Travel and Leisure News

In beautiful St. Thomas, VI a villa is the way to vacation this winter! There are three exceptional and exclusive villas we recommend! Villa Blu is located on the bustling east end of St. Thomas. Just 5-7 minutes from multiple beaches and the nightlife of Red Hook with its bars, casual and fine dining restaurants. Grocery stores are located in Red Hook as well. There is also the ferry departure point to St John, and the British Virgin Islands and sport-fishing with a mini yacht hub in Red Hook. Villa Blu is a 3BR/3BA freestanding Oceanview home, with the electric mix of a modern and open design style with more traditional furniture selections creates a modern mix, a backdrop for your comfortable vacation or holiday away. The intimate pool is conveniently located off the sunken living area near the center of the Villa.A perfect location for an extended family retreat or a set of corporate team members traveling for work. Villa Blu offers a calming comfortable, inviting atmosphere, a quiet respite at the end of the road. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/48737460?source_impression_id=p3_1695670164_YJncN2DylGFTLJ0a   The second villa is Villa Fratelli Giardino with a style all its own. With a welcoming garden entry foyer, this Award-Winning Villa has a unique architectural style offering a two-pod concept, one pod for living and dining and a second pod for resting comfortably in this 3BR/3BA accommodation. The pool and pool deck are accessed by a gracious staircase with multiple levels and includes a built-in bar for entertaining. Villa Fratelli Giardino offers a delightful and fun property layout, with its signature blue bit stonework, its graceful design, a pool level bar and multiple decks complement a graceful staircase and a tropical entry foyer. The views are dramatic, the spaces large and spacious and the furniture is a delightful mix of both old and new…. using teak, leather, and traditional mahogany throughout the Villa! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/920925095705331600?source_impression_id=p3_1695668823_J   Welcome to Villa View Caribe our third villa! This stylish-newly renovated villa offers dramatic views and a quiet, comfortable yet refined decor that immediately invites you as the guest to relax and unwind.Once inside this tropical compound, you will immediately experience the expansive ocean views as you enter. Villa View Caribe is perched on a spectacular hilltop with dramatic ocean views in all directions. The property has spacious grounds and comes equipped with both a front and rear patio for your enjoyment.Once inside, you immediately experience the soaring ceilings of the great room and the expansive western pool and ocean views beyond! Three carefully appointed bedrooms, two bathrooms and a hidden laundry are all located immediately on your right. The entry hall opens into the ocean-view dining room and well-appointed kitchen beyond. Step down, and the deck opens expansively with chaise lounges and the inviting pool beyond. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/963907276571716254?source_impression_id=p3_1695669566_pi10ZhTU9mkJQlQ9 All three of these villas will go beyond your Virgin Island vacation expectations! You will enjoy the essence of the island in pure luxury, while being conveniently near the beaches, shops, and night life of Red Hook. Book your Virgin Island vacation today!          

In Jackson Hole, WY your adventure basecamp awaits at the Mountain Modern Motel.  Here you will be just 2 blocks from the infamous Town Square, 5 blocks from Snow King Mountain, 10 miles from Grand Teton National Park, 12 miles from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and 55 miles from the south entrance to Yellowstone. Not to mention walking distance to shops, dining, galleries, entertainment, outdoor activities, and iconic events. Triple M guest rooms and suites are great alternatives to traditional Jackson Hole lodging: functional but fun, and simple but well-designed, with a sense of authenticity and play that reflects the spirit of the area. Designed with the adventurer in mind, they’re more like mini-apartments than hotel rooms, with open floor plans, and practical spaces for storing your gear. We’ve kept the charm of a traditional hotel room, but added amenities to give you just the right amount of pampering after your day of adventuring. You certainly won’t go hungry at Triple M; our on-site restaurants boast food you’ll actually WANT to devour. The in-house Triple M offers breakfast and all-day dining options. And onsite, choose between authentic BBQ or Korean to satisfy those cravings. Plus, the mini-fridges in our rooms are perfect for storing your leftovers. Some of the highlighted amenities at Triple M are a beautiful heated outdoor pool & hot tub, where you’ll enjoy a nice, relaxing soak under the Wyoming sky! Beleza on Pearl, is our on-site salon has you covered for all your salon needs from hair to skincare to nails, we will have you in tip top shape in no time. We also have self-serve Laundry Facilities onsite. Get outside & get dirty without the worry - our self-serve laundry will make sure you don’t run out of clean clothes or have to pack muddy ones! The Mountain Modern Motel, is the place to stay when wanting to explore all that Jackson Hole has to offer for any season! Your stay will always be comfortable and enjoyable!  Come and check us out online: https://mountainmodernmotel.com/    

Little Valley Mountain Resort in Pigeon Forge will put you in the middle of Tennessee's mountainous beauty.  Our cabins are situated on a mountain resort whose amenities go above and beyond a simple cabin rental. All cabins are on private lots at the Resort! Our cabins go from 1-4 bedrooms, so whether you're traveling with a friend, loved one, or an entire family, Little Valley Mountain Resort has a cabin that will suit your needs. We even offer pet-friendly cabins and wheelchair-accessible cabin rentals so you can bring the entire family! These Pigeon Forge rental cabins have everything to offer. Miniature Golf, Heated Swimming Pool, Stocked Fishing Ponds, Hiking, and more! Our Smoky Mountain resort is so peaceful and relaxing and our on-site amenities save you money! Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer plenty of additional options for your entertainment nearby. Luxury vacation homes await you near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Hot Tubs, Pool Tables, Air Hockey, and jacuzzies are available in many of our log cabins. The Little Valley Mountain Resort also has an authentic log Wedding Chapel so you can have your wedding in the Smoky Mountains. Our Wedding Chapel will accommodate up to 30 guests or you can even get married in your log cabin. We have luxurious honeymoon cabins so you can get married right here at the resort and stay for your honeymoon!  We’re also nearby Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, or you can enjoy a great dinner show at the Dixie Stampede also in Pigeon Forge. And ladies, don't forget the hundreds of name brand outlet stores along the parkway in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.  A must visit is Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, the most visited aquarium in America and is a great place to get an up-close view of the sharks and stingrays. So, whatever your vacation calls for, Little Valley Mountain Resort has it all and is nearby all the attractions the area offers, making our resort a must stay when visiting the Smokey Mountains!  https://littlevalleymountainresort.com/  1-800-581-7225      

Since opening day in September 1996, the Double Eagle Hotel and Casino has been a long-standing mainstay attraction of the Cripple Creek area of Colorado. Unlike many other Colorado casinos in Cripple Creek and Blackhawk, Double Eagle went to great lengths to ensure their destination was built in accordance with the strictest historical preservation standards so they could enhance the beauty of the town’s Historic District in more than one way.  Double Eagle was the first “Vegas Style Casino” in all of Colorado when opened. If you've ever been to Vegas before, then you know exactly what we mean. At Double Eagle, you’ll be dazzled by high arched ceilings, pristine casino floors, spectacles of vibrant colored lights, plenty of exhilarating slot machines, on-demand alcoholic beverages, outstanding customer service, and so much more. They wanted to bring the essence of Las Vegas to this old cowboy town, and they have achieved that goal. In fact, many visitors have called Double Eagle a “mini-Vegas hotel and casino!”  For the past few decades, the Double Eagle Hotel and Casino has welcomed hundreds of thousands of players with open arms. You’ll enjoy a luxurious stay in one of their 158 recently remodeled hotel rooms and you’ll be a short elevator ride away from hundreds of unique slot machines and games. And with their Premier Club, you can take advantage of discounted meals, comped drinks, seasonal gaming promotions, and much more.  Thanks to a centralized location in the historic district, their just minutes away from all the local hotspots and attractions of our mountain town. Whether you’re interested in regional history or looking for jaw-dropping tourist sights, their staff will help you find all the local activities that speak to you. At Double Eagle Hotel and Casino, they salute our veterans and active military members every day. All active and retired members get $5.00 of CasinoPlay credits every day at the casino. Simply present your Premier Club card and your military ID at the Front Desk, and they'll load your card with your CasinoPlay credits. Eligible members can only redeem their offer once every 24 hours.  Ready to book your stay at one of the best Colorado casinos? Come to the historic Double Eagle and they'll go the extra mile for you during your stay. https://www.decasino.com/      

Vacationing in the Mountain West region of the United States offers a breathtaking blend of outdoor adventure, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. A must see is Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming & Montana). Famous for its geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, as well as abundant wildlife such as bison and grizzly bears. Another popular visit is the Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado).  It Features the most majestic mountain views, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Popular activities include hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. Don't miss Jacksonson Hole, Wyoming! A charming town nestled between the Tetons and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, offering skiing in winter and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife safaris in summer.  Lastly, Breckenridge, Colorado is a picturesque mountain town known for its ski resort, historic charm, and outdoor activities such as skiing/snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. All of these places mentioned are a must see at anytime of the year! As for hunting, we recommend checking out Butte Creek Outfitters in Cody, WY. https://www.buttecreekoutfitters.net/  A family-run outfitting business in the heart of the wildest country in America. With over 40 years of experience we strive to offer the best wilderness trips available, in the most scenic country possible. Whether you’re looking for a remote summer or fly fishing trip or the hunt of a lifetime, we can help. With Forest Service Permits on both the Shoshone and Bridger-Teton National Forests all of north-west Wyoming is our playground. They offer large progressive pack trips or smaller family or fishing oriented summer trips anywhere from three to ten days. With two large wilderness base camps and a lodge they also offer elk, mule deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, wolf and black bear hunting. Let their hardworking staff and ranch-raised, gentle horses give you a vacation to remember! Wyoming has some of the best hunting in the Moutain West! If you're looking for a secluded place to relax, but with some outdoor adventure if you want, then head up to Winding River Resort in Grand Lake, CO. Their Cabin Rentals and camping options are surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapahoe National Forest. This mountain setting delivers an array of activities, including horseback riding, snowmobiling and hiking. If you’re interested in boating, fishing and water sports, the nearby Grand Lake, Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Lake will offer you the ideal opportunity. From staying in one of their comfortable cabin rentals, to utilizing spacious RV and tent sites for camping, to cozying up to the fire at night, you'll appreciate the Rocky Mountains at Winding River Resort! https://www.windingriverresort.com/ Each of these destinations offers its own unique charm and opportunities for outdoor adventure, making the Mountain West region a fantastic choice for a memorable vacation.    

South Dakota offers a variety of vacation experiences, from natural wonders to historical landmarks. The most famous and popular is Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Iconic and majestic, this sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore features the faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. South Dakota has some of the most beutiful and pituresque lands in the country! Starting with the Badlands National Park: Known for its striking landscape of rugged rock formations and canyons, Badlands offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and stunning vistas. Custer State Park, is another destination, famous for its scenic drives, wildlife loop road, and herds of bison, elk, and other wildlife. It's a great spot for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.  If you're looking for excellent accomadations, then we suggest Granite Springs Lodge https://granitespringssd.com/ . The Lodge is a well-known lodging and event venue located in Alexandria. It's situated in a picturesque setting surrounded by rolling hills and granite outcroppings, offering a serene and scenic retreat. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations including rooms, cottages, villas and cabins with lake views Guests can enjoy modern amenities while being immersed in the natural beauty of the area. It also, offers a venue for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. It features indoor and outdoor event spaces with beautiful views, making it a sought-after location for celebrations. If you're looking for extensive outdoor adventures, then Spearfish Canyon Lodge is an great option. Located in the Badlands. Not only does it offer great fishing, hiking, UTV off roading, it has excellent dining options and offers a wedding venue as well! https://spfcanyon.com/   So whatever your vacation desires and needs are, South Dakota has plenty of picturesque options awaiting you!      

Minnesota is a fantastic destination for summer travel, offering a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers. Check out the North Shore Scenic Drive, Explore the rugged beauty of Lake Superior's North Shore. Drive along Highway 61 and marvel at the majestic cliffs, rocky shores, and pristine beaches. For a urban vacation, it's Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Discover the vibrant cultural scenes of Minnesota's Twin Cities. Visit world-class museums like the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Science Museum of Minnesota. Explore the trendy neighborhoods, dine at top-notch restaurants, and catch a show at the renowned theaters. It's Lake Country! Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," and summer is the perfect time to explore its waterways. Rent a cabin on one of the many lakeshores, go fishing or boating, and relax on sandy beaches. Popular lake destinations include Lake Mille Lacs, Gull Lake, and Leech Lake. Another great getaway is in Hackensack, MN. The area offers a delightful summer travel destination, especially for those who love outdoor adventures and serene landscapes. For  accomadations we suggest Hyde-A-Way Bay Resort for great Minnesota memories of family and friends with fun and fishing. Blue skies, clear water, and a vast variety of trees and wildlife make Hyde-A-Way Bay Resort the place to relax, enjoy and soak it all in. Their resort has 16 housekeeping cabins and 14 seasonal RV sites which will accommodate small families to large family reunions. Spacious new log lodge has something for everyone – food, games, gift shop, laundry, ample seating and Minnesota fishing at its best with your own boat or one of ours, basic to luxury or our pontoon. If your looking for a more private and romantic getaway the check out The James A. Thompson House in Lanesboro, Minnesota. It's a charming bed and breakfast located in the heart of one of Minnesota's most picturesque small towns. Here's what you can expect from a visit to this historic inn -  Historic Elegance in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion dating back to the late 19th century. Its architectural elegance and period furnishings provide a glimpse into the area's rich history. Guests can choose from a variety of well-appointed guest rooms, each with its own unique character and amenities. Whether you prefer a cozy fireplace, a private balcony, or a luxurious whirlpool tub, the inn offers a range of options to suit your preferences. Warm Hospitality: The innkeepers at the James A. Thompson House pride themselves on providing warm and personalized hospitality to their guests. From homemade breakfasts featuring local ingredients to insider tips on exploring the area, they go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. So, whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, cultural enrichment, or relaxation in a Bed & Breakfast in nature, Minnesota has something for everyone to enjoy during the summer months.

Nestled in the heart of the 'World's Most Famous Beach', the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort is just a few steps from the beach and walking distance to many local restaurants, shops and attractions. The beachfront resort features Hilton CleanStay program with enhanced cleaning protocols, 744 guest rooms with stunning oceanfront views, seven different dining options, two sparkling pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa, and gift shop. Whether you've been dreaming about spending time at the beach, rediscovering your favorite city, or vacationing closer to home, now's the time to start planning your next beach getaway to Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. Dine on Florida's freshest coastal cuisine, play a game of volleyball with the family, or let loose at Daytona Lagoon Waterpark. Our warm, friendly staff treats you like family from the moment you arrive. Lounge poolside while sipping your favorite drink, or indulge in a unique culinary experience at Doc Bales’ Grill, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, Don Ricos Sports Bar & Grill or McCoys Rum Room. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, admiring the natural beauty of Florida's central coast on foot or bike is a must-do Daytona Beach activity. Luckily, the area is blessed with over 60 miles of trails, many of which are located within a short drive of Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. Whether you want to spot winged beauties on a portion of the Florida Birding Trail or take in stunning views of crystal clear lakes and otherworldly sulphur springs, there's a hiking or biking trail that will satisfy your appetite. For those adventure seekers, Daytona Beach also features iconic attractions and must see landmarks from historical sites to racing destinations. Take a tour of the area with family-friendly activities for all ages including getting behind the wheel of a real race car at Daytona International Speedway, visiting Jackie Robinson Ballpark, thrill seeking rides at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and more. Start planning your Daytona Beach escape today with Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort’s Park, Eat, Play Package and enjoy complimentary valet parking and daily breakfast! 

For over three decades, Boxwood Gulch Ranch, located about an hour from Denver, Colorado, has offered world class guided fly fishing adventures.   Boxwood offers 1 mile of ideal riffles, smooth runs, and perfect pools. This stretch of the North Fork South Platte is home to some of the largest trout in Colorado. Anglers have the opportunity to catch a variety of trout species including rainbow, cutbow, brown, brook, cutthroat, palomino, and even the rare tiger trout! Landing fish over 20" is very common at Boxwood, and behemoth trout up to 34" have been landed on the property throughout the years.   Boxwood's terrain diversity is unmatched along the Front Range. Perfect trout habitat also creates the ideal place to fish for anglers of every experience level. Boxwood offers the river structure to challenge and excite brand new anglers and veteran fly anglers alike.   Our professional guides are among the most experienced in the West, and they know every nook and cranny of the river. The trout at Boxwood can be fooled with various nymph patterns, streamers, and dry flies, and our guides are experts at knowing how best to trick our large fish into taking the fly. Guided trips on our private water include all the necessary gear, flies, and equipment to enjoy your day at the premier fly fishing destination in Colorado.    Beyond the destination angling experience, Boxwood Gulch Ranch offers first class amenities to ensure a comfortable day for every guest. The streamside clubhouse offers a climate controlled place to wader up, enjoy lunch, and share fish stories during happy hour. The clubhouse provides our anglers with a full restroom, free WIFI, satellite television, expansive patio, and firepit. Boxwood's Clubcar fishing cart, paired with the excellent streamside road and trail system make the property the most accessible place to fly fish in Colorado. Boxwood's premier angling experience, first class amenities, and unmatched access make for the best choice in the state to host a group or corporate fly fishing adventure. Full day trips to Boxwood Gulch Ranch also include a freshly prepared lunch inside or al fresco on the patio, depending upon the weather. Enjoy a grilled lunch and a glass of wine while sharing photos of the big one that came to the net or telling the tale of the big one that got away.   Couples, families, friends, and business partners alike all enjoy spending time as fishing buddies at Boxwood. Ask one of the thousands of anglers who have fished with us over the last 30 years or one of the hundreds of professional anglers who have guided the property where to find the best fly fishing experience in Colorado, and there's more than a good chance they'll answer, "Boxwood Gulch Ranch."   To find out more about our world class experience, please visit www.BoxwoodGulch.com. View recent trip photos and news on Instagram and Facebook @boxwoodgulch.

The Summer season begins in June on Lake Texoma. The stripers have finished spawning. They come back from up rivers and are entering the main lake. Hundreds of thousands of hungry fish begin running all over the lake. They group up in large schools and it starts with slab fishing. This is when we locate the fish and vertically fish. We drop the slabs over the side of the boat, let it fall to the bottom and reel up fast. The fish can range from 1 pounder to double digits, 10 pound plus stripers are common. About mid-June the fish start surfacing. This is the traditional top-water sight fishing. We cast the 6-inch top-water plugs on the feeding fish. You can see the fish busting shad from long distances. What is happening is the schools of fish find huge  bait balls. They scare the bait to the water’s surface and explode on the shad. The shad can run but it cannot hide.  This action will last for a couple of hours then they sound. That means the fish will stay grouped up and keep feeding. We drop slabs and “rip” them up. The striper strikes so hard they can take the rod out of your hands. Some schools of fish can be a quarter of a mile wide and a mile long. Texoma has a huge population of stripers due to the historic reproduction. The Summer action will last until the first of September.   Tight Lines, Your Lake Texoma Fishing Guide! Bill Carey 903-786-4477 www.striperexpress.com