Kassie has been a friend of mine since birth. We would regularly see each other in NYC when I visited there for work twice a year, and boy the fun adventures and crazy evenings we shared. But since Covid 2021, we have only seen each other once during a random visit in South Carolina for a short afternoon. We were craving an adventure together.
With us both working multiple jobs, the distance between us, and all the other commitments it was tough to justify vacation time or money spending on us’. We excitedly spoke on the phone about a potential weekend we could both do in August and checked in with our friends in Colorado to see if they’d be available to host. (free place to stay is an excellent start- great union of old friends= icing on the cake)
I never booked my ticket, since I recently lost quite a few hundred $s booking a concert and flights to Orlando, only to find out we had no place to stay. I wasn’t about to lose out again. When Kassie flipped the calendar to August, she called me and said “are you in?” I unfortunately bailed, said I could not. I was overwhelmed and exhausted. Didn’t know if I could handle it physically and emotionally. But when the Kunkle’s got one week away from our planned visit and texted they were excited to see us, I took a deep breath and started looking into airfare.
Maybe a spur of the moment weekend getaway was exactly what was needed.
An ariel view gives such perspective. I always get a window seat for that reason.
The flight in was beautiful. Only took me a couple of hours direct. We detoured the storms.
Kassie and I started off our trip perfectly. We were both on the tarmac waiting for a gate at the same time. Her plane was released first so she found her way to the rental car and by the time I arrived, she had keys in hand and we were ready to go!
With the car in her name, Kassie drove the entire time. I got to oohhh and aahhh out the windows at the landscape. She found it entertaining how I struggled with Google maps and navigating and wondered how I ever got anywhere. But as you know I do and am still alive to talk about it.
Electronics and me are not exactly friends. I know its necessary in life, but I struggle with how you have to zoom in to see things and by the time you do, you lose your sense of surroundings on a map.
The mountains were gorgeous. We had a curvy 3.5 hour drive to Basalt from Denver and wanted to get in as much daylight driving a possible.
It’s hard for me to edit down the driving snap shots.
I took videos with my phone out the window but nothing truly captures the breathtaking views.
The black and white filter really helped to reveal the layers in the rock. The Earth is fascinating.
We decided to stop in Vail at a brewery to pick up some much needed food and a 6 pack to take to Bobby and Lisa’s. It was approaching 8 pm and the sun was headed out while a huge storm was heading in.
I took several photos of the storm clouds over top of us and patrons were turning from their outdoor seats to see what the heck I found so fascinating. After seeing this they all boogied indoors.
Vail Brewery did not disappoint. We arrived just in time for last minute food as the taco truck was closing. Thankfully they were so kind and made our orders before shutting down. The taco truck was a 5 star! Flavors fantastic, pricing totally reasonable! Stop in if you are ever driving through.
I ordered a flight to try a few flavors and Kassie got their non alcoholic blend. All were excellent.
The bar was filled with Ohioans. Imagine that. We are everywhere.
Snapped this selfie as we were leaving. Our first stop. Timing again perfect. Avoided a storm, got fabulous food right as they were closing and recharged for the final 1.5 hours to go.
Outdoor seating was super cute. The storm flew over us and wasn’t as torrential as it looked but I still felt bad because Kassie had to drive the remainder of the way on wet, curvy, mountainous roads in the pitch dark. Not my favorite driving conditions.
We finally made it.
Bobby and Lisa were waiting up for our 11 pm arrival and welcomed us! We drank our Vail 6 pack and talked until 1 in the morning. (that’s 3am EST for Kass and I) Their new home in Basalt is gorgeous and was an absolute comfort to stay in. Kassie and I had our own floor/level with a bed and bath- we felt we were in luxury living the life.
It’s been a hot minute since I have gotten on to blog. After returning from Arizona in March, I babysat an adorable tea cup puppy who wore me out and reminded me what a huge responsibility having a dog is- then straight to babysitting Jack, the brown loveable pitbull in Louisville.
I took on more work at my past company and am now overwhelmed with life decisions, time management and trying to keep sane. April is always a doozey regardless with taxes (which always give me anxiety for no reason), renewing driver’s licenses’, and birthdays (mine, my twins, and George’s!)
I had a couple of weekends scheduled prior to taking on the extra work hours and I was determined to prioritize them. Not use work as an excuse to cancel. Spending time with friends is why we all work so hard. Making memories is a priority as I age in life and sadly watch others fall to illnesses way too young. A gentle reminder of time and the non guarantee of it.
I’ve made two amazing friends in La Grange, Kentucky, a super fun couple, Angela and Dale. George and I put a weekend date on our calendars to host them up in Cincy for an evening out of brewery hopping. After all, Cincinnati is a brewery mecca whereas Louisville is a bourbon haven.
It was a perfect sunny April day so we started out in Norwood at Fretboard.
George and Dale doing their flights.
This was the first stop of many.
This location is a renovated area in Norwood that used to be a famous playing card factory. Its adorably decorated accordingly.
I made the three of them pose by the playing cards. George is a bit dramatic.
A cool shade wearing selfie to remember the moment. Hi Wire was celebrating its one year anniversary so there was a DJ, booths selling crafts and kids amuck.
Cheers to HiWire. I ended up buying a plant that came in a face planter wearing glasses. Just another challenge to keep alive.
We headed over to MadTree next as the sun was setting .
Yep, Angela and I getting goofy. George warned me to slow down a bit. Angela and I bought matching hunter green tees. I was due for a new one. Can’t wait to wear them together and watch the sunset from her patio this summer.
Headed downtown to Rhinegeist Brewery, a Cincinnati must see classic. We lost Dale for a moment who later texted he made his way to the roof.
Honestly these guys are so much fun and easy going. Was so glad they road tripped up.
The one thing about this brewery is they never have food. We bought a pretzel to tie us over.
Last stop was a 10 pm reservation at the underground Ghost Baby. I’ve now been there several times and have never been disappointed. It’s such a cool venue. I chose this time slot as the band was said to be New Orleans style. They were on target! I couldn’t sit still, kept bouncing to their jam in my seat.
Underground cave turned gorgeous night club.
My cocktail literally made my lips numb. Yumm!
You can tell I’m getting sassy with this look!
We Ubered home and sat up for a bit munching on some apps until I literally was like, I have to go to bed. I was exhausted. Am so glad I live close to all these places! Norwood, Oakley, OTR- which all have grown into wonderful destination spots. I remember when Oakley only had an HQ and no other major stores. Now its filled with shopping and great places to visit.
Love sharing my city with friends. Can’t wait to do it again- there is so much more to see.
After running around Scottsdale, I had crossed off all I wanted to see. George then began adding new breweries to our list. He started a google map to record all the breweries the two of us have tried together and I think we are officially up to 69 on our count. (maybe more)
I at this point, was just a tag along for the adventure.
First stop was OHSO brewery. It was in sort of a strip mall location.
We had a lot of tasters and then asked the bartender where she would recommend us to go next.
The outdoor venue to this brewery was packed and everyone was eating. They must have had great food. Personally found their seasonal selection best on the beers.
Next stop was in Phoenix in a warehouse district that didn’t quite feel safe. They were closing by 6 pm which made sense. We only stayed for one flight.
It was like the old breweries when you sat in their warehouses and played games. It was fun to check out. Felt retro. Before breweries became the mega hits with the funding that they now have. This was just a seat in a warehouse next to the tanks.
Nobody was there but us and one other couple who couldn’t get a bean bag on the board (cornhole) to save their lives.
Every brewery we went to, recommended we check out the one named Wren. Which I believe is their state bird. It was in a modified home in another odd location.
This place was pretty busy and had a fun outdoor seating area as well. I grabbed a seat facing out and found it amusing to see Mother Mary in the alcove and the sunrays beaming into the bar.
A great picture of me and how I was feeling at this point. Admired how they wallpapered their walls with their labels.
The next brewery, Roses by the Stairs, took us into a more occupied area. Had this cute mural in the parking lot.
George noticed a food truck outside and grabbed some tacos.
This place was annoyingly filled with dogs. Every table had a pet and all the pets snapped at each other and were not comfortable. As if this was a training ground for anxious pets. I couldn’t wait to get out.
Our flights are so fun. But I was getting a bit tired and just ordered a stout.
Selfie moment. Always have to document we were there 🙂
Our last brewery stop, Four Peaks, was my favorite. Located in a neighborhood, which was different, in a huge historic building. It was packed. We couldn’t eat inside unless we had a reservation, guess it was Saturday night.
Thought this sign in the bathroom was cute.
Their pretzel and dips were to die for.
Driving between the breweries was interesting. Maybe we should have done more research of cool neighborhoods in Phoenix, but it seemed desolate in parts. Like driving down Reading Road in Cincinnati. I wondered if there was an area like our OTR that was filled with more options in one location, but it seems everything was very spaced out with nothing in between.
Enjoyed my evening nonetheless. Just observations of a new city. The Phoenix airport upon arrival was also a mess with a 20 minute wait between trams that took you to the rental car location and another hour wait to get the rental car. I was happy we arrived in the evening, so it didn’t feel like a waste of a day”. Travelling always teaches me patience.
After the hippie tree hike, we decided to take the Kayak, Bike and Brew tour. Seemed like the summer crowds had dissipated and we were able to book the tour that afternoon. I’d never taken one of these before but was looking forward to the challenge.
You got a free bright green back pack which was the tour guide’s way of keeping track of us all. When we arrived we went to the garage and picked out a beach comber bike. I made sure mine had a bell. I seriously haven’t ridden a bike in years! Had to warn the pedestrians.
Was so fun being on a bike again. We all parked outside the first brewery.
Right Brain Brewery.
The bar was filled with pinball machines.
Plenty of micro brews to choose from.
Trisha looked like a little kid in front of me. I was picturing a banana seat and some streamers coming off her handlebars.
I had to snap quit a few of these to capture us. Was challenging one handed after a drink. My smile looks like I’m a first grader 🙂
Second brewery was across the tracks. The tour seemed to have made arrangements with all the breweries so they had space for our group and we were serviced quickly.
I snapped this so I could remember where we had been.
Across the street was this garden complete with mailboxes. I found it interesting especially after my second beer.
Next we had to grab our kayaks and paddle for what seemed eternity to get to the third place. After one more beer I could see this will be a challenging trip back.
Rare Bird was our last stop which honestly was pretty smart. I can’t imagine if there were more alcohol stops along the tour. Three was perfect.
Getting the kayaks to paddle back. Was honestly cool being able to leave the kayaks and bikes without fear of theft.
I think Trisha and I were one of the last to make it back but darn we had fun!
The final leg of our bicycle tour was nothing but pure joy. The freedom you feel when riding a bike, perfect weather, awesome views, family and beer. What a great way to end our visit here.
Watching the sunset at the tail end of our tour, priceless.
The playing card factory located in Norwood, directly across from my daughters’ home softball field from back in their elementary days, is a fabulously renovated area now including breweries, shops, sports, and apartment complexes.
The kids had been there previously and suggested I check it out so we all headed out for happy hour on Friday.
First stop was Fretboard Brewery. I immediately wanted to purchase a tee shirt but they were out of my size. Darn being XL. We arrived right after 5 so the crowds had not started filtering in yet.
Sedona screamed out loud when she got into the car with Zoe and I as she noticed she was wearing the exact same top as her sister. What are the chances? Great minds unite. I love that they didn’t change and wore their twin pride with smiles. I am so fortunate to have raised twin girls.
Love the old Norwood signage.
Inside was big and beautiful. I definitely want to go back when I have more time to hang out.
There’s a huge outdoor park. I made my girls and Ki go pose by the playing cards sculpture. Nice tribute to the past manufacturing here.
Can’t believe the amount of work that went into this place. Go Norwood!
I hope this area does well and stays for awhile.
I wanted to climb this old tower in front of Hi- Wire Brewery. So glad they didn’t knock it down. Appreciate how architects are keeping the history.
Inside Hi- Wire. This was the first brewery George and I went into when we were in Asheville. That’s where this brand originated. Amazing watching breweries expand from their local roots.
We climbed up to the second floor but sat inside to avoid the humidity. They have an amazing lemonade sour beer that’s my favorite.
The week before the wedding, Zoe and I drove along the Ohio River to check out this brewery on the west side. Neither of us had been to it before. Cincinnati is filled with new breweries, I am honestly not sure I will ever get them all crossed of my list, but I am trying.
It was a Wednesday evening.
They had beer mixed with juices which was a very interesting combination. We tried them all.
We sat outdoors and my view was looking out toward the marina. I thought to myself what a waste it was to have a boat that was barely utilized. Definitely a luxury item.
My partner in crime.
It was fun. Just to get out to someplace new.
Inside would be a fun trivia venue. I am not sure if this gets crowded on the weekends but I read it has been open since 2017.
Outside was this food truck which was great! Unexpectedly good quality.
The name ’13 Below’ came from the location being 13 miles down the Ohio River from Cincinnati.
The sun was starting to set so we headed to Sayler’s Park next door to watch it leave us.
Selfie moment. Miss this girl!
Sunset photo was captured by taking it through the lenses of my new cheap sunglasses. Sometimes things do look better with rose colored glasses.
As I started driving back home, I realized I was going through Columbus so I texted Todd to see if he would want to join me for lunch. Thought a pit stop to stretch my legs would not be a bad idea. He suggested we meet at the East Market.
Todd told me this part of the city has been ‘up and coming’ for about 20 years now. Reminds me of where I live. I just keep waiting for the growth and development to finally reach us.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I pulled up.
It’s an old trolly barn that they renovated and now house a variety of eateries.
It was tough making a food choice. I opted for Greek and I think Todd ended up with some New Orleans style sammie.
Nice how these places are popping up and offering a venue to meet up, family friendly with plenty of seating options. Sabrina and I met up at one called The Eatery in Madisonville recently for lunch. Large picnic tables, free wifi, great meeting place for work or pleasure.
Nothing like a real pig head to spoil your appetite.
We sat outside on the deck, soaking in our fair share of sunshine, looking out at this brewery.
The brick structure was so cool. I talked Todd into going in for just one beer.
Taps.
Todd, always a pleasure to visit. Been friends since 16. Will be friends for life.
Live plants really help set the mood and are so on-trend these days, plus excellent help to air quality.
Glass garage doors are a must for summertime.
Wasn’t really understanding the mural with mystical creatures and hops.
Amazing how breweries have taken off and are family friendly.
As I drove away I noticed this painted and perfectly framed black power fist on the fence.
This captured the vibe of the neighborhood.
It says ” There is something about setting eyes on the people who hold you up instead of simply imagining them”
It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged. I’ve been in a strange place physically which is then frustrating me mentally. I keep using my California illness as the culprit that I’m still recovering from.
My thoughts are unclear and jumpy. I feel accomplished if I get one small thing completed like getting my car renewal stickers, buying a birthday card or mailing my taxes. God forbid I try to do more than one extra thing a day it will overwhelm me.
I feel slow at multi tasking and tired to no end. Can sleep 12 hours easily. I keep wondering if it’s hormones- age-or covid leftover brain. Regardless, it sucks. I’m uninspired. Uninspiring, sober and personally useless. Although I am managing to still work my full time remote job, when I am awake.
Tried journaling, only to get worn out by my own demons. Trying to stay off social media because it somehow makes me feel less meaningful. I used to get hope and momentum from watching nature and comedic videos. Now somehow it makes me feel inadequate watching others with energy and cleverness.
I’ve tried walking in the mornings with my friend Kathy. I tried walking on the weekends with Linda and Beth.
Just can’t get my mojo back. Yet.
My coworker Don helped me find a balance board similar to my childhood days. I get on it every day and it’s helping me to concentrate and get my brain and muscles working together again. I’m hoping over time this will also help me to stay agile.
I feel like my diagnosis of covid in February aged me 5 years in just one month. I used to feel so alive and ageless and now I feel stagnant and heavy. Depressing right? Personally everything is going great, so the mood defies logic. My kids are launching, growing and becoming the fantastic adult humans I knew they could be. My boyfriend remains completely kind, loving and supportive. (and sexy😉).
Just wanted to vent. I try not to. Wanted to explain because I myself am confused. But also wanted to finish and attempt to blog again- to bring my light back. So I’ll try to complete my road trip back from Cali with George, for memory’s sake.
——-After a late arrival in Albuquerque, we wanted to try to reach our next destination with daylight hours left to actually enjoy the city, whichever place that may end up being. We set our destination to Oklahoma City but later extended it to Tulsa.
I set our Google maps to a brewery named Nothing’s Left. Clever name. It seemed to be located beside some other breweries which could be a fun break from the road. But we still needed a place to sleep. This is always my concern when travelling with George. He likes hotels. I don’t. But can’t argue that my choices in Airbnb places at times can also be questioned.
We were happy to have this brewery as our first pit stop. Had a great vibe to it.
My flight. I loved the tags as a way to show what you had and doubling as a take home reminder.
George soon joined me- always a bit chattier than me with the bartender. My photo of both of our flights- so different as are we. We always try each others and I am always pleasantly surprised at some of the darker brews.
George made sure to add his sticker to the fridge.
The bartender is a gal who moved to Tulsa recently. She explained that she and her partner took advantage of a city incentive to get remote workers to move there. If you qualify, they pay you $10,000 over the course of a year as appreciation. I took it as an attempt to reverse some of the sterotypes or mindset of the locals and get some fresh perspectives in the city.
She told us about a Sheraton Hotel in the Arts District so we called to reserve the last remaining room. (again…) Before heading that way we went just up the street to find a Cidery and another two breweries which were equally cool.
Love their van decor and coloration. Now there’s a new flag with all the colors.
The view as we walked into the Solero Brewery. So beauifully pastel.
Inside was packed. Seemed like we arrived in time for happy hours with groups of coworkers and friends.
Quite a selection.
Loved the way their fridge is set into the walll and the fun neon sign setting the mood. I bought a 6 pack just because”. Always wanting to support a local business.
Beautiful merch display. I was feeling tipsy by this time and was tempted to also buy a tee just for fun, but purchased a glass instead. I love the coloration and how easy it was to find your size- kudos to this breweries merchandising.
Us. Perfect capture. Definitely feeling the buzz and happy to be out of the car for a bit.
When we walked out we caught a glimpse of the city in the distance and headed that way.
The hotel was difficult to enter. It was on the second floor but you needed a code or key to unlock. The phones to call up weren’t working. Luckily someone was leaving and we grabbed the door to get in. The one room down the hall smelled like smoke. I was not going to be able to sleep there. We told the front desk who claimed it did not smell like smoke (okay…..?) and then plugged in some chemical odor cleaner which then replaced the smoke with a chemical aroma.
The next morning George was kind enough to leave me be for an hour so I could jump into work to get started prior to the bumby ride home. I find it really hard working in the car. Plus I still wasn’t feeling the best so my tempermant was off.
As George took in the cloudy am, he found a Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie museum. I wondered why it was in Tulas so I google it.
“Tulsa worked because Dylan liked the idea of the museum being in the heartland, as he told friend and historian Douglas Brinkley. He also responded to the Native American presence in the region. May 11, 2022″
After Memphis, Zoe and I planned to hit the road and spend the day in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Never been to this state before and the TikToks said it was a great place to visit. I wanted to get in some hiking, it talked about a brewery in town- and that was enough for me to make a stop.
A lot of photos taken out of our car windshield attempting to capture the memories. We named our car Crystal.
Our first stop was the Garvan Woodland Gardens. There was a church I saw on Instagram once and wanted to check it out. It was located here.
This massive sculpture was in front. Reminded me a bit of my trip to Columbus, Indiana where they had interesting metal sculptures that you could walk through.
Remembering that looking up always offers the best views and new perspectives. I love how natural and open this felt.
My heart was in love with the manmade work with nature. Whoever designed this was showing how in synch we can be.
Zoe, checking it out from the other side. She seems naturally part of it as well.
Our timing getting to the church was perfect. They were about to close it off to visitors as a wedding was starting soon. Zoe and I were able to peak inside before the ceremony started.
Honestly. Breathtaking. A work of art.
I told George before I left that I was hoping to have God open my eyes again to the beauty around me on this trip. I’ve felt distanced. This was definitely taking me back to my roots and faith.
Architecture always amazes me. The thought put into each part for a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing building or sculpture. Genius.
We walked along the path which took us to a cute little gazebo.
Then to this incredible outdoor amphitheater.
Can you find Zoe sitting out there. That should give you an idea of how grand this was.
I asked her to take the stage while I sat in the grassy seats.
The next day was our long day driving through Texas. I did a quick glance to see how far from the border we were.
Mural as we drove through the town trying to find our trailhead.
We climbed up to the top of this trail. Man I am out of shape!
Then we veered off to see the Goat Rock Viewpoint.
The trailhead from the campgrounds started with us crossing this beautiful clear stream. I swear the weather was perfect. So nice to get out of the cold for a bit.
Very few people on the trails. Was a quiet hike.
This trail immediately started with steps and a steep incline. I saw a young couple with the mom papoosing the baby and I thought, there is no way I could carry an extra 20 lbs with me. Then I realized I probably gained that much in the last year, so I already was 🙂
This was the peak of the Gulpha Gorge trail where they showed historically how long it’d been there. This town has a lot of history to it because of the natural springs.
Hiking through the woods, showing my daughter the free beauty in life.
We made it to the top and enjoyed the view.
Hot Springs National Park was one of the first established.
Loving the colors of the natural stones.
Tree chair perfect to rest. I think this hike was preparing me for all the steps and lifting I did later when I moved Zoe into her apartment. Does make me thankful that I am still capable.
We decided to check out the downtown and grab a beer.
This was an old bath house and is now the only brewery using hot spring natural water in their beer. It was so good!
We sat outside and it was hilarious. All the songs playing I loved. Zoe questioned if they stole my play list. Made me feel better than there are others that enjoy my musical taste.
We found out that many places are haunted. Unlike some locations that make this a “feature” here in Hot Springs they do not talk about it. They never admit to any of it and have even closed off entire floors to avoid the spirits.
The haunting started as early as the early 1900s because this city started “selling” the holistic healing of the hot springs and people with all sorts of uncurable illness came here to be cured. Well, they weren’t. My understanding is the bodies stacked up in the still -standing Veteran’s Hospital.
The main street is adorably preserved.
There are several still functioning bath houses.
This town’s bath houses were built around gambling which was huge here.
Still standing and above the springs.
We didn’t have time to peak our heads into any of them. It was getting late, we had done a lot already and needed to settle in and find a place to watch the Super Bowl.
Anyone that is a history buff would enjoy this city. There was plenty of tales to be told here.
Zoe and I filled up our water bottles at the station. I drank mine warm hoping it would cure my cough. I woke up thinking a miracle had happened, but it didn’t.
A little history on the streets. We saw a lot of people dressed in Kansas City jerseys and Zoe and I teasingly taunted them and said “Go Eagles”.
Cherry blossoms in February? Wow what a blue sky day will do for my soul.
Heritage also honored.
Zoe was telling me that there is a 513″ bar in Los Angeles that she can go and watch the Bengals game at. Then we stumbled across the Ohio Club. Guess we Ohioans are everywhere!
When did city murals take off? I know in Cincinnati it was not that long ago- maybe the past 10 years?
We walked back to the car and spotted a park where you could touch the hot springs.
It was hot. I really don’t know how people endure it.
George and I decided to hit a brewery and then ended up at three. How does that happen? So fun. We both very much needed an easy day with each other’s company and it was great checking out some new locations. The way things are growing in both our cities, I don’t believe there will ever be a lull in trying out new places.
I love when their beer menu is hand written with personality! And the names were so fun. My favorite was Mr. American.
Very impressive with all the windows, which in the summertime will open up. This was an old Kroger that they renovated. You would never know.
The outside had turf and a great neighborhood feel to it.
Inside brought the outside feel in. I loved being surrounded by all the greenery. Just wish it was real instead of plastic.
I immediately feel in love with the bunnies!
All lined up waiting for some kids to pull them over to their tables.
Of course I pulled one over to sit with me! I miss my pets.
We decided to try every beer. The biggest flight we’d ever had. It was fun. They also had an amazing whipped feta and hummus which helped fill our bellies. But it looked like they were known for their pizzas based on what the crowd was eating.
Right outside the restrooms were their tanks on full view.
Tonya Takes Thailand 