.  

I'd recommend the chocolate dessert. 

Charcoal Gourmet Burger New Orleans Garden District

We were pleasantly surprised by how good our meal was at Charcoal. My salmon salad was delish!

It's on Magazine street in NOLA.

Commanders Palace New Orleans

http://www.commanderspalace.com

One of the few last great old world dining experiences. You dress up, have a marvelous meal, and generally have an all around great time.

The food was delicious and the staff was wonderful. They run a truly top notch operation and they want you to enjoy it!


It's worth it.


Spinach salad
Fig, Duck pancake
Gumbo
Bread pudding soufflé
Pecan pie

Terrell House Bed and Breakfast New Orleans

http://www.terrellhouse.com

This place is beautiful. I loved it! Linda was super nice and took care of everything we needed. I would, and will recommend Terrell House to anyone that asks me about New Orleans. Though it's about a mile from Bourbon street, it's in a quiet nice Garden District neighborhood.