Diana Ellefson. Travel. Write. Repeat.

Happy New Year everyone! I was thinking that since my Travel.Write.Repeat. website has been up & running for a while now it is time to let the people that so kindly follow my site to know a bit more about me, other than that I travel, write and, well–repeat. If you follow me on twitter or Facebook you are bound to learn more about me as well (i.e. I am originally from Seattle, I long to have another 1977 VW Westfalia, I have two wiener dogs and I love to Paddle Board) but here are some random facts about me that you may not know…travel related and not.

My favorite country is Mexico.

My favorite city is New York City–it cannot be matched.

My second favorite city is Amsterdam.

I didn’t travel internationally (not counting Canada) until I was 25.

Sitting at home on a Saturday night with my husband and dogs listening to music and drinking wine is my favorite way to spend an evening.

I love Neil Diamond.

I once was stalked by a Mexican Street dog over a period of days in Central Mexico. Everywhere I went–he was there too.

I have wanted to visit Guatemala since I was in the 6th grade; I have wanted to visit Bhutan since I turned 30. As of yet, I haven’t been to either place.

Vampire Diaries is my favorite tv show. And no, I am not 15.

I have an addiction to bags and work-out clothes.

Aside from travel writing and freelance journalism, my work background has mainly existed in the corporate world where I’ve negotiated purchase contracts for various multi-million dollar companies. Except for in the early ’90′s when my best friend and I started an unofficial Guatemalan Hacky Sack team while working at a small sporting goods store in Seattle, Wa.

I once had a first date where I was the co-pilot in a small plane and we did an surprise (to me) barrel role (upside down)– and I liked it (even though to this day I am afraid to go upside down–I mean even summersaults).

(ps: That first date led to a very happy marriage. )

I love the Romantic era poets, Keats, Shelly, Byron…

I need sun in my life–even if it is cold—I need to see sun at least 5 times a week.

If I could do it all over again I’d join the Peace Corp out of college.

I am a die-hard college football fan and can talk the talk with the best of them.

I actually really love New Jersey. It is a great state.

I will never again spend a penny of my own money on a cruise.

Most of my close friends from elementary and high school are still my close friends.

My nieces and nephews are some of the best people I have ever met.

I could eat sushi for every meal, unless Cinnabon was available.

I love to camp.

I also love fancy shmancy hotels with large, glorious pools.

My favorite song is Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns-n-Roses.

I put myself through college by working at an orthopedic shoe store.

I married a Canadian.

California is a big state and when I visited in the past I spent most of my time in LA or South or the San Francisco area. A couple weeks ago though I traveled with some friends from Santa Monica to the Central Coast, specifically Avila Beach (closest big city would be San Luis Obispo which isn’t really BIG compared to California standards). This was my first time to the Central Coast and I had no idea what to expect–except for it being somewhat coastal.

About 3 hours North of LA on “the 5 (I-5 for us non-Californians)” and about 4 hrs South of San Fran on the 5, the Central Coast is a mixture of famous sights, small beach towns and wineries that rival the more known Napa Valley. I only had 3 days in this area and I wanted to make the most of it—and of course, I needed more time.

Hearst Castle

Maybe the most famous of the sights on the Central Coast and all of California is the Hearst Castle named for the newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst who died in 1951. Now a state park the Castle is steeped in history. In its heyday it was supposed to be a “bungalow” for Hearst, but soon got a bit bigger and was visited by the most famous of the time (Lindbergh, Cary Grant, various Presidents). The main house is over 60,000 sqft and has 56 bedrooms and 61 bathrooms. Full of antiques and rare books purchased personally by Hearst, this spot has a constant stream of tourists throughout the year.

If you are like me, famous landmarks are worth a visit, but when the beach is calling—I make it a short visit because, well, the beach is calling.

If you’ve heard of Monterey or Big Sur you have heard of the Central Coast, but if you have heard of Avila Beach then you have heard of the REAL Central Coast. A sleepy beach town popular with fisherman put Avila on the map, but the subsequent building boom and desire to live semi-affordably (to California standards anyway) is what made Avila what it is today: a coffee drinking, dog walking, beach strolling, bike riding, fishing town. To say this town is yuppie would be an understatement–but it is Cali and in comparison to some California towns, Avila is a watered down yuppie and a town I could totally see myself living in. With a main street of tee-shirt and flip flop shops, a general market, Mr. Rick’s Sports bar, the very crowded Joe Mamma Coffee (try the hemp milk creamer) and even a couple small wineries, it takes 6 minutes to walk the “strip” before you are hugging the coastline on your run, walk or bike ride on the way to the famous fishing pier to watch your dinner get caught, buy that fresh caught dinner and walk right up to (if you dare) napping Sea Lions on the dock.

Avila Beach

Avila at sunset

up-close and personal with a hungry pelican on the fishing pier

Tide Pools
About a 30 minute drive from Avila are the Montana de Oro State Park and Tide Pools. Here the coastline is comprised of slippery rock (yeah, I fell on my a*s), snails, crabs, sea anemones, shells and steep sand dunes that can be slid down via sled, cardboard box or the seat of your pants (I saw all three). Like the rest of California (even in the summer), the water is powerful and very cold so if the tide is not out it could be a dangerous, cold meander through these tide pools. I went when the tide was nearly out and bonded quite nicely with a turquoise sea anemone. Did you know if you gently touch one it wraps around your finger and tries to suction you to death? It is a cool feeling. Yeah, and messing with that anemone is probably why I fell.

Trail down to the tide pools

me at the tide pools

overlooking the coastline tide pools and sand dunes

Dive Bars–for Wine
As mentioned, wine from the Central Coast rivals Napa Valley and Sonoma and wineries and vineyards are dotted along the coast at every exit. Many have gorgeous views and picturesque grounds like at this place:

But sadly, sometimes the wine suffers and the view turns out to be the best thing about the winery. If you are a true wine-person, this can be frustrating (if you are like me and can barely tell a Pinot from a Merlot it is not as upsetting) especially when you are in the Central Coast and have gorgeous views anyway. Recently an industrial area of blue and government gray buildings in the town of Lompoc (pronounced “Lom-Poke”) behind the Home Depot has become a popular destination for wine tastings and because the area is, ahem, not so picturesque (and it probably doesn’t help that the Home Depot lumber department is in ear shot) the area was affectionately coined as the “Wine Ghetto.”

Most likely overlooked, unless you knew better, this parking lot of single-story metal buildings has become the place to go if you want good wine. Unlike most wineries where you have your tasting, roam the grounds and then responsibly drive to the next vineyard–the Ghetto is a one-stop wine tasting shop with the wineries situated like stores in a cheap strip mall– but, the wine is NOT cheap tasting! Park once–taste all day– but get a car service, please.

One of my favorite “Ghetto” wineries was the Flying Goat. The husband and wife owners were passionate about their wine, had soil samples that the grapes grew from and a very nice 13 year old chocolate lab. Plus– the lady knew all about Jersey. Represent East Coast!

(picture courtesy of centralcoastuncorked.blogspot.com)

Each year I post some ideas about what is fun to do in NYC around the holidays. The usual cliche events are often included (tree lighting, ice skating, holiday windows, Rockettes, etc) and shouldn’t be missed, but if you’ve seen and done all of that (although seeing that tree never gets old) here are some holiday type things to do THIS year.

1. Go cheer up employees at Old Navy at 34th & Broadway because they are likely NOT in the holiday mood as that location is open 24/7 through the 24th. WTF? Those poor employees.

2. If religion is your thing, go see the Ten Commandments with your own eyes (not the movie—the actual document included as part of the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit). Running until Jan 2nd in Times Square.
Discovery at Times Square 226 W 44th between 7th & 8th Ave.

Charlton Heston as Moses (but looking a bit Planet of the Apes-like)…

3. Run (or Walk) in the 2nd Annual Christmas Day Marathon in Westchester County!

Designed to bring new people to the sport of running, there is no entry fee (donations are accepted) and you can sign up for 1/8 marathon, 1/4 marathon, half marathon, 3/4 marathon and full marathon and according to the organizers, all paths loop back, are paved and scenic. PLUS- Santa hats are available and all finishers get a candy cane!
Tibbetts Brook Park 120 Teresa Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704 11:00am on 12/25

4. For some adult only fun, go enjoy the annual reading of the Dickens’ classic: A Christmas Carol. Read by burlesque professionals with names such as Legs Malone and Franny Fluffer. Oh yeah, the girls are completely naked during the reading.
One showing (no pun intended) on the 21st at Under St. Marks at 94 St. Marks Place

photo from the Naked Girls website

5. See lights and over the top Christmas decorations in the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn. Very traditional. Very cool. Word has it, that he greatest concentration of decorated homes is around 12th Avenue and 84th Street. The Gothamist site has a good write up and includes pics like this:

6. You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy some of the fun had during Hanukkah! Check out the Beer + Latke Hanukkah Celebration on the 22nd in Tribeca. Brooklyn Brewery will be there to help you choose the best brew to compliment the variety of freshly made latkes on hand! And don’t miss the dreidel competition!
December 22, 7PM at 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson Street $22.

7. Go see Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway in ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ before his run is over on the 1st of January. This really isn’t “Christmasy”, but Harry Potter always feels a little festive to me so I thought I’d add it in here!

I know the title of this post doesn’t reflect the correct lyrics to the popular Christmas tune, but this year, unlike my normal Christmas’ where I walk in a sunny wonderland (Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii) or a magical winter wonderland at home in NYC, these substitute lyrics are appropriate as I am venturing to a place known for rain and gloom–but also the place I grew up and where my family and friends still live– Seattle.

If you are a follower of this site, you already know that I am from Seattle and have absolutely zero desire to go back there ever again (permanently), but short visits are something I can do and this will be the first Christmas that the husband and I will open gifts in the Pacific NW since we moved to the East Coast over 4 years ago.

Living out East for the past four Christmas’ has been awesome! There is no other place in the country (or World??) that can match the holiday spirit that NYC generates! From the windows at Macy’s to the computerized yet realistic snowflakes at Saks to seeing the tree at Rockefeller and shopping the Christmas markets at Union Square and Central Park to ice skating at Bryant Park– and the list goes on.

Ice Rink in Central Park (photo credit: D Ellefson)

Regardless of how horribly depressing the gloomy gray skies of Seattle will be (dare I even wish for snow?), I will make this trip as CHRISTMASY as possible!!! First and foremost, I am excited to see my nephew and niece and wake up super early with them on Christmas morning to see them open THE BEST presents EVER (from Uncle and me of course, even though Uncle will likely sleep in a bit later than me). Also, my grandparents are making the trek over the mountains and through the woods JUST to see hubby and me (I mean, of course they’re coming for us–who cares about those cute great-grandkids…).

While in Seattle, the lack of snow or even sunny, crisp temps won’t bother me too much with family and friends close by AND these totally Christmasy things to do:

The famous Seattle Space Needle

1) The Christmas Carol Improv! I have been to this show in the ghost of Christmas past and it is awesome! Always different, (it is Improv) and based on the original Dickens story but sprinkled with audience suggestions on how the story should be acted out, this performance called “Seattle’s Funniest Christmas Show” is a Pacific NW tradition!

The show is regularly shown at their home smack dab in the middle of Pike Place Market at the Market Theater, but since its currently being renovated, this year I will see it at the equally cool Intiman Theater at Seattle Center.

2) Christmas Lights Shining Bright!
When I was a kid, driving to and walking around neighborhoods decked out Clark W Griswold style was, and still IS, a highlight (and also free). One of the best stops (and longest running) in Seattle is Candy Cane Lane in Ravenna! The neighborhood has been doing this light show since 1941.
Address: Northeast Park Road, off Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle, WA

Ravenna Neighborhood

3) Seeing the Lights & the Sights from the Water
Seattle locals may humbug the Argosy (“Its so touristy”) and even I used to poo-poo it until I went on an Argosy summer cruise a few years back and saw Bill Gates’ mansion. One word: GINORMOUS. Anyway, at Christmastime, all of the touristy labels go out the window because tourists and locals will love the lights seen from the water. In its 62nd year, this parade of Argosy Christmas Ships sails the Puget Sound waterfront communities and if you are lucky enough to get tickets on the lead ship, THE Christmas Ship, onboard choirs will sing carols throughout your journey. This runs through December 23rd. Did I mention the outer decks on the ships are heated. Oh yes! I’ll see you there! ($35 adults $31.50 seniors $19 kids ages 5-12 (4 and under no charge)

The Argosy Ship

4) Molbaks
Annual Festival of Poinsettias

Molbaks is a Christmas tradition for Seattleites and a must stop for anyone that lives in the general vicinity (Molbaks is in the suburb of Woodinville and well worth the short drive from Seattle). Aside from the numerous wonderful ornaments and decorations to shop (I love the Department 56 collections they have), fresh trees to meander through and hot chocolate to sip–they boast one of the most colorful sights in all of Washington State: the Annual Festival of Poinsettias.

With over 25 varieties (25, really? Wow!) and tons of family photo ops (even with Santa!!), this is a MUST STOP to get into or get more into the holiday spirit. They are open all the way through Christmas Eve at 4! I’ll see you there–after the Argosy ride of course, and lets hope for snow, or at least not rain.

Get into the Christmas spirit Debbie Downer Style (courtesy of Saturday Night Live). I LOVE this time of year!

My old Mac Air was having some battery and storage space issues–understandable for such an old, out of date piece of technology and really I had no choice but to replace it with a brand new shiny Mac Air. Was this a need? No–it was a want and while I haven’t been writing as much lately as I would like (summer, moving, the beach, what-not)… writing was my justification for getting a new one and I’m happy to say I’m back into the swing of things–including my newest off-shoot of this site “coming soon” (Three words: Strong Sweaty Traveler).

Anyway– the same day that I ordered my new Air I spent a couple of hours leisurely roaming around downtown Point Pleasant. The quaint shops make this beach town so great– I really love the beach scene and can’t believe that the Jersey Shore show is filmed in the next town over. Don’t get me started, but that show— I detest it– it gives the real Shore such a bad name.

The beach stores and the local True Value are normally the stores I browse but today, for some reason, I glanced towards the antique store across from the coffee shop. In my college days I thought shopping at antique stores was chic–but as I got older (and learned more about bed bugs and how they can live in ANYTHING) I steered clear, they just became too… shabby. But today something caught my eye. Through the window next to the the old fashioned washboard and and just behind the slightly rusted ancient tin sign of a woman advertising Coca-Cola was a typewriter. It wasn’t the kind of typewriter I used in my senior year keyboarding with Ms. McCarroll who sashayed her 60+ year old stomach around the classroom in her nauseating half shirts while we all typed out how that brown dog jumped over the lazy fox… or fox over dog– I forget.

Senior Year Ms. McCarroll typewriter

This was the kind from the “olden” days– from the 40′s (but oddly, similar to the one my grandmother’s doctor’s receptionist still uses in teeny tiny Omak, Washington).

The porcelin keys were rounded, off-white and naturally, I’m guessing, indented for ideal placement of the finger pads– but likely even more indented from years of use. The perfect fit of my fingers on the a s d f & j k l ; keys felt incredible, and I realize it may seem strange to some that I would use the adjective incredible to describe this feeling— but it was.
As far as I could tell, the keys didn’t stick when pressed and after I removed the “Do Not Touch” sign off of the ribbon area, I tested the return function and it worked! There was even ribbon and the body of the machine was in tact except for inches of dust accumulated in the crevices.

As a writer I have had my eye on one of these “real” typewriters for years, but the price was always unjustifiable to me considering it would be used only for decoration. On eBay I’ve seen similar models that sold for well over $300 and some as high as $700 so I was skeptical that this one had a price tag of just $37. After replacing the “Do Not Touch” tag I decided to walk around the store to see what else was for sale while the clerk helped an elderly woman compare Cupie dolls. I saw an old rotary pay phone and an even older record player– but both were priced at what I figured was reasonable but still much less than I thought the typewriter should have been priced.

Cupie or Kewpie doll

After the elderly woman bought her collection of Cupies, I inquired about the typewriter, trying to hide my amazement that it was priced so low. It was a Royal Deluxe from the 40′s and it worked with ribbon the clerk picked up at Staples (Who knew, turns out they still make ribbon for these old typewriter models).

Apparently this antique store bought out an estate sale and $37 was what they thought was a fair price for this Royal since it didn’t have a case. Of course, I bought it.

Once home I showed it off to anyone who’d care (my husband still doesn’t really get why I bought this huge paperweight) and I also googled the hell out of it. Not only did I see the SAME model in similar shape for sale in the $500′s, I learned that Ernest Hemingway used this same model, and if that isn’t purchase validation I don’t know what is!

I may not be a writer of Hemingway’s stature and even while I write this post on my fancy-shmancy top of the line new Air, my “olden days” typewriter makes me feel happy to the core whenever I glance over and see it sitting on my desk.

I can’t believe it has been so long since I posted on here. For those of you that haven’t given up on this blog of mine--thanks! And please understand it has not been ignored, but just shuffled aside while I’ve been doing some non-travel writing to pay the bills (along with decorating a new house, enjoying the summer sun and reading (the Game of Thrones series is addicting!)

So back to the writing to pay the bills thing… yes, you read this correctly! Whoo hoo–the dream is becoming a reality. However, the bills that would be fully paid by my writing thus far would maybe pay for a lightbulb to glow in a Barbie Dream House–but still, whoo hoo!

thats me, the blonde, showing off the lightbulb I was able to finance

But seriously — I have once again been writing for my local area newspapers and lately have had the pleasure to interview and write about local “heroes” that give of themselves to help those less fortunate.

I know, its not the 100% travel writing I set out to do but the other day I had the fortunate experience to speak with a Lonely Planet author (check out their guidebooks) that told me “most of us travel writers do non-travel writing to pay the bills.” While I see that is true, I wonder–in this dying print media world — will I ever make a career out of just travel writing?

Yes. Unequivocally, yes. But in the mean time, if I have the opportunity to do other writing that feels good, enriches others (and pays the bills) I will be perfectly content.

Going out in New York is not for the weak. For those just visiting (or in some cases, those of us over 30), a day of walking the city, dinner, a show and a stroll back to the hotel is enough to wipe ‘em out.

But for the die-hards who need to wind down with other night owls after the partying and before they go home; OR for the locals that work 13 hours a day to pay 4x the rent any other city would realistically charge for a similar apartment; OR the folks that work the off hours schedule to keep their family going down the Shore on weekends, the normal “day-time” activities or stores that are open in the still dark hours of the morning are a true blessing!

CHOW DOWN
Tried to eat light to impress that guy you just met at the Buddha Bar? Or did you dance off all the appetizers and need a refill to keep going? You may have the happy luck to come across a falafel food cart open all night, but save yourself (hopefully) from a future stomach ache and hit up one of these places when the hunger pains hit. These spots are all open 24hrs.

L’Express
Craving seared tuna or roasted rabbit? Have your most exotic food late at night and visit L’Express for fine dining any time of the night.
I249 Park Ave South at 20th
212-254-5858

Sarge’s Deli

This Jewish delicatessen is top notch. Nothing more needs to be said. 548 Third Ave (between 36th and 37th
212-679-0442

Yaffa Café
Up to no good in the East Village and need a quick hideout? This basement is a definite must visit when partying near St. Mark’s. The Middle Eastern food isn’t the best, but it is vegetarian friendly and your fellow dining patrons are anything but boring.
97 St. Marks Pl between First Ave and Ave A
212-674-9302

Han Bat

Craving Korean? Go here for your fix. Food is not bad.
53 W 35th St between Fifth Ave and Sixth Ave
212-629-5588

HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD
Have an urge to lay some tile? Want to finally change the lightbulb that your super keeps saying he will change? Nuthouse Hardware has three hardware filled floors that will keep you browsing into the wee hours–oh wait, it already is the wee hours.
202 E 29th St between Second and Third Aves
212-545-1447

GET PRETTY
Did you chip your pedicure dancing? Lose a hair extension running for that cab? Or are you just really busy and only have free time at 4 am to get that cut and color? Hop the #6 train to 28th Street and visit Hair Party 24 Hours
76 Madison Ave (at 28th St) Midtown East
212-213-0056

PUMP IT UP

We all know that 24 hr fitness is open all hours, but for something different — head to The Rock in Queens (believe me it is worth the trip) and shake up your workout with a rock wall climb (its 30′ tall)!
Mon–Fri open 24hrs; Sat ’til 11pm; Sun ’til 10pm

STEEEEEEEEEEEERIKE!

Want some late night fun that doesn’t require a lot of thinking? Go Bowling! But wait — if you are like many of us, we are tired of having to dress up to go bowling at all of these new chic “alleys” that try to make bowling a high society event. In Queens, Whitestone Lanes is possibly the last remaining REAL bowling alley in the city. Take the No. 7 train to the end of the line, walk through Flushing and end up in 48 lanes of bowling heaven.
Families, League bowlers, couples and the lone wolf with his own engraved ball (you know the type) frequent Whitestone and best of all–no one will look down on you for wearing that old shirt with the teeny-tiny mustard stain.

DRUGS

No — not THOSE drugs. Throughout the city 24hr Duane Reade’s are literally a sight for sore eyes. Visine, Listerine, Cold Meds, gummy bears and pajamas (don’t ask me how I know that) are all readily available. For a list of 24hr locations go here.

FIND OUT YOUR FUTURE PARTNER’S NAME

There is nothing like a psychic reading and although Zena closes at midnight — that may work out perfect if you’re making it an “early” night. A $20 reading gets you 10 minutes to find out whatever you need to know. She is in the Village and accepting of groups–as long as they wait their turn outside.
82 Seventh Ave South at Bleecker St
212-807-0498

Dear Maui,

Let me start by saying how sorry I am. For what you may ask? Well, I forgot how much I love you. I took you for granted while growing up on the West Coast. You were so close in proximity to me. I visited often and while I deeply enjoyed each visit, after moving to the East Coast I quickly threw you aside for new vacation spots such as the Caribbean and the Bahamas. They are similar to you–kind people, warm weather and lots of beach, but one thing they have going for them that you don’t is just a short flight–three to four hours.

How quickly I pushed you aside for convenient air travel.

After arriving in April for a mandatory trip that was related to my husband’s job (and even with the ridiculous layovers that were scheduled [not your fault]), all of my hesitations about the distance and the “comfortably restless” feeling I had for you that left me wanting to explore new places vanished as soon as I stepped into your open air airport and smelled the sweet air as it gently blew against my face. I remembered again how you were my first tropical love; my true tropical love.

This last visit may have been my best (well, tied maybe with the Spring Break trip my friend Jean and I took out there). The weather was perfect (you do have to admit that January/February are a bit iffy these days what with global warming or what not) and since my husband and I had both visited multiple times, we didn’t feel the need to rush and do tourist activities everyday leaving us so much time to just enjoy and unwind. At home (on the East Coast), people marvel at my visits to Hawaii. To them, Hawaii is some far off land, maybe as to how the Caymen Islands may seem to someone in Oregon. A far away, exotic paradise.
In the past I brushed off the “ooohs and ahhhhs” uttered at my Hawaii trips (again, I am sorry–I lost my head) and commented “Yes, it is nice.” Nice? Ugh, I am despicable.

While this apology letter need not go into any detail on the many attributes you offer your visitors–because I see them in my minds eye whenever I want–I want others to not make the same mistake I have made; I don’t want anyone to EVER forget how amazing you are.

So, with that said–I am listing some must-do and sees for anyone visiting.

See you soon,
Diana

ps: the other Hawaiian islands are amazing too. But Maui, you know I love you best.

WHAT ONE MUST DO & MUST SEE IN MAUI

1. Relax. You are here.

2. Lounge. I recommend staying in the Kaanapali area (although Kihei [pronounced 'kee-hay'] is another great area, so don’t count it out especially if you get a deal at the Grand Wailea, the fanciest hotel on the island). In Kaanapali the views of the famous Black Rock are best seen from the Sheraton. It is an older hotel, but kept up nicely and the views, pool area, bars and staff are exceptional. Snorkel right from the beach or do a resort dive and get a taste of the deep. Shopping is also just a short walk away on the beach path at Whalers Village. See # 5 on this list.

view of Black Rock and some of the Sheraton grounds

3. Go to a Luau. Lahaina, the original capital of Hawaii, is a small surf town with all of the tourist shops but with much more charm than most touristy towns. Many of the hotels on Maui offer a Luau but the most famous (and fun) is the Old Lahaina Luau but make reservations ahead of time!
And go early to town to shop around and have a pre-Luau drink at Lahaina Grill

Luau

4. Learn to Surf, or Stand Up Paddle
BECOME a true Hawaiian visitor and do like the locals do- Surf or do my new favorite sport: SUP (Stand Up Paddle).
Lessons are offered all over the island. Check with your hotel for recommendations or for a sure fire GOOD TIME try these guys out. Get on the water.

5. Shop. There is no shortage of retail shops and flea markets all over the island where you can find Hawaiian trinkets and high end stores within steps of each other. Whalers Village is a great combo of t-shirt shops, surf shops and jewelry stores–with the odd shaved ice place thrown in here and there. If the shops aren’t enough of a draw for you, go at least for the Hula Grill where you can dine with your feet in the sand overlooking the blue water and maybe a whale in the Pacific.

6. Take an epic drive. I recently did a post in my series titled See This, Not That where I spoke of a drive around the island (The Road to Kahakuloa) that rivals the famous Road to Hana drive. If this is your first trip to Maui please do both. I cannot choose one for you. Read my post and decide. But I will say, the Road to Hana is more famous. Full of the endless narrow, windy roads that end up at the gravesite of Charles Lindbergh (I know that sounds morbid, but it is an awesome drive.)
Three words: Black. Sand. Beach.
BUT–on the Road to Kahakuloa you see this:

And this:

7. See a Volcano. Drive to the top to watch the sunrise (bring a jacket–the temps may be in the 70′s at sea level but are freezing at the top) and hike around or later, get a tour that takes you to the top and then supplies all you need to mountain bike down. Either way, looking into the crater and knowing that this is an active (although quiet as of late) volcano is awesome. Another great thing— animals considered endangered that are found no where else on the planet are protected here.

the Crater

8. Repeat #1.

Trip Advisor, an essential website for any traveler regardless of your destination, just put out their “Top 25″ list for different regions of the World listing the locations where people say they want to go.

There are some obvious ones like Banff. Banff was voted #1 for Canada and if you haven’t been to Banff stop everything (after you finish reading this post) and book a trip there. Soon. Winter or summer–it doesn’t matter. There were also some interesting choices… Machu Picchu got #3 on the World list below Cape Town and Sydney? Hmmm, yeah… I’m not sure.

Me and Banff

Of course, I have an opinion on all of the rankings, but thats the point — opinon is what generated this survey. Here I choose to focus on the United States top 25 and rate them based on MY opinion.

Trip Advisor’s #1: New York City
Diana’s #1: New York City

NYC over the Hudson

No argument here. I am biased and if you don’t know of my love of this city please refer to my archives or at seenyc.com, the NYC travel site I write for. I love this city. Anything you want to do, want to see, want to eat, want to BE– NYC is the place. THE place.

Trip Advisor #2: Honolulu, Hawaii
Trip Advisor #3: San Francisco
Trip Advisor #4 Las Vegas
Trip Advisor #5 Lahaina, Hawaii (Maui)

Maui

Spoiler alert: Hawaii appears often in this top 25 list, but personally I would have put Lahaina at #2 behind NYC. Honolulu is nice, but the island of Maui offers less tourism and just as much to do.

I’d also put San Fran above Honolulu. What a fab city SF is and if you catch it on a sunny day as I did this past April, you’d be hard pressed finding another city that can beat the vibe SF gives.

Las Vegas. Well, for me, Vegas would be near the end of the list–if it even made the list. I do think everyone needs to see Vegas once, but there are so many cities in this country that deserve a much more serious look than Vegas.

Trip Advisor #6 Kona, HI
Trip Advisor #7 New Orleans
Trip Advisor # 8 San Diego, CA
Trip Advisor #9 Sedona

Wait — stop right there. I am ok with New Orleans being on the list and even in the top 10, and San Diego–I LOVE the La Jolla neighborhood, but for Sedona to rank lower… I’m not sure about that. Maybe its because I recently spent some time in Sedona and perhaps the beauty still has me hypnotized, but this eccentric town with the captivating scenery is easily in my top 5.

Sedona, AZ

Trip Advisor #10 Seattle
Trip Advisor #11 Anchorage, AK
Trip Advisor #12 Chicago
Trip Advisor #13 Boston

Being a Seattle native I can appreciate the beautiful mountains, the surrounding water and abundant supply of fleece jackets, but I still wonder: “Why do people vacation in Seattle?” The weather is TOO unpredictable and the sights to see can be done in a weekend. IF you have a desire to go to the Seattle area, stay for an afternoon and then head to Vancouver, BC. Trust me.

I am ok with the other 3 being in the top 25. Boston though—should be much higher. The history and walkability of the town is addicting.

Trip Advisor #14 Estes Park, CO
Trip Advisor #15 Washington DC
Trip Advisor #16 Poipu, HI (see—I told you Hawaii was on here a lot)
Trip Advisor #17 Orlando, FL

As we get to the bottom half of the list I think the locations are reaching to be part of the top 25 (I am surprised Portland, Or; Santa Cruz, Ca or Boise, Idaho aren’t on the list).

Colorado is great regardless of the city and I think I would have chosen Boulder for the top 25, but Estes Park is only an hour away and with 345+ sunny days a year how can you NOT want to live visit there? Ski, hike, shop, swim. Colorado is like Seattle, but less natural water and MUCH more sun.

Washington DC is great. History is #1 here but if you escape to the Georgetown area you really get a taste of DC–and in a good way.

Lincoln Memorial in DC

Orlando.
Apparently the top 25 for Trip Advisor was voted on by parents. Yes, Orlando is fun and I say that as a non-parent. But it is all Disney and while Disney is fun, Orlando IS Disney and that only goes so far.

Trip Advisor # 18 Big Sur, CA
Trip Advisor #19 Bar Harbor, Maine
Trip Advisor #20 Carmel, CA
Trip Advisor #21 Destin, FL

Two in California and Destin is a great getaway. My brother and sister-in-law in Dallas love the driving distance and white sand beaches–so I can see why Destin made the list. And Maine is neat. Just neat. Bar Harbor has been a top vacation spot since the 19th century.

Trip Advisor #22 Savannah, GA
Trip Advisor #23 Gatlinburg, TN
Trip Advisor #24 Miami Beach, FL
Trip Advisor #25 Myrtle Beach, SC

I was happy to see the South represented in the top 25. Savannah and Gatlinburg are NOT to be missed. Here you can get a taste of the real south. Grits anyone?
Miami Beach and Myrtle Beach are known more for their name than the place/experiences, but nonetheless, they do belong in the top 25. You can’t really go wrong with any city that has “beach” in the name.

Whether you agree or not with my comments, below is my ranking of the top 25 (using only cities on Trip Advisor’s top 25).
Let it be known that there are some major cities missing that would be on my Top 25–some I mentioned above but others are Austin, TX, Missoula, MT, Princeton, NJ and Key West.

Diana’s Top 25
1. New York City
2. Lahaina, HI
3. San Francisco
4. Sedona, AZ
5. New Orleans, LA

6. Boston, MA
7. Chicago, IL
8. San Diego, CA
9. Washington DC
10. Honolulu, HI

11. Savannah, GA
12. Estes Park, CO
13. Poipu, HI
14. Kona, HI
15. Big Sur, CA

16. Anchorage, AK
17. Bar Harbor, Maine
18. Destin, FL
19. Carmel, CA
20. Gatlinburg, TN

21. Miami Beach, FL
22. Myrtle Beach, SC
23. Seattle, WA
24. Orlando, FL
25. Las Vegas, NV

Tell me — what are your top cities in the US? Where am I wrong? Where am I right?