Category Archives: Travel

Indiana Wants Me

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Indiana Wants Me

I couldn’t help it. When I hear “Indiana” I always think of that R Dean Taylor Song. I think it came out around 1970. 

Of course I haven’t killed anyone so Indiana doesn’t want me like the man in the song.

Mishawaka, Indiana

Mishawaka Indiana, have you ever hear of it? It must be known for something because my Timeshare has a resort there. The only resort in the state, Varsity Clubs of America. Mishawaka is a city on the St. Joseph River, in Penn Township, St. Joseph County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. Mishawaka is a principal city of the South Bend–Mishawaka, IN-MI. The area became known as the “Peppermint Capital of the World“, since the area’s rich black loam produced great quantities of mint.

Varsity Club-South Bend

My Time share web site describes the Varsity Club:
Varsity Clubs of America – South Bend is an all-suite hotel offering unique and inviting accommodations. Conveniently located for easy access to the University of Notre Dame and all its excitement, the hotel features stylish, sports-themed décor and well-appointed kitchen amenities. Fire up the outdoor grill for a game-day barbeque, or entertain the family at the indoor swimming pool and billiards parlor.

 

VARSITY CLUBS OF AMERICA - SOUTH BEND $83 ($̶1̶2̶3̶) - Updated 2022 Prices & Hotel Reviews - Mishawaka, IN

 

In poking around for things to do the most interesting suggestion was the “River Walk“. The Riverwalk – officially named the “River St. Joseph of the Miamis Trail” is a circular system of pedestrian/bicycle trails on both banks of the St. Joseph River. Pedestrian bridges connect the Riverwalk at strategic points such as Central Park, Kamm Island, and the new Robert C. Beutter Riverfront Park. A footbridge connects Beutter Park on the south shore to Battell Park on the north.  All told it’s about 2.5 miles long.

Mishawaka River Walk In Indiana Has The Best Scenic Views Of The St. Joseph River

Things to do

Trip advisor had some suggestions but they didn’t really excite me. Mostly sports stadiums, The Studebaker Car Museum, galleries and so on. There is a zoo. That might be fun.

Maybe Indiana would be more interesting if I don’t use the timeshare option. Find some things that interest me and then find a location.  Moving this to the 2nd tier of vacations. 

 

Idaho – The Gem State

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Idaho

Surprise! Idaho seems to be a popular vacation state. Who knew? Idaho is a northwestern U.S. state known for mountainous landscapes, and vast swaths of protected wilderness and outdoor recreation areas. 

 I think we’ve all seen the commercials for the Idaho Potato truck 

But Idaho is also know for gemstones. The mountains contain veins of gold, silver, lead, zinc, cobalt, copper, and many other rare minerals. Some of these rare minerals are gems like star garnets (the state gem), jasper, opal, jade, topaz, zircon, and tourmaline.

Places To Stay

So now that I know what Idaho is known for lets see what resorts  my timeshare has to offer.

The first resort to pop up is Elkhorn Inn located in Sun Valley. I’ve heard of Sun Valley but primarily for skiing in winter but the internet write ups seem to make summer a good time to visit too.

Elkhorn Resort | Idaho | Diamond Resorts

Summer in Sun Valley!

The City of Sun Valley sits at the edge of the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests; with the Big Wood River, a fisherman’s dream, running through the Wood River Valley.

Sun Valley enjoys a pleasant mountain desert climate.  With an average humidity of only 30%, and 15 inches of precipitation per year, the northern latitude creates long days, with 15 hours of sunshine in the summer, giving the resort community its well-deserved name.  Average summer temperature is 78 degrees.

Located in Central Idaho is Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. I’ve wanted to visit Craters of the Moon and it looks like it’s about 1.5 hours from Sun Valley. Point for Elkhorn Resort.

How to get to Sun Valley

By Air:

The most convenient way to access Sun Valley by air is through the Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey, a short 20-minute drive south of Sun Valley.  During peak season months, there are daily non-stop flights from Seattle, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.  Please access Fly Sun Valley Alliance for flight schedules and ground transportation options to Sun Valley.

Other nearby airports include Twin Falls (90-mile south) and Boise (150-mile southwest).

By Ground:

Mountain Rides Transportation Authority runs public transportation for the Sun Valley area. Mountain Rides, a free town bus service, serves Warm Springs, Ketchum, Elkhorn, Dollar and River Run areas. In addition, to enable residents and visitors to get around the Wood River Valley in an economical and environmental friendly way, Mountain Rides operates the Valley Bus, serving Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley.

The 2nd Choice

Timbers at Island Park . This condominium style resort is located 22 miles from the West entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

The Timbers Condominiums At Island Park Village | Armed Forces Vacation Club

I’ve actually been trying to get a reservation here for a couple of years so I think I’ll keep this near the top of the list and keep trying.  I want to explore Yellowstone from the West Entrance. My previous visit was from Wyoming which brought me into the park from the south. Yes, I got to see Old Faithful 

Old Faithful Erupts

Old Faithful Erupts- 2017

Getting There

The nearest commercial airports are 85 miles away in Idaho Falls, Idaho and 110 miles away in Bozeman, Montana. The resort is 22 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana. From there is a car rental for the drive.

Considering Delaware

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How about Delaware

Does Delaware get missed because it’s such a tiny state? It hardly shows up as white space on my map. It feels like it should be a quick stop to somewhere else. Sorry Delaware! Don’t mean to be insulting. There’s only 1 resort and it’s on Fenwick Island.

Mallard Lakes at Fenwick Island

Mallard Lakes at Fenwick Island

Photo from the resort website

Mallard Lakes at Fenwick Island, 297 Cardinal Lane, Fenwick Island, Delaware, 19944, United States

Relax in the peaceful, serene environment of Mallard Lakes on Fenwick Island in Delaware. Shops and restaurants surround the area, or travel to nearby Ocean City and traverse the boardwalk. Golf courses, boating excursions, horseback riding, seashore parks and beaches are just a short drive away. Whether you want to participate in fishing or just some relaxation at one of the four stocked lakes, Mallard Lakes will provide you entertainment with a touch of solitude.

What to do in Delaware

Like most states I research there is a list of things to do on the internet. The list for Delaware has a lot of mansions and museums. One that caught my eye is the Delaware Art Museum located in Wilmington.  “As you approach the building, you can’t help seeing the Dale Chihuly arrangement of brilliant glass flowers, each several feet across.”  I am a huge Chihuly fan. Love his glassworks. I’ve been to exhibits and the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) Boston and Chihuly Garden & Glass in Seattle. Plus those brilliant , twisty glass chandeliers in many casinos are Chihuly too!

2017 MFA Exhibit Boston – Photo by Deb Neumann

Other Attractions on the list

The #1 attraction according to trip advisor is  FUNLAND. “This park as been a family owned and operated attraction for decades. Wonderful place to spend the day and get out of the sun. Very reasonable pricing.”  Not something I would be interested in but maybe if I had children with me? 

#2 is more to my liking. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Sanctuary. Bombay Hook is 14000 acres of Wetlands preserve and home to many migratory birds.

#3 Cape May-Lewes Ferry.  “Whether you’re crossing the Delaware Bay for a fun day trip or as part of a long-distance trip, on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, your journey is sure to be a memorable one. Enjoy historic lighthouses, picturesque harbors, oceangoing vessels, unique seabirds and, just maybe, your very own dolphin escort! The 17-mile, 85-minute cruise between New Jersey and Delaware can cut miles off a trip along the Atlantic Coast, connecting points like Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Ocean City and the rest of the Jersey Shore with Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Sussex Shores, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean City, MD, and destinations throughout Virginia. Our welcoming, modern terminals are a destination in and of themselves, with enjoyable restaurants and lounges, and well-stocked gift shops!”

That sounds interesting!

So more to see and do than I expected from such a tiny state.

What about Arkansas?

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What About Arkansas?

Next on the list is Arkansas. It’s on my primary list because we have a timeshare resort. We’ve got 1 choice here, Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village. Los Lagos is a four-season resort, nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, just 20 miles from Hot Springs National Park.

Obviously I’ll need to visit Hot Springs National Park. 

The Wild- New York 2020

Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. The grand architecture of our historic bathhouses is equally matched by the natural curiosities that have been drawing people here for hundreds of years. Ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and abundant creeks – all in the middle of town – make Hot Springs National Park a unique and beautiful destination.

What about Arkansas?

 

Arkansas Alligator Farm

I’ll have to visit the Alligator Farm. I love going to Gatorland in Florida so I will want to compare this Alligator farm with what I’ve experienced in Florida. Baby alligators are so cute. I remember seeing them in the wild in Everglades National Park. I’ve also had the opportunity to hold them at Gatorland so although it won’t be a new experience I still want to do it. I can imagine all the photo ops here!

Make Way For Ducklings – Public Gardens Boston 2017

 

Hot Springs Mountain Tower

Situated at the pinnacle of Hot Springs Mountain overlooking the town, the tower was built in the early ‘80s. A view from the top will give guests an unobstructed view of the countryside. On a clear day, it’s possible to see more than 100 miles away according to locals.

Reachable by stairs and an elevator, there are observation scopes at the top if your eyes need a bit of help.

If you’re up for a physical challenge, it’s more than 300 steps to the top, but your effort will be rewarded with burned calories and breathtaking vistas. I think I’ll take the elevator please!

Covered Bridge Vermont 2017

Where to next? Alabama?

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Where should I go next?

As my State list shrinks it is harder to decide where to go next. I’ll share my thoughts along with more photos from the trips I’ve taken.  My first step was to check for time share resorts. There are other exchanges I can use but the easiest to get a reservation for are the  “Destinations” so I have split my list into  primary locations , those with a timeshare resort, and secondary locations. Places I will need either an exchange or a local motel.

North Carolina 2021

Primary States

  1. Alabama
  2. Arkansas
  3. Delaware
  4. Idaho
  5. Indiana
  6. Missouri
  7. New Mexico
  8. Oregon
  9. Utah
  10. West Virginia

Carriage Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia 2018

Colonial Williamsburg 2018

Secondary Locations

  1. Iowa
  2. Kansas
  3. Kentucky
  4. Michigan
  5. Mississippi
  6. Montana
  7. Nebraska
  8. North Dakota
  9. Ohio
  10. Oklahoma
Elk Migration

Elk Migration Wyoming 2017

Alabama

The resort is the Shores located in Orange Beach.

The Shores, 24060 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama, 36561, United States

The Shores provides the finest in beachfront relaxation, with easy access to local dining and attractions. Spend the day lounging by the large outdoor pool with waterfall, fishing at the nearby marinas, exploring the area’s theme parks and enjoying the best seafood Alabama has to offer. In the evening, relax by the beachfront fireplace, lounge and grilling areas, or watch the sunset from your spacious balcony overlooking the Gulf.

ANNUAL EVENTS

January – Snowbird Fest

February – Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show

March – Orange Beach Mardi Gras, Orange Beach Festival of Art

April – Annual Bama Coast Cruising, Waterway Village & Crawfish Festival

May – Hangout Music Festival, Orange Beach Billfish Classic

July – Blue Marlin Grand Championship

September – Alabama Coastal Triathlon, The Wharf Uncorked Food & Wine Festival 

October – Annual National Shrimp Festival

November – Annual Oyster Cook Off and Craft Beer Weekend, World Food Championships

December – Annual Lighted Boat Christmas Parade

Another interesting activity is a day trip to Dauphin Island. It’s about an hour and 30 minutes from Orange Beach and a 40 minute ferry ride but on Dauphin Island is the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, one of the largest of its kind on the east coast.  I’m already itching to get my camera out. Some of the best bird pictures I’ve ever taken were in sanctuaries!

Gatorland Florida 2020