Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Hilton Head, South Carolina



We are currently living on Hilton Head, SC
It's an island just off the mainland South Carolina
It is basically a resort community,
and, at times, feels like 
everyone but us is well into retirement!

We rented a condo here for a month 
to enjoy a little study 'stay-cation' 
by the sea!

Sunrise from our balcony
We are throughly enjoying our 'stay-cation'
The beach here is so long and beautiful and 
the compact sand is perfect for riding a bike!
{which was a first for each of us}



The island itself is way bigger and more 'americanized' than I anticipated...
{for example, not that i'm a fan, but there is a walmart on the island?!)
However, they have done a great job keeping the place looking pretty... 
It's hard to recognize even the most obvious chain restaurants 
and department stores.
Lighthouse, Harbor Town, Hilton Head
Pretty Tree's, Hilton Head
Harbor Town
We have also learned,
not to feed Alligators!
{though, what one would feed an alligator remains a mystery}  


Good thing we read this sign!
As we have already seen our first gator!

Alligator!
Last but not least,
during our first week here
we enjoyed a casual Valentines day dinner 
at a cute little seaside restaurant
{The Salty Dog}
This came highly recommended from our friends 
and did not disappoint!


All for now!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Tour of Missouri


Last week-end was Memorial day

Nathan and I took advantage of the long week-end to explore 
our new state {Missouri}

Friday night
We kicked off the week-end 
with a BBQ in the park with our friends 
{Josh and Lauren}
BBQ, especially outdoor BBQ,  is very popular in Kansas city.
There are coal barbecues throughout a nearby park for public use.

We felt 'oh SO Kansas city...'


Lauren, Nathan, Josh
We're cooking!
Picnic extravaganza!
Josh, Nathan and Angela
Josh and Lauren
Early Saturday 
Nathan and I hit the road
We found the small town of Rocheport, MO and the Katy Trail
This town is a cyclist dream.
The Katy trail is a 'rails to trails' project.
It is an old railroad turned into a beautiful biking trail,
spanning almost across the state of Missouri.


We rented bikes 
and spent the day cycling the trail, enjoying the scenic views of the Missouri river.

  
Yeah Bikes!





Along the trail there are many quant places to stop, including wineries...
Who knew there was wine country in Missouri?!


Les Bourgeois winery
  

After 6 hours of biking we enjoyed a much needed rest and lunch 
at Les Bourgeois winery



The Missouri River   

After a late lunch we headed to Jefferson city.

Jefferson city is a very small capital of Missouri.
We stayed at the Cliff Manor Inn.
Cliff Manor Inn Built in 1866
 Although the city is quiet and small 
it is very pretty and historic.
Sunrise from our room.   
The Capital Building, Jefferson city & Missouri river.
The Capital Building
Jefferson city, like much of the mid-west, has a rich 
rail road history.


  
Lewis and Clark Monument 
The first explores to 'officially' document and explore across America.

Now that's a Door!
After a morning meandering in Jefferson city
we headed onto St.Louis

First stop:
 A St. Louis Cardinals Baseball game!

Take me out to a ball game!
Play ball!

Nathan and Angela in Busch Stadium, St.Louis
View from our hotel.  
Our friends in St.Louis: Devon, Joel, Steve, and Nathan.  
Monday we explored more of St. Louis
and joined our friends at the St. Louis City museum.

The city museum is an unique place, in many ways it is more like a jungle gym!

Hamster wheel... I have a whole new respect for hamsters!
A maze of tunnels, passages, and slides, etc...
Nathan making his way through a tunnel! 
Angela, Nathan, Joel, and Steve at City Museum
Ferris wheel love!
The Gateway arch is an infamous part of the St.Louis skyline.
*arch*
Angela and Nathan at the arch
The Great Mississippi river
After a full day in St.Louis we started the 4 hour {ish} drive back to Kansas city.
On our way we explored more of Missouri's wine country.
There are So many wineries!
We found this beautiful winery on a hill, 
enjoyed some wine tasting, entertainment, and supper.





Cheers to a wonderful tour of Missouri.