Everyone who travels to Door County, Wisconsin should enjoy the unique experience of a fish boil. This dramatic method of preparation delights visitors. The surprise when they hear the “whumph” of the fireball can be seen in the wide eyes and open mouths of onlookers.

The fish boil tradition began as an inexpensive way to feed large numbers of lumberjacks. A large kettle of salted water is heated over an open fire. Potatoes and onions are added to the pot. After they are cooked, fresh whitefish steaks are added on top of the vegetables. Then, when the pot comes back to a boil, kerosene is thrown on the flames, causing the “boilover” which causes the fish oils on top of the water to roll off the surface, leaving a complete fish and vegetable dinner to serve a crowd.

There are many places to experience a Fish Boil in Door County. Most of them will even take the bones out of the fish for you. Fish Boils usually take place on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check out The White Gull Inn, The Square Rigger Galley,  or The Viking Grill.  Washington Island even holds a special fly-in fish boil where small craft fly in from all over to attend the spectacle. Even if you don’t enjoy fish, you will enjoy the fish boil experience.

http://www.explorewisconsin.com/PelletiersRestaurantFishBoil/fb-boilover.jpg

http://whitegullinn.com/fishboil.html

http://www.thevikinggrill.com/

http://www.squareriggerlodge.com/index.php?type=fishboils

The Santa Catalina Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort in Tucson, Arizona. With 45 holes of championship golf on three courses, 31 lighted tennis courts, five exceptional restaurants, a water park, and the Elements Spa, finding a reason to leave is challenging. However, nearby destinations include the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, Old Tucson Studios, Kartchner Caverns, and the Pima Air & Space Museum. Did I mention the saguaros? Not one, but two Saguaro National Parks showcase the incredible long-armed cactus associated with the Southwest. Go - stay - and enjoy the beauty of the desert.

http://www.hiltonelconquistador.com/

http://www.sabinocanyon.com/

http://www.oldtucson.com/

http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/kartchner.html

http://www.pimaair.org/

I love a good piece of pie. Peach, blueberry, apple, ginger pear… I love them all. Sitting back with a good piece of pie and a cup of coffee is a treat to be savored. A great place to take part in this tasty tradition is at Mission Pie in the Mission District of San Francisco. Staying true to the San Francisco Food culture, the delights found at Mission Pie are all part of a grass roots collaborative effort between local farmers, educational programs, and community. The ingredients grow at the non-profit Pie Ranch, one hour south of San Francisco. The ranch is farmed by urban teenagers inspired to learn about the relationshsip between the land and developing healthy local food systems. They plant wheat for pie crusts, harvest berries, raise chickens for eggs, and raise bees for honey. The ranch inspired the Pie Shop, which opened in January, 2007. Their success was so great that they expanded in the summer of 2008. When you are in San Francisco, Mission Pie is worth the detour for a piece (or two) of pie made from local, fresh ingredients. Mission Pie is located at 2901 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. Go ahead…go eat your pie!

http://missionpie.com/

http://www.pieranch.org/

At FireSky Resort and Spa in Scottsdale they love pets so much that they actually have one on staff. Bosco, a black cocker spaniel, is Director of Pet Services. When I first arrived I noticed a bowl of dog biscuits on the check-in counter. A bowl of water on the floor was tucked into the corner. The staff at this very trendy luxury hotel strives to provide a strong sense of home, from comfortable gathering areas throughout the resort to encouraging guests to bring their pets. Pets are not only welcome, they are celebrated. Bosco attends company meetings and events around the property. Kids love him and grownups usually give him a pat when he walks by. Bosco even has his own brew, called Bowser Beer, a non-alcoholic, no hops, low-calorie beverage made with malt and beef broth. Humans don’t like it much, but dogs love it. Pet owners are expected to be responsible for their pets, and there are one or two places at the resort where pets can not roam. Pets are not allowed to be disruptive to other guests, and all rooms are steam-cleaned after a pet stay. But overall, the pets can feel just as at home as the owners. Those traveling with pets can check in to patio accomodations and be presented with a leash, a doggie bed, and a chew toy. In addition, pet owners can choose a DVD movie to watch with their pet, including Lady and the Tramp, Babe, and Dr. Doolittle. If guests arrive without a pet, the staff at FireSky will make certain they feel included by providing them with a pet goldfish in their room.

http://www.fireskyresort.com/

Wine grapes grow nearly everywhere, but they don’t all produce great wines. At the 4 JG’s Vineyards in Colts Neck, New Jersey (yes, you read it right - New Jersey) they are making wines that are competing successfully against California wines. While their wines consistently won awards in New Jersey Wine competitions, they also won in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the Vino Challenge International Wine Competition, the American Wine Society National Competition, and the Los Angeles County Fair World of Wines Competition. Besides offering wines for sale, the winery also provides seminars and tastings. Offerings include Chamboursin Riserva, Cabernet Franc, Vignole, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Monmouth Blush, Seyval Blanc and Big Brook White. Appointments for tastings can be made by calling 908-930-8066.

http://www.4jgswinery.com/

If you are looking for charm, atmosphere, and outstanding food, head to La Dolce Vita Ristorante in the Heritage Square section of Oxnard, California. Oxnard is located 60 miles north of Los Angeles and provides crashing waves on the beach, plenty of fresh market produce and sunshine. The restaurant offers fantastic Mediterranean fusion cuisine including Grilled Vegetable Ravioli, Seafood Risotto, and Linguine a la Bolognese. Italian Pot Roast and Gorgonzola stuffed pork loin also make an appearance. All if these are partnered with excellent wines. The building is located in Oxnard’s Heritage Square, an area of town committed to preserving the historical and architectural uniqueness of turn-of-the-century Oxnard. The restaurant was originally built in 1901 and still has the original drawstring windows. The main floor serves as a restaurant. Upstairs provides a setting for larger groups with areas for dining, dancing, and a buffet. The lower level cocktail lounge has cozy leather couches surrounding a fireplace near a stage for entertainment and a large TV for sporting events. The outdoor patio provides a great place to enjoy the weather. Saturday night concerts in the Square keep the place hopping. Owner and Executive Chef Michelle Kenney recently released a cookbook called “La Dolce Vita - Recipes for Living the Sweet Life.” She also provides cooking classes. Go and enjoy a depth of flavors and experiences!

http://www.ladolcevitadimare.com/

http://www.oxnardtourism.com/

When I told people I would be visiting Door County, Wisconsin, nearly everyone who had ever been to Door County said that I should go to Wilson’s in Ephraim for ice cream. Wilson’s is an old-fashioned soda fountain shop where they also brew their own ice cream. They have been a landmark in Door County since Oscar and Mattie Wilson opened the shop in 1906. It doesn’t need to be Sunday to go for a Sundae Drive in Door County. You can dine in on a burger or enjoy a cone while sitting on the porch gazing at the water.

http://www.wilsonsicecream.com/main.htm

http://www.doorcounty.com/

San Francisco presents the world with a multitude of activities from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the most popular activities takes no money and very little effort. Watching the sea lions at Pier 39  captivates young and old. The sea lions, or sea-lebrities, have been hanging out at Pier 39 since 1990, shortly after the 1989 earthquake. They sleep on the docks, having taken over the pier from the boatowners. They nudge each other around on the docks and bark at one another, causing gales of laughter from the crowd. It is illegal to feed or taunt the sea lions. However, the seagulls will be happy to disarm you of your popcorn, cotton candy, or ice cream cone. During the winter, the sea lion populaton can increase to 900. During the summer the sea lions migrate to the Channel Islands. While Pier 39 has many shops and attractions, the sea lions are what you will remember.

http://www.pier39.com

http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/

On the south bank of the River Thames, just across from the Houses of Parliament is the London Eye. Hop on for a 30-minute ride and a terrific view of London. Initially built to celebrate the turn of the century, the Eye opened in 2000, and was only expected to remain open for five years. However, it soon became the most popular paid attraction in the United Kingdom with roughly 3.5 million visitors every year. By July of 2002, a decision was made for it to become a permanent attraction. From inside one of the capsules attached to the eye, a visitor can see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and Covent Garden. Capsules can be rented out for small weddings and private or corporate events. When I rode around, there was a bridal shower taking place in a nearby pod. The London Eye has become standard destination on the itinerary of tourists in London. Take a ride!

http://www.londoneye.com/

This is the Salt Water Beach Cafe on the newly renovated boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It used to be a Howard Johnsons. Now it is an interesting landmark placed near The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, The Paramount Theatre, Madame Marie’s, Casino Pier, and The Stone Pony, where legends Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi have appeared. While it is called a Cafe, this interesting landmark serves gourmet fare. My meal included petite heirloom tomato and house-made mozzerella, ancho-chili spice shrimp, NJ picked strawberry salad, beer braised short ribs (to die for) and white chocolate tart. The ribs were so outstanding that every time I have ribs, for the rest of my life, I will think back to that moment when I ate them here. On top of all of that, there is the view of a fine piece of Jersey Shore.

 http://www.saltwaterbeachcafenj.com/

http://www.state.nj.us/travel/