The Best of The Best: Oahu, Hawaii

If you are looking for a “best of the best” getaway filled with scenic landscapes and adventurous expeditions, we highly recommend the island of Oahu, Hawaii. With hang gliding, surf lessons, beautiful hikes, and more, Oahu truly has it all! Our article will break down some “must know” things for the Hawaii traveler as well as excursion and restaurant recommendations to make your trip to Oahu one of your “best of the best” travel experiences!

Flight:

You will want to fly into Honolulu, which is the capital of Hawaii. Many travelers from the mainland will choose to fly to Los Angeles, California. Then they will book a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu to make the 2,500-mile journey to the islands!

Transportation:

The transportation method you choose will depend on your budget and the kind of trip you plan to have. Some Hawaiian travelers sit back and relax at resorts while others are more adventure-seekers, trying to explore as much as the island and fit in as many quality experiences as they can during their time. Your best mode of transportation depends on what you aim to do. If you plan to stay at a resort most of the time, the most cost-effective solution for you would be to use a ride share service such as Uber or Lyft, or take Oahu’s bus. If you aim to explore most of the island, we highly recommend renting a car. Though the island only takes one hour to get from one side to the other, there is so much to explore and see throughout the island, so you will find yourself driving a lot. You could also rent a moped or motorcycle, which we do not recommend because it is less convenient for the amount of driving you will want to do to fully explore Oahu.

We rented a Jeep Wrangler during our stay. It fit our adventure vibe, but we found that we did not need the 4-wheel drive because most of O’ahu’s land is protected from off-roading trails. While we don’t believe a Jeep is essential for your Hawaii stay, we do recommend renting a car that has good window visibility so that you are able to see the expanse of the lush green mountains while you are driving. It is important to know that most people on the island do not drive “adventure cars” such as Jeeps, so it makes Jeeps an obvious target for thieves. Hawaii is extremely safe in general, but it is wise to make sure you bring all of your valuables with you when you leave your car.

You will want to use Google Maps while you are mapping places on the island. Apple Maps and other digital maps sometimes will have inaccurate results. Google Maps is known to be the most accurate for island destinations such as Hawaii.

Lodging:

If you are paying for a hotel or resort stay, we recommend staying in Honolulu because it is a point with easy accessibility to the rest of the island. Hilton has a variety of stay options including luxurious resorts located in Waikiki near the beach. You can easily find and book Hilton lodging at https://www.hilton.com/en/locations/usa/hawaii/honolulu/.

Good to know:

The regions of Oahu are very diverse. Honolulu and Waikiki are vibrant urban hubs with shopping, dining, iconic beaches like Waikiki Beach, and luxury hotels and resorts, perfect for the resort vacationer. The North Shore is famous for its surf culture and laid-back towns such as Haleiwa. The eastern (windward) coast is home to beautiful beaches like Lanikai and Kailua and also features lush landscapes and attractions such as Kualoa Ranch. The western (leeward) coast is less crowded and offers quieter beaches. Each region highlights a unique side of Oahu, from urban excitement to natural beauty.

It’s helpful to note that the further you venture from Waikiki, the more affordable food, souvenirs, and other travel expenses tend to be. Oahu is filled with fresh and delicious food, but plan to pay about $15-20 per plate at most restaurants. Most food in the grocery store is about two-thirds more expensive than food on the mainland because it has to be imported. We recommend planning to eat out and budgeting generously for your meals in Hawaii, as the local food is part of the authentic cultural experience.

On our first day, we left our schedule open so that we could adjust to the time change as we enjoyed a day of leisure getting acquainted with our adventure paradise. This truly helped us to settle in, adjust to the time change, and set the tone for our trip so we would feel refreshed and recovered from jet lag. We recommend taking a day to adjust before your excursions so that you can enjoy them to the fullest extent and not have travel fatigue.

We started the day by waking up early and enjoying the sunrise at Lanikai beach, the iconic beach of Oahu. We saw a beautiful sunrise, but because the water wasn’t completely illuminated, it was still dark instead of the emerald blue color you see in most photos. The time of day you visit the beach is critical in determining the color of the water. After watching a magical sunrise, we went out and ate a hearty meal at Over Easy, a local cuisine specializing in making refreshing and hearty breakfast and lunch dishes. It was the Christmas holiday and they had festive Hawaiian Christmas music playing in the background. We highly recommend the Fried egg sandwich if you want something that is great value and will fill you up for the day. If you want something a little lighter that gives you a taste of the variety of fresh flavors of Oahu, you can order the brunch bowl which is filled with avocado, soft-boiled eggs, yogurt, tomato jam, spinach, candied bacon, microgreens, and sourdough toast. 

We visited the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens on our way back. These botanical gardens seemed like one of the most picturesque spots on the island, so we were so excited to visit them. We got there right as they opened and we drove through, but the gardens did not look lush and vibrant like the photos we had seen. We went back and looked at past photos we had seen and noticed that they were all taken on sunny days, but we were visiting on a very cloudy day. So if you plan to visit the gardens, make sure you schedule it for a day with sunny skies! They also have an education center and a short hike leading to an overlook of Honolulu with a view of the Koolau mountains behind.

As we explored the island, we noticed that many chickens were out and about free-ranging! We found this fascinating and learned that it is because they do not have major predators in Hawaii. Hawaii does not have snakes, coyotes, bears, cougars, alligators, predatory birds, etc.

The next morning we set out at 5am to drive to the other side of the island for our hang gliding expedition with Paradise Air. As we were enroute, we got a call from them, letting us know that they had been monitoring the winds since early that morning and that the conditions were unsafe for flying. She happily rescheduled us for the next day. We really appreciated Paradise Air’s priority of safety and that they ensured our flight was a safe and quality experience. Paradise Air recommends scheduling your flight towards the beginning of your trip so that in case there are any unexpected mishaps such as unsafe weather, they can fit you in for another day. We were glad we followed their advice because the hang gliding was a “best of the best” experience we did not want to miss out on because of windy weather.

Since we were almost to the other side of Oahu, we decided to keep going and hike Ka’ena Point State Park. We parked and used AllTrails, our go-to hike app to find a hike that fit our allotted time frame and distance goals. AllTrails is a must-have app for the avid hiker. It shows you hikes in the area, elevation gain, estimated time for the hike, pictures from the hike trail, reviews from hikers, and even chronicles your hikes!

We set out on our hike along the North-western coast just as the sun was rising and met a kind man named Ken along the way. Ken had served in the air force and was coming back to Oahu for vacation. He said he would come to Ka’ena Point State Park every weekend to hike and see the albatross. He was very knowledgeable about the area and guided us on our hike, showing us the best spots along the coastline for finding seashells and excellent locations for seal watching. We soaked in every moment of the hike in awe of the beautiful landscapes. To our left were the Waianae mountains and to our right were the waves of the Pacific ocean crashing against the rocks of the shore. At some points it reminded us of Iceland because of the black volcanic rock and vivid green moss.

About two and a half miles in, there was a tall gate marking the beginning of the albatross sanctuary. Ken explained that the albatross are special to Ka’ena Point because they complete a magnificent migration to Oahu all the way from Asia, without stopping. Once we reached the tip of the island we came across a white rock beach. This hike was so enchanting and had so many key stopping points that it took us five hours to complete. Ka’ena point is the ultimate coastal hike for the traveler looking to see a variety of coastal terrains and breathtaking views.

Afterwards, Ken brought us to a Paalaa Kai bakery and bought us two of their famous “snow puffies”, custard filled pastries with savory chocolate drizzle on the top. They were delicious and a great sweet treat after a long hike.

Knowing we needed a big meal after our five hour long hiking expedition, we ventured to Hale’iwa and ate at Farm to Barn Cafe and Juicery. They served a variety of delicious cuisine and hearty food. We highly recommend the Banzai burger. It is a big island burger that is grass-fed beef stuffed with mozzarella cheese, lettuce, caramelized onions, red onions, cheddar cheese, tomato and basil aioli on an artisan bun with maui onion chips. The burger meat in Hawaii tastes very different from mainland burgers, as most of the cattle on Oahu are grass-fed.

Then we visited North Shore Marketplace which had many exciting shops with tshirts, crafts, and other fun souvenirs. North Shore Marketplace was our favorite shopping area of the entire trip because it had the most authentic Hawaiian feel and the most variety in shopping options. It also had some good food options such as Teddy’s Bigger Burgers and Hale’iwa Bowls. We had heard locals boast about the Hale’iwa bowls, claiming that they are the best acai bowls on the island, so we had to give it a try. We got a Local Bowl which had a base of frozen acai puree, topped with granola, poi, local bananas, local papaya, strawberries, maui bee pollen, local raw honey, & raw coconut flakes. It was just as good as it sounds, very filling, and was the perfect treat to have while walking around! 

That evening we discovered our absolute favorite beach on the entire island: Waimānalo beach. Waimānalo beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu and is not well known by tourists. It has sand free of debris and has pristine tropical blue waters. We highly recommend it to anyone seeking a beach with solitude and scenic beach vistas without the crowds. 

Paradise Air Hang Gliding

Paradise Air is a world-renowned, one-of-a-kind travel experience which we regard as truly the “best of the best”. Tom Sanders, the owner, is one of the most incredible people you’ll meet on your trip. Tom has completed over 8,000 skydives and hundreds of BASE jumps, showcasing his extensive experience. From filming President George H.W. Bush on two skydives to overseeing the free fall camera team during the 1988 Seoul Olympics opening ceremony, where he broadcasted a skydive live to the world, Tom has done it all. You can find out more about Tom and his work here: https://tomsandersaerialfocus.com/portfolio/home/.

When we made our travel wishlist of top-tier experiences we would include, hang gliding was at the top of our list. The long-awaited hang gliding day finally arrived! We set out the next day, this time with the perfect hang gliding weather conditions. Paradise Air is located at the Kawaihapai Airfield near the Northwestern tip of the island. They have clear directions listed on their website here, and will send directions in the flight confirmation email they send to you before the day of your flight.

Paradise Air flies early in the morning with a 1:1 ratio of pilot to guest. So if you are the first person in your group to go, you will get to see the sun rising as you are flying. If you are the second person to go, the water and land are more illuminated at that time, so you will be able to see the true colors shining through. Both flights offer incredible views, just in slightly different ways!

It is important to note that every flight is a lesson, so you will return having learned a lot in addition to experiencing the remarkable landscape of Oahu. Tom will also give you a certificate after, documenting your flight instruction which can be used if you are pursuing a pilot’s license, or just to show to your friends and family! 

When you get to the hangar, Heidi and Tom will be waiting for you to get you ready for your flight. Heidi manages most things in the hangar while Tom oversees all things involving preparing the aircraft before your flight and the controls and instruction in the air. Their hangar is very clean and nice. They provide complimentary snacks and water for before or after your flight, or while you are waiting for your travel partner’s flight to finish. During the first 30 minutes at the hangar we filled out waivers and watched a video showcasing Tom’s extensive skydiving and aerial camera work experience. We were shown footage from his skydive with President Bush as well as his camera work at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, along with a multitude of other momentous achievements of Tom’s. Learning more about Tom and his achievements was a great way to start our experience with Paradise Air, as it was comforting and made us feel extra safe knowing the experience of our pilot. He also has many safety backups at hand in the aircraft for in the case of an unexpected emergency. Paradise Air takes every step to make sure your hang gliding experience is the safest experience possible. To ensure utmost safety, they will buy new hang gliders after the ones they are currently using reach 1500 flight hours. It is also helpful to know that Tom has a perfect safety record. When you’re with Paradise Air, you’re in good hands!

I, Sarah, flew first. After watching the video, Heidi helped me put on a warm insulating flight suit over my clothes to keep me warm during the flight. She explained that for every 1,000 feet we gained, the temperature decreases by about 4 degrees Fahrenheit. She made sure I was comfortable and then took some pictures of me in front of the hang glider. After taking photos, Tom helped me to strap in and put on my headset. He explained that we would be getting high-quality video recording from one side of the wing and taking photos from the other, all while recording the audio of our conversation. He even adjusted my headset microphone to make sure the camera could see my smile! He truly went the extra mile in all he did to make sure I had the best experience possible. We highly recommend purchasing photo and video with Paradise Air, as it is the perfect way to commemorate your trip and Tom will help you capture high-quality photos and videos you will forever cherish.

Our flight was absolutely the “best of the best”. It was truly an immersive experience to be able to feel the birdlike feel of the aircraft as I held on to the steering handles of the hang glider. Tom is very engaging and does a great job sharing knowledge about the island, basic flight knowledge, information about the hang gliding aircraft, and will even let you maneuver the aircraft at certain points if you are feeling comfortable and confident. I had expected hang gliding to be the most adrenaline-rush type activity we would do on this trip, but because it was such a smooth flight it was rather peacefully exhilarating. Tom explained many interesting facts about the island. He also was willing to answer any questions I had. Once we were about halfway into our lesson, he showed me how to steer the aircraft and had me practice doing a few turns. Tom’s hang gliders are high-quality, masterfully designed aircrafts that are $75,000 apiece and are imported from Australia, so you truly are getting a valuable and trustworthy experience in this powerful and reliable machine.

As we approached the clouds, we could see the sun’s rays stretching across the sky. Tom prioritized capturing these incredible picturesque moments and masterfully took my photo during scenic moments such as these. These are some of my favorite pictures I have ever had taken while traveling. Tom clearly is a skilled photographer and knew how to position the aircraft to get the best photos and video. He even captured me on video excitedly exclaiming that hang gliding with him was “coolest things I’ve ever done”, as shown above!

My favorite part of the entire ride was when we went above the clouds. It was absolutely surreal to be going 70 mph above a layer of clouds with an open cockpit. It was one of the most iconic moments of our entire trip!

Tom had the smoothest landing of any aircraft I have ever experienced in all my travels! Once stopped, he helped me to unload and then took Carly on her flight. She came back reporting an experience just as incredible as mine. They then gave us our flight certificates along with SD cards containing our photos, video footage with audio, and a movie showing Tom’s incredible feats. 

Tom and Heidi want to make sure their travelers see the best of the best in Hawaii. They gave us a list they had created with excursions and places they recommend exploring on Oahu. They encouraged us to go on a skydive with GoJump Hawaii, which is one of the most reputable skydiving companies in the world. Though we did not have room in our schedule this time, GoJump Hawaii is at the top of our list for future trips.

Another special place they recommended was a secret turtle beach. We went later that day to snorkel and saw many sea turtles in the area! This area is exclusive with mostly only locals knowing about it. Getting Tom’s insight on superb and uncrowded places to visit is another added benefit of your exciting experience flying with Paradise Air!

We highly recommend Paradise Air to anyone seeking an extraordinary experience during their trip. Both Carly and I agree that it was our favorite and most exciting experience of the whole trip. Paradise Air earns the “Best of the Best” Award of Excellence for going above and beyond in our criteria of excellent quality, excellent hospitality, and a memorable experience. To book your flight, you can either call Paradise Air at +1 (808) 497-6033 or book through their website. From the focus on safety to the knowledgeable flight lesson with Tom and breathtaking views, Paradise Air ensures that every detail is executed with the utmost care. Their commitment to creating a one-of-a-kind adventure truly sets them apart, making it clear they are among the best in the industry.

After our exquisite excursion with Paradise Air, we drove to Frost Frozen Yogurt, located in Kailua. They had delicious frozen yogurt and toppings. The inside of the shop was colorfully decorated with fun wall art and bright accents, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere that perfectly complemented their refreshing treats. It was the perfect way to complement the fun-filled day we were having!

The next morning we ate breakfast at Ted’s Bakery. Ted’s Bakery sells cream pies, cakes, breads & pastries, plus hot sandwiches & delicious plate lunches at affordable prices. It is a great place to grab a hearty bite to eat as you gear up for an activity filled day.

Uncle Bryan’s Surf Lessons

Uncle Bryan’s Surf Lessons offers a great experience for anyone wanting to try surfing for the first time or improve their surfing skills. The lessons take place at Pua’ena Point Beach Park, less than four miles from where several world-class surfing competitions are held. Led by a team of skilled instructors and Uncle Bryan himself, we had an amazing time riding the waves and learning from the best, making it an essential “best of the best” experience on Oahu.

Uncle Bryan is very personable and engaging. Even celebrities from across the world come to consistently train with him. He is a genuine 100% native Hawaiian who has surfed and offered surf lessons in Oahu for most of his life. This sets him apart from other surf companies who come from the mainland and may do a good job but are not as authentic. He does not advertise and maintains a successful surfing business by word of mouth. 

Uncle Bryan’s instructors started by providing us with an informative briefing on surf safety and techniques, making sure we felt confident and knew what to do before heading into the water. Once in the water, the instructors helped us to catch our first wave. Because of their simple yet thorough instruction, Carly and I both were able to get up on our first try! As we continued to surf, our instructors helped us to improve by offering helpful advice throughout our surf session. Both instructors were very passionate about teaching others to surf, and one of them consistently surfs in professional competitions worldwide.

One element we appreciated most is the opportunity to have a personalized surfing lesson amidst the gorgeous backdrop of Hawaiian mountain terrain. Scenic surfing makes for the most memorable surfing experience. 

Uncle Bryan’s Surf Lessons stand out amongst all of the others on the island because they are authentic, quality, and overall so much fun! We highly recommend booking a lesson with Uncle Bryan. It will make your trip complete. Find out more about Uncle Bryan’s Surf Lessons here.

The next morning we went to Cinnamon’s, a mom and pop restaurant located in the heart of Kailua. Cinnamon’s has a menu full of mouth-watering breakfast and lunch dishes and is known to be one of the best restaurants on the island. They serve larger plate portions than most places on the island, so it is a wonderful place to get a filling meal.

Mānoa Chocolate & Wine Bar

Right next door to Cinnamon’s is Mānoa Chocolate & Wine Bar, an absolute must-visit for chocolate lovers and those who appreciate high-quality wine. Mānoa offers chocolate and wine tastings, giving you the perfect opportunity to savor locally crafted chocolates and top-tier wines. As soon as we walked in, we were welcomed to the tasting counter. After drinking some chocolate tea to cleanse our palate, we tried a variety of chocolates, all of which were delicious and beautifully crafted. The lady giving the samples shared with us the origins of the chocolates, key accents of each chocolate that made it different from the rest, and pointed out where we could find the chocolates in-store. The indoor ambiance made the experience even more enjoyable and complemented the rich flavors of the chocolates. The combination of knowledgeable staff, exquisite chocolates, and an ambient atmosphere made this stop a truly delightful and memorable part of our trip.

Chief’s Luau

Chief’s Luau is an exciting cultural experience that brings you into a world of past and present Hawaiian traditions such as tribal dances, Hawaiian music, and demonstrations of ancient Hawaiian crafts, like turning palm branches into bowls, showcasing the resourcefulness of the Hawaiian people. 

A luau is one of the most authentic excursions you will experience on your trip. For this reason, we recommend scheduling your luau to be towards the beginning of your trip, preferably on the second or third day so that you can get into the “Hawaii spirit”, and immerse yourself in the culture early on, setting the tone for the rest of your adventures and giving you a deeper appreciation of the Hawaiian traditions, music, and food that you’ll encounter throughout your stay.

Chief’s Luau is located in the Wet-n-Wild waterpark in Kapolei and hosted by Chief Sielu and his family. Coming early is essential for this luau, because before the luau starts, his staff features a variety of cultural presentations and activities such as face painting, fresh cut coconut, and handmade craft and jewelry for sale. One detail to note is that unlike most luaus, Chief’s Luau doesn’t offer the traditional lei upon arrival but instead gives out a shell necklace, which might not live up to the expectation of a more traditional welcome. It was a lovely experience, nonetheless!

During the luau they present a roasted pig, serve a buffet of Hawaiian food, and perform many captivating dances such as hula dancing and traditional island slap dancing. Chief and his tribe are incredibly talented and do fire dancing towards the end of the show, where they skillfully toss, spin, and do other thrilling tricks with fire-knives. They also involve the audience by inviting guests onto the stage, presenting them with crafts they make, and offering the chance for anyone to join in on doing the hula dance, guided by the skilled hula dancers.

After the exciting performance by Chief and his family, Chief recognized couples celebrating special occasions such as their honeymoon or anniversary. He gave them flowers and played a romantic Hawaiian song for them to dance to. This was one of the best moments for the couple sitting across from us and made the luau experience especially meaningful.

At the very end of the luau, Chief invited us to take a photo with him and his luau family. This was very exciting, as it allowed us to capture the essence of his luau and take home a commemorative photo to remember our time.

The overall experience was extremely memorable and we highly recommend it!

On a side note, although plentiful, the food was not hot, and we were expecting the dishes to have more robust flavor. Additionally, the location at the Wet-n-Wild waterpark, while fun, is not located on the ideal beachfront setting that some may imagine for a luau. 

Overall, if you’re seeking a luau with exceptional talent, a lively and family-friendly atmosphere, and a rich cultural experience, Chief’s Luau is definitely a great choice!

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is one of Oahu’s premier attractions, offering an array of exciting excursions that cater to all types of travelers. Visitors can enjoy UTV tours, horseback riding, zipline tours, e-bike rides, and much more. Set in a stunning valley surrounded by the Koʻolau Mountain Range, the ranch is renowned for its breathtaking views and is a famous filming location for iconic movies like Jurassic Park and Godzilla. With its diverse range of activities, beautiful natural surroundings, and friendly, knowledgeable guides, Kualoa Ranch is truly a must-visit destination for anyone looking to have the best of the best experience of Oahu’s outdoors. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature while exploring the island’s rich history and cinematic legacy.

We explored Kualoa Ranch on a guided e-bike ride. Our tour guide, Tarrin, made sure everyone was comfortable and knew how to drive their bike before we began the journey. He did a fantastic job of sharing his plentiful knowledge about the ranch and guiding us to the most picturesque spots for photos. We made stops along our ride to explore the areas where many famous movies were filmed. Tarrin would gladly offer to take our photo and diligently made sure he got angles capturing the beauty of the majestic mountains behind us.

The e-bikes made it easy to navigate the lush trails while taking in the stunning views of the valley, mountains, and coastline. The tour was an unforgettable experience and provided a unique way to explore one of Oahu’s most iconic locations. One thing to keep in mind if you are considering doing an e-bike tour with Kualoa Ranch is that they offer two options. We did the Novice E-bike Tour, but the Ultra E-bike Tour, while being more challenging, offers the best views of the ranch. 

We wholeheartedly consider Kualoa Ranch to be one of the “best of the best” excursion destinations of Oahu. It is perfect for the adventure traveler looking for another scenic vista of Hawaii’s mountains, and also for the resort goer who wants to get a taste of experiencing Oahu’s stunning landscapes. Throughout our trip, we found ourselves longing for that quintessential clear view of the island’s majestic mountains. At Kualoa Ranch, we finally experienced it—up close and truly awe-inspiring!

As one last hurrah before ending our trip, we hiked the infamous Mt. Olomana Trail (Three Peaks) trail to the first peak. This trail is great for those eager to venture on a challenging hike to result in rewarding views. The hike was steep and rugged, and at some points had ropes so hikers could have needed support while they climbed the steep path. Toward the end, we encountered a rock wall that required a vertical climb to reach the peak. Despite the difficulty, the breathtaking views and the unforgettable experience made it all worth it, leaving us with stunning photos as lasting memories. This hike is best suited for experienced hikers who have endurance and a taste for adventure.

Our time on Oahu was filled with unforgettable experiences, and it’s clear that the island offers something extraordinary for every traveler. From the breathtaking aerial views with Paradise Air hang gliding to the thrill of catching our first wave with Uncle Bryan’s Surf Lessons, Oahu proved to be a destination where adventure, culture, and natural beauty seamlessly come together. We were able to immerse ourselves in local traditions at Chief’s Luau, enjoy delicious local treats, and explore the breathtaking landscapes at places like Kualoa Ranch. Whether seeking exciting activities or peaceful moments with nature, Oahu provides the perfect opportunities for creating long-lasting memories. For those seeking the ultimate experience, Oahu is a destination where each day brings something new, exciting, and awe-inspiring. We highly recommend these excursions and experiences to anyone planning a trip to the island—it’s the kind of adventure that will leave you eagerly anticipating your next visit.

Best of The Best: Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks

    If you are looking for a “best of the best” hiking and wilderness experience, we recommend visiting Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.

     Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks are known for their rugged beauty, diverse geographical features, and majestic wilderness. Utah’s Mighty 5 include Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands, Arches, and Capitol Reef. Each park is located 1.5 to 3 to 5 hours apart from the next.  Visiting all 5 parks, you will drive 16 hours and 1,000 miles round trip if you depart from Las Vegas, NV.

     We found it very helpful to realize that these amazing parks are so far apart.  Oftentimes it is possible to assume that all the National Parks in one state are close together.  In this case, the fact they are hours apart intensified our wilderness adventure because traversing the vast terrain added to our anticipation of seeing them.  Each park is completely different and has charms of its own.  We recommend visiting all of them!

     We recommend flying in to Las Vegas and renting an SUV.  If you can rent a vehicle with 4-wheel drive, it will be even better! We rented a Jeep and found it was worth it! Jeeps are great adventure vehicles.  It was perfect for traversing the rugged terrain and allowed us to go off-roading to some places we would not have been able to visit in a regular rental car or SUV.

On Day 1, we drove to the outskirts of Zion National Park and camped at a private encampment. It was the perfect way to start our trip and get our bearings in a quiet meadow overlooking majestic Zion and spending the night under the serenity of the stars.

Day 2-4 we camped and hiked in Zion National Park.  Zion National Park contains one of our nations most rugged, majestic mountain wildernesses. 

The best and most comfortable time to visit The Mighty 5 National Parks is May.  We are from Texas and we went in June expecting the weather to be in the high 60s to high 80s.

During our stay in Zion, we had unexpected weather which taught us a thing or two about the need to be doubly-prepared when you are in rugged terrain.  Normally the temperature is in the 60s-80s in June, which is comfortable enough for camping.  However, unbeknownst to us, an inclement weather event occurred and a heat dome trapped a thermal heat layer on the rocks causing the entire ground area to range from high 80s to 111 in temperature.  We didn’t know this, however, because we did not have a weather radio and no one was issuing notices about anything unusual regarding the weather.  We just knew it was hot – unusually hot.  It was so hot it made us woozy and even lethargic!

When you are reserving a campsite, it will ask if you want partial shade or full shade.  I had selected partial shade because I had been to Zion before and figured we would be fine in 60-80 degrees.  Yet it was so hot the only way we could get cool was to sit in our AC in the Jeep or swim in the river! We tried having a picnic lunch under the little sliver of trees that we had but it was not enough to really keep away the scorching heat because of the heat dome! So the first 24 hours we were lethargic until we became more hydrated and cooled off.  I bought a bandana and covered my head with it as well.  I truly learned the value of a bandana on this trip! I wore it often from then on, whether to provide extra shade from the sun or to shield from accumulating dust.

The Mighty 5 National Parks are worth visiting because each one has its own unique geography and landscapes.  Here is a description of each of them.

ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion National Park is stunning and majestic in its beauty and splendor.  It is definitely worth a visit in one’s lifetime.  The park can be crowded during summer months.  April and May are the most pleasant time of year to visit, especially if you can go before the summer crowds.

We visited in June and although there were crowds, the park did not feel crowded because it is a vast wilderness.  We recommend setting out early in the morning – even just before sunrise – to immerse yourself in the solitude and morning majesty of the park.  We set out to hike Angel’s Landing in the early morning and the hike was refreshing and peacefully pristine. 

Angel’s Landing

Angel’s Landing and The Narrows are two of the park’s most famous hikes.  Angel’s Landing is a steep, gradual switchback-laden ascent which arrives at a daunting precipice.  The last .5 miles of the hike require balance and skill, as they take place along a narrow path and require sure footing and a sheer bravery to traverse to the top of the precipice. 

However, just before the last leg of the hike, there is a viewpoint where anyone who is not going to go all the way to Angel’s Landing can enjoy the magnificent view and exultant pleasure of ascending to the top of a beautiful outlook where you can see 360 degree views of Zion National Park.

The Narrows

The Narrows is an enjoyable river-bed hike which requires special shoes for the utmost sure-footedness to be able to go whatever distance you would like.  You can rent durable water shoes and a hiking stick at Zion Outfitters just before you enter Zion National Park.

We hiked Angel’s Landing and The Narrows in the same day.  Hiking The Narrows in the afternoon proved refreshing in the intense heatwave.  Most families would probably want to hike one the first day and the second the next day.

We enjoyed both hikes for different reasons.  We highly recommend both of them if you are up to the challenge.  And they really are do-able if you take your time and make sure to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Camping in Zion National Park is highly memorable; it is thrilling to awaken surrounded by the beauty of the pink-coral mountains against the brilliant blue sky.  We camped at the Watchman campground.  We highly recommend reserving a full-shade campsite if possible.  You may need it.  The sun can be intense, especially in summer months. 

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Bryce Canyon National Park is a  1 1/2 hour drive from Zion National Park.  You can eat at Thunderbird Cafe en route if it’s open.  It has typical local cuisine and offers hearty fare in a Southwestern setting. 

Bryce Canyon National Park features a unique geographical landscape of orange, white and gray hoo doo formations which seem other-worldly at the onset.  The park’s roads and walking paths make it possible to see the entire vista on a flat walking path from above. 

Hiking into the canyon is an enjoyable and unique experience.  The canyon depths present a form of orange solitude as one walks through a fairly-land like forest amidst the unusual geological formations.

We hiked through the canyon near dusk and found it to be serene and enjoyable.  The park is also known for its dark sky visibility.  On clear nights, you can see a pantheon of stars.

Campsites in Bryce Canyon National Park are located in a forested area, which provides a nice respite in contrast to the plethora of aridly rugged campsites which make up most of the camping options in the Southwest.

A few miles outside the park, Ruby’s Inn offers food, accommodations and a wide variety of souvenirs and sweets to punctuate your visit to Bryce Canyon National Park with a memorable tourist-stop.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

Arches National Park features arch-shaped formations in an arid landscape and it, also, has an other-worldly feel.  What is great about Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks is that they are completely different from one another and all worth visiting.

Utah’s famous monument, the Delicate Arch, is located here.  It is a must-see in the park.  We recommend getting up an hour and a half before sunrise to hike up.  You will need to use GPS or AllTrails to navigate the trail, as it is sparsely marked and the Arch is located deeper within the park but does not have a clear and straight walking path and is not easily visible.  Getting to it is half the wilderness adventure!

Although it is called the Delicate Arch, it is massive and robust, all the while fascinating, too!

We brought granola bars and pastries for breakfast and enjoyed the satiation of sitting adjacent to the arch, watching the sun rise and taking in the glory of the beautiful morning.

This was the most populated hike we encountered during our travels and although the trails were not crowded, there were lots of people enjoying the arch as well at 6 a.m.  However, the rock area surrounding the arch is very spacious  and most travelers are gracious and take turns getting pictures with the Delicate Arch so there is no crowding.

We hiked other places in the park as well.  We enjoyed a sunset hike as well.

We camped at Devil’s Campground.  Although we are not fans of the name, the campground itself was very nice.  The campsites provide lovely views of the park and you get a sense that you are in a vast wilderness yet with others nearby. 

The park facilities were clean and pleasant.  In fact, we did not see one piece of stray trash in any bathroom or anywhere else during the entirety of our trip!  Utah is a very clean place and its citizens and visitors do a great job keeping it clean.

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Canyonlands National Park is a vast wilderness with an overall foreboding feel.  We hiked a few trails there but since we could not find campsite availability, we shifted our priorities to finding a camping spot.

We planned to camp at Canyonlands National Park in the camping area, but it was first-come-first-served and all sites were taken.  We have found first-come-first-serve to be mostly unavailable in general at campsites which do not have many spaces so we have learned not to count on it.

Sarah researched and recommended that we try an alternative camping option: the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites.  To our surprise and delight, she found the most picturesque campsite we have ever enjoyed in the Southwest.  We camped in pristine wilderness on the edge of a canyon rim and we had the entire canyon to ourselves!  There were two other campers nearby but far enough away that we didn’t even see them.  It was one of our most picturesque, favorite camping experiences of our lifetime!   And a truly enchanted evening!

We had rented a 4×4 Jeep.  Four-wheel drive makes all the difference, giving access to the BLM sites.  They are located on seemingly random dirt-roads which are more narrow than most roads – and they don’t even look like roads.  They look like someone took a dirt-bike and made a thin trail in the midst of a tall grass meadow.

When we first saw how narrow it was, my first thought was, “I’m going to drive this on that?” Sarah looked at me and said, “Please just trust me.  Trust the process.  There is a beautiful canyon campsite on the other side!” So I did.  We did! And we are both so glad we did!

We spent a night of wonder in the wilderness!  We set up our camp as the sun had just set and the soft glow of the evening filled the sky.  We put together a camp kitchen on the ledge overlooking the canyon, found a bush to hang our portable small LED string lights, and made our freeze-dried lasagna (Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce ready in 10 minutes! Just add boiling water!).

While we were waiting, we had half of our cheeseburgers and left-over French fries for a snack.  We set them in a paper bag near our camp kitchen on the rock.  Suddenly, a desert mouse and a spider came to join us.  The desert mouse tried to hop into the bag of French fries.  We gave a French fry to each of them.  The desert mouse grabbed it and ran off gleefully.  The spider pounced on his and kept jumping for joy! He ate a bite and then jumped for joy! Over and over again.  Who knew spiders could be overjoyed?  What else do they eat out here? I wondered!

We spent the night in serenity and solitude under the canopy of stars.  We knew we had found one of Canyonland’s best-kept secrets. 

The next morning, we awoke to the morning majesty of the dawn’s early light against the canyon walls.  We packed up camp and spent the day exploring Moab.

Moab is a college town located within driving distance of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.  We enjoyed a Southwestern fare breakfast at Jailhouse Cafe.  We ate a delicious pizza for lunch-dinner at Canyon Pizza Company.

The Main Street of Moab hosts restaurants, shops and lodging.  You will find a variety of souvenirs and food options.  

We went for a refreshing swim and took hot showers at Moab’s recreation center for $15/per person.  The aquatic center is open year-round.

When we were trip-planning, we made sure to include a variety of excursions – mostly wilderness wandering and hikes along with some urban experiences.  The balance creates a pleasant diversity of travel delights to contribute to overall travel joy. We also brought our glamping equipment: string lights, a cozy, joyful throw, and blow-up mattresses! You can be a wilderness expeditionist and enjoy the journey even more by adding some amenities like these! Our philosophy is Why go camping when you could go glamping? Little extras go a long way to make moments even more memorable!

CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK

Capitol Reef boasts very unique and picturesque geographical terrain.  When we were first researching this trip, we noticed that Capitol Reef was not as well-known as the other parks.  One of our favorite parts of experiencing the park was the drive from Arches National Park to Capitol Reef National Park.  When we drove  into Capitol Reef via Arches, we marveled at the unique, colorful geological terrain.  It truly has an allure all its own.   We hiked and explored the park.  It was a vast and quiet wilderness. 

Capitol Reef National Park gets its name from the white sandstone domes in the park which look like the U.S. Capitol building and the 100-mile-long ridge of steep cliffs which are present in the parklands and create a barrier (although there are roads and one can enter the park).

To our delight and surprise, we enjoyed one of our most superlative moments on the trip just outside of the park when we visited Color Ridge Creamery in Torrey, Utah.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

There are several additional landmarks and places to visit which we highly recommend on your journey to visit Utah’s Mighty 5.

Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell (Arizona)

En route to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, we took a detour to visit the famed Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell (all located in Arizona).  Visiting these iconic sites provided a memorable visual contrast to the other amazing feats of nature we witnessed on our travel journey.  Also, after all the vertical ascents and hiking prowess we exerted, the stop in Arizona made for a nice respite because all of our walking was on fairly flat ground! 

We took an open-air rough road ride to Antelope Canyon. You must arrange a tour in advance because Antelope Canyon is located in Native American territory and requires a permit through approved tour agencies.

We enjoyed a serene sunset visit to Horseshoe Bend, taking in the magnitude of this unique geological formation. When you arrive to the site, you park and walk for about 10 minutes to get to the bend.

The best part of our travels were getting to spend Mama-Daughter quality time together! Nothing replaces outdoor adventure time together in the wonder of the vast wilderness and enchanted evenings under the stars taking in the beauty of creation and enjoying exhilerating travel expeditions across the vast expanse of these magnificent and mesmerizing landscapes. Each park is a masterpiece of its own!

All in all, Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks are all worth visiting.  They are a “best of the best” experience you do not want to miss!

Visit nps.gov to learn more about Utah’s national parks and make reservations.

The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market

Each year, The Nutcracker Market in Houston, Texas draws 100,000 visitors during it’s annual debut in November.  Merchants and artisans display colorful, festive and desirable gifts, apparel, jewelry gourmet food, and an abundance of holiday-themed items.  If you are looking for the ultimate Christmas-shopping destination in Houston, this is it!  

The Nutcracker Market is full of gifts and other items which glitter, sparkle, shine, and draw any shopper to a feast of wonders and delights.  

When we were planning to visit The Nutcracker Market for the first time, my daughter wisely asked me, “Mom, what’s your budget?”  I gave her an estimate.  “You know there will be sparkly things there, right?” she said.  She is savvy and astute because it’s so true!  The Nutcracker Market is a holiday shopper’s paradise!  It is the “best of the best” in holiday shopping.

The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market presents a wide array of all-things-Christmas as well! If you want to have a special day with your daughter, a shopping outing with the girls, or a family shopping extravaganza for the holidays, this is the event for you!

The Nutcracker Market draws visitors of all kinds.  It is a wonderful Mama-daughter holiday event which can become a cherished tradition for years to come!  

The Nutcracker Market is presented by The Houston Ballet prior to its annual run of The Nutcracker Ballet.  Find out more about The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market and The Houston Ballet Nutcracker at houstonballet.org.

Best Rated Reviews

Best Rated Reviews features the “best of the best” in travel, leisure and related products.  Our primary audience is high-end luxury travelers who are looking for optimal travel and leisure experiences. Our travelers want to know, “What is the best lodging, attraction, or product for my money?”  We help them bypass the massive overload of online reviews and give them targeted recommendations from a source they know and trust based on our five-star standard at Best Rated.

The need for authentic, genuine, quality reviews is ever-increasing in today’s online marketplace where indiscriminate reviews abound that are not based on any clear standard related to the guest’s targeted travel and leisure values or preferences.  We cater to a growing travel and leisure clientele who do not have time or wherewithal to sift through endless online reviews to find what they want and need.  Instead, they are looking for a straight and efficient way to find the “best of the best” in travel, leisure and related products.  

“Best of The Best”

At Best Rated Reviews, we focus on the “best of the best” in travel, leisure and related products.  Our recommendations consist of good, better and best.  We recommend products  and services which meet our Five-Star Standard with a rating of good (3 stars), better (4 stars), or best (5 stars).  We focus on this standard exclusively because no one who is truly serious about travel ever sets out to make travel or leisure plans and says, “I just want to have a mediocre experience”.  Instead, they look for superlative, quality, memorable, highly-enjoyable experiences, places and products.  In short, they desire “the best of the best”.  

Our Five-Star Standard

Our five-star standard evaluates the following when we are making a recommendation:

  1. High quality – Lodging/acomodation evaluations: Does this lodging/acomoodation provide a high-quality experience for a luxury or experienced traveler?  Does it offer a delicious breakfast or fare made from fresh ingredients? Product evaluations: Is this product well-made?  Is it made of quality material?  Is it made to last?  Will it hold up for the purposes for which it was designed?
  2. Practicality – Lodging/accommodations: Is the lodging practical and conveniently located in relation to activities the guest intends to experience geographically?  Product: Is the product practically designed to meet the need for its intended use?  Is it well-thought out?  Is this product useful?  Is it well-designed to meet the traveler’s need or desire?
  3. Memorability — Lodging/accommodations: Is this accommodation memorable?  Does it stand out from its competitors?  Does it offer the guest or user a memorable experience when staying?    Products: Is this product memorable?  Does it stand out from its competitors?  Does it offer the user a memorable experience?  Events: Is this event memorable?  Does it stand out from its competitors?  Will a person be glad they spent their hard-earned money on it?
  4. Customer Service – Lodging/accommodations: Does this place offer good customer service?  Does this lodging have good hospitality?  If you encounter a problem, is the staff polite and professional in resolving it?  Do they take pride in their customer service?  Is staff genuinely engaged with travelers, making them feel glad they have visited?  Products: Does this company offer good customer service?  If something goes wrong with the product, does this company’s staff act efficiently, effectively and professionally to resolve it?
  5. Overall Satisfaction – Does this place or product offer lingering travel and leisure satisfaction?  Do you feel fulfilled by it when you think back to your experience?  Would you recommend it to others who share in high-quality travel and leisure values?

We are your online source for the “best of the best!” In travel, leisure and related products.  Experience the 5-star difference in recommendations! Visit us at www.BestRatedRewviews.com.

Best of The Best: The South

Mandy Seymour and Sarah Seymour visit Louisiana on a Southern Girls journey.

Momma-Daughter Road Trip + Travels During Covid-19

If you are looking for a “best of the best” getaway this summer or fall,  we have a recommendation for you.  In July 2020, we traveled from Houston, TX to New Orleans, LA and surrounding areas for an extended weekend getaway.  Many of our readers have been asking us where can they travel during Covid-19?  New Orleans and surrounding areas are currently open for business, travel and leisure.  We will share the details of our trip and our recommendations below.  But in summary, New Orleans and surrounding areas were highly Covid-compliant.  Each place we visited was clean, sanitary, and welcoming.  

This time around, we traveled as a Mama-Daughter duo.  On our roadtrip, we enjoyed the perfect balance of urban, nature, lively, and rejuvenating activities.  One of the best parts of traveling right now?  No lines.  No crowds.  And personally attentive service.

Alligator sighting with McGees Swamp Tours in Henderson, LA

Day 1

On day 1, we drove from Houston, TX to Henderson, LA and Lafayette, LA.  We spent 3 days and 2 nights in Cajun country enjoying the tranquility of nature and local attractions.  The first day, we visited the Atchafalaya Basin.  We went on a local swamp tour in Henderson, TX with McGees Swamp Tours

Our guide, Captain Skip, is one of the area’s most renouned experts on all things Cajun and all things swamp.  We highly recommend him!  During our swamp tour, we took a swampboat into the dense swamplands.  Captain Skip called out, “C’mon!” to the gators.  They knew the sound of his voice and that he was bringing them something delicious.  So one by one, they appeared and took turns coming over to the boat for a morsel of meat.  McGees also has airboat tours which are a high speed thrillride on the swamps.  But this Mama-Daughter duo wanted a more serene and engaging nature experience so we chose to go on the swamp boat tour. 

After our morning swamp tour, we visited Pat’s Fishermans Wharf for lunch.  We sat outside and enjoyed feeding French bread to one of their local alligators who heartily enjoyed eating it!  We ordered the seafood platter to sample  an array of Cajun seafood fare.  The seafood cakes were our favorite.  

http://www.Patsfishermanswharf.com
Bayou Cabins in Breaux Bridge, LA

We spent the night at Bayou Cabins in Breaux Bridge, LA.  The stay in the cabins was a memorable experience.  The cabins were built in the 1800s.  Each cabin has a rustic-yet-renovated feel.  Bayou Cabins owners,  Lisa and Rocky Sonnier, offer quintessential Cajun hospitality.  Rocky calls everyone child, a term of endearment in Cajun country.  He said, “Hey, Child. Come see this cabin build in the 1800s.”  The oldest cabin on the property was built in 1848 using cypress wood from the swamps and walls from mud and moss from the Bayou Teche.  A stay at Bayou Cabins comes replete with an authentic Cajun breakfast the next morning.  As we spoke with the owners, we learned that many people have come to the cabins to have a Covid-19 getaway while also being able to comply with social distancing.  We highly recommend a stay at Bayou Cabins.  

Editors note: We were expecting the cabins to be located in a remote area on the Bayou, but it is important to know they are located directly off of a locally traveled road so when you sit on your porch you will hear cars passing by.  As one editor commented, when they were built, they were located in a respite of nature!  The road was built later.  Staying in the Bayou Cabins is a truly unique and memorable experience.  We highly recommend them.

http://www.bayoucabins.com

Breaux Bridge, LA

That evening, we decided to enjoy a dinner picnic on Breaux Bridge at sunset.  We bought sandwiches from a local sandwich shop and pastries from a local bakery.  When we travel, we bring our own plates and silverware in case we need it.  I first learned about “travel picnics” from Rick Steves.  He does the same so that he can enjoy a quick meal in a beautiful outdoor setting in case he’s limited for time to dine in a restaurant or just wants to make the most of the local scenery.  We bring plates, napkins, silverware and a mini ice chest with additional fresh fruit, milk, cheese and water for our journey.  During the time we visited, few restaurants were open in Beaux Bridge.  So we were glad to have packed our travel picnic wares.

DAY 2: Lafayette, LA + Jefferson Island, LA

We spent the next day in Lafayette, LA and Jefferson Island, LA.  When we arrived to Lafayette, we visited the Visitors Center.  We are glad we did!  The hospitality team gave us a friendly welcome and helpful information regarding what to do in the area.  The two most important pieces of advice we received: When you drive from Lafayette, LA to New Orleans, LA, take I-90 instead of I-10.  It will add 25 more minutes to the journey.  But it will reduce the risk of encountering traffic in Baton Rouge and other heavy congestion caused by lane closures, bridge closure detours, and other challenging circumstances along I-10. The travel advisors also recommended a visit to Jefferson Island’s Rip Van Winkle Gardens.  We took his advice and they are a beautiful respite for a Mama-Daughter outing.  

Rip Van Winkle Gardens in Jefferson Island, LA

We visited the Rip Van Winkle Gardens in Jefferson Island, LA in the late morning.  We enjoyed a scrumptious lunch at their local café.  We had a delicious seafood pasta and white chocolate bread pudding with white chocolate sauce.  

The gardens are home to 35 beautiful peacocks.  We looked for them during our stroll through the gardens.  On the day we were there, we found many of them perched in the oak tree across from the restaurant and others were roaming in a field.  We fed them some French bread and kettle corn we had bought at a local grocery store and bakery in Henderson, LA.  The peacocks were very friendly and loved it.

Mouton Plantation in Lafayette, LA

http://www.ripvanwinklegardens.com

We stayed the night at Mouton Plantation.  Mouton Plantation is a historic plantation and currently-operating B and B in Lafayette, LA.  It’s host, Ravi, gave us a warm welcome and was very hospitable.  We greatly enjoyed our stay at Mouton Plantation.  The B and B serves a gourmet breakfast on fine china.  This plantation is open during Covid-19.  Mouton Plantation caters to international guests as well.  It is the number 1 Bed and Breakfast chosen by Europeans when visiting the area.  Mouton Plantation is a memorable and historic place to stay.  We highly recommend it.

Editors Note: During our stay in Lafayette, LA, we also visited the local Zoo and Vermilionville, a living history museum.  At this time, neither of these attractions met our “best of the best” good, better or best standard.  The living history museum received a “fair” rating and the zoo received a “poor rating” so we cannot recommend them as a “must see”.  The living history museum contains snippets of informative exhibits but many of the buildings were inaccessible during the working village tour.  Perhaps the place would have seemed more lively and enjoyable if they piped Cajun music throughout the village.  It was evident the town had put in a lot of effort to make a substantive effort to memorialize Acadian history.  It just needs some zest or more people to help it become more of a “living” history museum at this time.

Zoo of Acadiana

The Zoo of Acadiana received a “poor” rating.  We rated it “poor” because the animals were housed in squalid conditions, and they either had unclean drinking water or showed signs of hunger and thirst by licking their lips repeatedly.  Many of the animals seemed lonely, depressed, or just plain sad.  One notable attribute about the zoo is that it was in a natural setting.  More on the Zoo of Acadiana here.

http://www.zoosiana.com
Mandy Seymour and Sarah Seymour visit Louisiana on a Southern Girls journey.

DAY 3

On day 3, we traveled to New Orleans.  We traveled there via I-90 to bypass the I-10 traffic.  It was a relaxing drive replete with scenic Louisiana countryside consisting primarily of swampland and rice fields.  

Higgins Hotel in New Orleans, LA

We stayed 4 days, 3 nights in New Orleans, LA at the Higgins Hotel.  The Higgins Hotel is a part of the Curio Collection Hotels by Hilton.  The Higgins Hotel has stayed open and operational during the entire time of Covid.  They have carefully and conscientiously complied with all Covid standards for cleanliness and personal sanitation.  

http://www.higginshotelnola.com

Higgins Hotel  has a rooftop restaurant and bar, Rosies on the Roof, which overlooks the city of New Orleans and serves local specialties. The hotel also has to-go options from Provisions, its local café which serves sandwiches, pastries and coffee.  

Rosies On The Roof at the Higgins Hotel New Orleans, LA
https://www.higginshotelnola.com/new-orleans-restaurants/rosies-on-the-roof

Most of New Orleans’ main attractions are within walking distance of the hotel.  The hotel also offers a package which includes free parking. Nearby restaurants are located within 5 to 15 minutes walking distance. You can walk to the French Quarter or Rivercenter Shopping area in 20 minutes.  Otherwise, parking is $8/hr. on average.  We reason, why spend money on parking when you could spend it on shopping, attractions, or dining instead? 

Cafe Du Monde Beignets

Our first day in New Orleans, we explored the French Quarter.  We took the trolley for $1.50/each way, cash only.  It dropped us off at Canal and Bourbon Street.  We walked from Canal Street to Royal Street and over to Café Du Monde.  Since it’s Covid time, Café Du Monde is open but only serves beignet and drinks in to-go containers.  We brought our own plates and I bought a souvenir coffee mug to enjoy my coffee au lait to the fullest.  During our time in New Orleans, we did a taste-test comparison between Café Du Monde and Café Beignet.  The beignets at Café Du Monde are truly superior to all other beignets.  They have a delicate and fresh flavor with no greasy aftertaste.   

http://www.neworleans.com

steam

Sunday Jazz Brunch on the Natchez Steamboat in New Orleans, LA

DAY 4

Our second day in New Orleans, we enjoyed brunch on the Steamboat Natchez on the Mississippi River. During Covid, the waitstaff serves a sampling of the entire brunch smorgasboard.  We especially recommend the chicken and sausage gumbo and the bananas foster.  We visited Brennan’s and had Bananas Foster there as well. Brennan’s invented Bananas Foster. That evening, we enjoyed dinner at Tommy’s Cuisine, an Italian restaurant with Cajun flare.    The steamed mussels are succulent.  We highly recommend them. 

Brennan’s Bananas Foster

 After our Steamboat cruise and brunch, we explored the French Quarter.  In July 2020, most of the New Orleans walking tours were not in operation.  But we enjoyed exploring the city on our own.  Due to low crowds, we had ample opportunities to take photos to our heart’s content. In other words, during this low-volume travel season, it’s a great time for selfies and other travel photography in iconic places.  New Orleans has some of the best architecture and backdrops for memorable photos.  And wildlife cooperates, too!  

http://www.steamboatnatchez.com

WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA

DAY 5 

On our third day in New Orleans, we visited the WWII Museum.  The WWII Museum is located directly across the street from Higgins Hotel.  In fact, the museum and hotel are related to each other.  The Higgins Hotel is named after Andrew Higgins, the man who designed the Higgins Boat, a wooden vessel with a ramp which was credited with helping the U.S. to win WWII in Normandy, France.  These boats allowed the military to get the military into shallow water and unload on the beach of Normandy.  The soldiers then stormed the beach, climbed the cliffs, and overtook the enemy in order to win the war.  The movie The Longest Day depicts the D-day victory at Normandy.  The WWII Museum features an outstanding documentary film in 4-D which depicts the origin and reality of the war through heightened visuals, sound and motion.  

A stay at Hotel Higgins transports guests into the glories of victory.  WWII photos depicting the victory of liberation have been placed throughout the hotel as a tribute to this historic event and its impact on American values and freedoms.  

Staying at Hotel Higgins is more than a good night’s rest in a clean, comfortable hotel.  It’s an experience – meaningful, memorable and anchoring.  It anchors travelers in the depths of contribution New Orleans made to the WWII victory and also allows us to enjoy the pleasures of our everyday life in the here and now because of that freedom and democracy.

http://www.nationalww2museum.org

On our last day, we went shopping at the Riverwalk Outlet.  It was the perfect end to our Mama-Daughter travels.  We purchased clothing, handbags, and accessories in preparation for our next adventure and the coming season.  

Regarding travel during Covid, those who travel during this time experience more personalized hospitality, engagement with locals and their goods and services, and attentive detail to cleanliness which travelers always enjoy! Also, the Higgins Hotel took some of the best precautions we’ve seen regarding Covid-19 and guests.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Southern Girls road trip to the “Best of the Best: The South”. We highly recommend traveling to New Orleans, LA and surrounding areas both now and anytime. You’ll be glad you did!

Recommended Links:

Swamp Tour and Alligator Watching  with McGees Swamp Tours in Henderson, LA https://www.mcgeesswamptours.com

Bayou Cabins http://www.bayoucabins.com

Mouton Plantation https://www.moutonplantation.com

Jefferson Island’s Rip Van Winkle Gardens https://ripvanwinklegardens.com

Beignets at Café Du Monde https://shop.cafedumonde.com

Steamboat Natchez Brunch and Cruise https://www.steamboatnatchez.com

Stay at Higgins Hotel https://www.higginshotelnola.com

WWII Museum https://www.nationalww2museum.org

City View and dining at Rosies on The Roof in Hotel Higgins https://www.higginshotelnola.com/new-orleans-restaurants/rosies-on-the-roof

Rivercenter Outlet Shopping https://www.riverwalkneworleans.com

Day With A Llama at Figment Ranch

By: Mandy Seymour and Sarah Seymour

A Day with a Llama at Figment Ranch is the BEST DAY EVER!  Ruby Herron and Robin Turell make dreams come true for llamas and llama-lovers alike at Figment Ranch. My daughter Sarah Seymour and I visited their beautiful ranch for A Day with A Llama. It was a day to remember!

Sarah loves llamas. They are one of her most favorite animals. She was in llama heaven on our day at Figment Ranch. 

During the Day with a Llama, we walked llamas, fed llamas, and hugged llamas. We also interacted with several adorable alpacas. We fed them, petted them, and enjoyed learning about them. 

We were joined by one of Figment Ranch’s most sensational members of the family: Strutter the Turkey. We found him to be just as endearing as the llamas in his own way! He is a majestic and friendly turkey who followed us around the farm everywhere we went. He let us pet him. And he even waited for us outside the gift shop!  Strutter has walked brides down the aisle and likes to dance at parties and receptions. 

Figment Ranch is also home to giddy goats, dapper ducks, and terrific tortoises. 

The animals are very well-loved and cared for. For the ranch’s owners, their rescue, care and preservation is a labor of love. They care deeply about the precious lives of all their animals.  All proceeds received help to feed and care for their amazing animals so they can keep spreading llama love for years to come. 

Figment Ranch is a woman-owned and operated business.  Beautiful handicrafts, blankets and rugs are available in the gift shop.  Proceeds support llama care and conservation in Texas and Peru.

Figment Ranch is available for llama tours, events, and overnight stays. Learn more at FigmentRanch.com.

See video of our day with a llama here.

Rating: 5 Stars!  “Best of the best!”

Glamping in Garner State Park

By: Mandy Seymour and Sarah Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

Garner State Park by Mandy Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

Are you ready to go Glamping in Garner?  Garner State Park has some of Texas’ most beautiful, clear-water rivers in the Hill Country.  It offers the perfect refreshment for anyone looking to spend a few days getting away from it all in the Texas Hill Country.  

If you are going to visit Garner State Park, why go camping when you could go glamping?  Glamping is camping with glamour and style.  To enjoy the park to the fullest glamping-style, you will need a sturdy yet breezy tent, reliable river shoes, and a colorful hammock.  You will also need some ambiance lighting and colorful dishware and/or tablecloths.

When you Glamp, you can bring your tent and your comfy bedding, too.  We had a tent and we also rented a screen shelter for the occasion.  Then we glamped it up.  Bring your favorite sheets and blankets, a spare set of Christmas lights, and anything else cozy you want to include.

Sarah Seymour sleeping in Trailmade Tent from REI, Best Rated Reviews

First, we set up our tent, the Trailmade Tent 1 from REI.  This tent is lightweight, versatile and made especially for backpacking.  But we like to bring it with us anywhere we go just in case we need it.  It has dual screens which create comfortable airflow when you are sleeping under the stars. Its lightweight design is portable and efficient.  The tent is extremely well-engineered for ease of use.  You can set it up and take it down in a matter of minutes.  It’s one of our favorites to bring along for travel anywhere, anytime!

REI Trailmade Tent

Find the Trailmade Tent here.

When glamping, it’s also important to bring along bedding that is suitable for the weather.  In the Texas Hill Country, we have found that a lightweight, soft fleece blanket can always come in handy for sleeping, reading, resting and naptime!  (Did we say naptime?  Vacation naps are the best!). One of our top favorites is blankets by Natural Life.  .  

Ready for Glamping! Here’s our clamping set up. You can find a cozy throw by Natural Life here.

After we got everything situated, we had a great time exploring the crystal clear waters of the Frio River.

We photographed the serene waters to our heart’s content!

Our Chacos were the perfect glamping footwear to help us accomplish the mission.  They were vibrant, stylish and practical for river trekking.

As we watched the sunset, the river was so peaceful.  When you are Glamping, it’s important to take in the still moments and bask in the beauty around you.

Serenity was ours in this beautiful place.  Rest and rejuvenation in nature was just what we needed!

My favorite personal moment of our Glamping experience came just after the sun set.  Suddenly the sky turned pink and purple and reflected magnificently on the glassy water.

Sunset in Garner State Park by Mandy Seymour

I was so glad I captured the moment and enjoyed it fully as the beauty and serenity enveloped me.  These are the beautiful moments Glamping is made of.  

Hammock Time!

We brought along one of our favorite hammocks – handmade straight from the market in Galapagos!

Camping with Chacos!  Chacos are the ultimate river shoe in Texas! If you are looking for a shoe that will allow you to traverse rivers and the hill country in Texas, we recommend Chacos. Sarah is wearing Chacos Women’s Z/Cloud Sandals. They are sturdy, well-made, and versatile. They also dry easily and clean up nicely even if you encounter mud or dirt. They keep her feet happy and stylish! Learn more about Chacos Women’s Z/Cloud Sandals here.

That evening, we enjoyed gathering with other campers for the nighty dance.  Each Summer night in Garner, people dance the night away.

They even have an old-fashioned Jukebox!

Late at night, Sarah and I traversed a valley riverbed to go Stargazing in the early morning (from about 1 a.m. to 3 a.m.). Sarah captured these magical moments of her experience with the Texas night sky.  

Here is her photo of the night sky!  

Milky Way in the Texas Hill Country by Sarah Seymour, Best Rated Reviews

She even captured the Milky Way that night!

She said as she was getting the angles adjusted, she heard rustling in the distance.  She shone her flashlight across the river and saw 16 sets of eyes peering at her – raccoons and wild boar!  Apparently they team up at night to raid campers’ ice chests.  (See the next photo – the warning!). She gingerly finished up her photos and left without incident.  But she said it was a quite daunting surprise to see all those eyes!

Below, Sarah is standing next to the swine sign! (Read the sign. It warns about feral hogs raiding your ice chest. It’s for real!)

That night, we returned to our Glamping and enjoyed a good night’s rest.

The goal, no matter what, is to get a good to great night’s rest.  We did!

Here’s to another Mama Daughter adventure!  Adventure awaits!

Sarah Seymour and Mandy Seymour

Mandy Seymour and Sarah Seymour – Mandy Seymour and Sarah Seymour are a mama-daughter travel duo who traverse the world to find and share the “best of the best” in travel, leisure and related products.  

Mandy Seymour

Mandy Seymour is the Managing Editor of Best Rated Reviews.  Mandy is an award-winning travel writer, photojournalist and author who has traveled the world in search of the “best of the best” and strives to help people know the deeper fulfillment of a life well-lived personally and professionally.  She received the William N. Garrison award for the impact she makes on others in her daily life and work.

Sarah Seymour

Sarah Seymour is a photojournalist with Best Rated Reviews.  She is a photographer and award-winning writer who has a keen eye for Instagram-worthy shots and is a powerful storyteller with a strong ability to convey the essence and enjoyability of places and products through writing and photography.  Sarah won the Scholastic Gold Key writing award for short stories in 2023.  

Hammock Happiness

“Hammock Happiness is the feeling you get when you find a great hammock and it becomes your R & R go-to place.” – Mandy Seymour

If you are looking for a “best of the best” way to enjoy your Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring in Texas, buy a hammock.  We have discovered the joy of what we affectionately call Hammock Happiness.  Hammock Happiness is the feeling you get when you find a great hammock and it becomes your R & R go-to place.  You rest in it.  You relax in it.  You rejuvenate in it.  In short, when you find a hammock that’s right for you, you live your best life in it!

We have discovered that hammocks that are made with a breathable fabric can nicely accommodate Texas’ hot weather and also acclimate to the other seasons as well.  

Here are some ways we found hammock happiness and you can too!

Enjoying much-needed R&R!

Do you ever wish you had a place you could go all to yourself to “get away from it all”?  Where you could relax and rejuvenate in the solace of nature?  If you have a hammock, you can relax and rejuvenate anytime – at home or when traveling!

Watching The Sunset!

A hammock is a great place to enjoy the sunset – anywhere, anytime, any season!

Enjoying together time with loved ones!

Spending time with your dog!

Our dog Beaux loves to spend relaxing quality time with us wherever we are – at home or traveling.  Pets love hammocks.  They love to snuggle with you in a hammock.  When we are at home, we snuggle with our dog, our bunny and even baby chicks in our hammocks!

And glamping!

Here are some breathable hammocks we recommend.  We have thoroughly tested the following brands and they meet our five-star standards and received a 5-star “Best of The Best” rating:

Best of The Best: Hang Loose Hammocks – These colorful hammocks are made in Maui and are built to last.  They are breathable, fray-resistant and stretchably comfortable to your body type.  They are made with 100% authentic Ecuadorian textile fabric.  They hold up nicely in inclement weather as well. 

Find Hang Loose Hammocks here

If you are looking for a second, option for your budget, we recommend Made By Nativos.  They carry  hammocks which are well-made, breathable and flexible.  They will hold up in various weather conditions.  

Find Made By Nativos Hammocks here

Everyone in our family enjoys Hammock Happiness! 

Beaux The Boykin love Hammock Happiness!

Goldie Girl loves hammock happiness!

And even the turkeys, Stagecoach and Tejas!  Hammock Happiness makes everyone happy because we are spending time outside together which is what we love most in our family!

The best part of having a hammock for any occasion is the memories you make and the people you share it with! Even when it’s your little sister! Family fun is for everyone! Especially when you have a great hammock!

Yours for the best! – Mandy and Sarah

Mandy Seymour and Sarah Seymour are a mama-daughter travel duo who traverse the world to find and share the “best of the best” in travel, leisure and related products.  

Mandy Seymour

Mandy Seymour is the Managing Editor of Best Rated Reviews.  Mandy is an award-winning travel writer, photojournalist and author who has traveled the world in search of the “best of the best” and strives to help people know the deeper fulfillment of a life well-lived personally and professionally.  She received the William N. Garrison award for the impact she makes on others in her daily life and work.

Sarah Seymour

Sarah Seymour is a photojournalist with Best Rated Reviews.  She is a photographer and award-winning writer who has a keen eye for Instagram-worthy shots and is a powerful storyteller with a strong ability to convey the essence and enjoyability of places and products through writing and photography.  Sarah won the Scholastic Gold Key writing award for short stories in 2023.  

Best of The Best: Texas Hill Country

Best of Texas Hill Country

If you’re looking for a memorable couples Fall Getaway, we recommend the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, TX.  The Hyatt Hill Country Resort immerses guests in the “best of the best” of the Texas Hill Country.

Located just a 20-minute drive from The San Antonio Riverwalk, the property offers a one-of-a-kind golf course, upscale and causal dining, natural-themed pools, and a daily calendar of events and activities.

The Hyatt Hill Country Resort is one of San Antonio’s premiere destinations to experience and enjoy one of the finest spas in the area.  We felt rejuvenated and refreshed by a Hill Country facial, deluxe pedicure, and luxuriating swim in the spa pool.  The Hyatt Hill Country Resort offers high-quality spa services.  Our pedicure lasted for many weeks with no chipping.

We want to give a special Best Rated recognition to the Hyatt Hill Country’s resident naturalist who leads the guided nature walks.  He led us on an expert nature walk through the property.  His passion for the flora and fauna of the Texas Hill Country was contagious.

After our memorable visit to the Hyatt Hill Country Resort, we enjoyed lunch on the iconic San Antonio Riverwalk.  We visited the Historic Market Square, which is the best source for Mexican handicrafts and apparel in the area.  

The next day, we drive west to Garner State Park where we hiked and swam in the Frio River.

We enjoyed a refreshing dip in the Frio River at sunset.  I took this photo just as the sun had set.  The beauty of Garner State Park and the Frio River provided an enchanting river swim and sunset moment I’ll always remember.

That night, we stargazed and saw the Milky Way (which is visible July – October, especially on moonless nights).

The next day, we headed to Enchanted Rock where we camped under the stars.  If you are looking to visit nature and hike but you do not desire to camp, we recommend a stay at Trois Estate.  It is an Albuquerque-themed bed and breakfast with unique vistas and a special getaway feel.

En route to Enchanted Rock, we meandered through the Texas Hill Country.  We stopped half way for a home-cooked Chicken Fried Steak and some of the best mashed potatoes we have ever had.  We enjoyed a delectable homemade peach cobbler and shopping in Fredericksburg, TX en route to Enchanted Rock.

That night, we enjoyed the panoramic vista of stars and Enchanted Rock’s designation as a Night Sky destination.  

The next day, we drove to Austin and enjoyed a high-protein breakfast at Casa de Luz.  We finished our 4-day road trip with a swim in Austin’s Guadalupe River.

The best time is quality time. When you visit these places with the one you love, you’ll have a “best of the best” experience and cherished memories to last a lifetime.

  • Mandy Seymour and Sarah Seymour, Mother-Daughter Travel Duo