[sightseeing] + [fun] Gentry Wild Wilderness Safari

This weekend marked our second visit to Gentry's Wild Wilderness Safari. Started as a small dairy farm in the 1950s, growing to house exotic cattle breeds in the 1960s and housing injured animals in the 1970s - the acquisition of exotic species started the Safari park we see today. The 180 acres are really beautiful with large ponds and rolling pastures. And yep, you can drive your car right through!

We were pleasantly surprised by the dedication of the staff, the variety of animals, size of the enclosures and the general upkeep of the property. Nothing more depressing than visiting a zoo where the big cats are pacing in too-small pens without the freedom to move.

As much fun as the drive-through portion was (we loved love loved seeing the little antelope calves jumping and running around), the highlight was being up cclose and personal with the kangaroos and giraffe siblings. Many of the kangaroos had joeys that would climb in and out of the mama's pouches. Such a cool thing to see! We were able to pet, feed and watch them up close in their enclosures. The pair of giraffes, Sophia (the drooler) and Rosie were so much fun to feed and watch interact with their handler.

Another super unique sight was the lion cub and the Australian shepherd puppy. They were born at the same time and grew up together. What could be cuter than a lion cub playing with a puppy??
// notice the pup "hugging" the lion //

[outdoors] + [sightseeing] Mt. Nebo and Arkansas Wine Trail

Another mid-week roadtrip on the books for D and I thanks to his non-traditional works schedule. We decided to pick up and head to the great outdoors for a camping adventure at Mt. Nebo. The indian summer temps gave us the makings for an ideal night under the stars (well, technichally under a tent).

// photo credit: daniel ray photography (these are the pics that made us wanna go visit) //

The route down to Nebo brought us on a spur-of-the-moment detour to Arkansas Wine Country. Who knew such a thing even existed? Skeptical? Yes. But little did we know that Arkansas is the oldest and largest grape and wine producing state in the south - settled by German/Swiss immigrants in the 1870s. Turns out that there are five vineyards growing grapes and producing wine in the Altus/Paris area of the state - conveniently en route to Mt. Nebo State Park! We visited Chateau Aux Arc, Wiederkehr Cellars and Post Familie Village. We had out first taste of wine made with the Cynthiana grape at Chateau aux Arc - a dry, jammy red - reminded me of a drier Pinot Noir. Arkansas wine...winning! That is until we tried every other white wine at the other wineries. Simply not our cup of tea: VERY sweet, VERY VERY sugary. But that's part of the fun! We even got to sample some Muscadine wines at Post Familie Village. Great side trip!

// arkansas wine country //

Mt. Nebo State Park sit atop a 1,350-foot summit with awesome views of the Arkansas River Valley. The park is dotted with cabins and other structures built from Arkansas stone by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. We lucked out with a campsite (#17, but #16 is ideal, followed by #14) on the edge of the mountain - views for days! The friendliest rangers at the visitor center made some recommendations for our 24-hour stay. Take a sunset walk to Sunset Point - about a 25 minute walk from the campground - and keep an eye out for deer! We saw LOTS and they are not scared of people. The one logistical mistake we made was our route to and from Sunset Point. Take the Rim Trail FROM the campground TO Sunset Point, and RETURN on the main road back to the campgroun...WITH headlamps or flashlights. We wound up on the Rim Trail after dark, and parts are a bit precarious. Especially with a little beagle in tow that's on the hunt for all sorts of critters.  But the sunset view could not be beat, it was the highlight of the trip.

// campsite no. 17 // sunset point //

Back at camp, D proved his manliness and Eagle 'scoutiness' by building us a proper fire and revving up his backpacking stove. Gourmet meal of mac and cheese and some foil packets, topped off with s'mores of course!

// quiet night by the campfire //

Sunrise came early and we were able to peek out of the tent to see it. Thanks to the rangers at the visitor center, we were given the perfect site to catch the sunrise form the comfort of our sleeping bags. And thanks to the camp stove, we were spoiled with french pressed coffee to boot!

// sunrise from our campsite //

Our morning hike circled the Rim Trail going the opposite direction around the mountain, taking us to Sunrise Point and past the private cabins. If tent camping is not your thing, or you can't secure one of the primo sites, opt for a log cabin. The views are amazing and they've been renovated within the past couple years: modern kitchens and jacuzzi tubs. Perfect option that we will head back to make use of!

// hiking the rim trail //

All in all, Nebo was a great two-day trip. The hiking trails are a perfect length for us amateur hikers, but offer a great combination of interesting views and some elevation changes and rocky passes. Can't wait to go back to this area...Mt. Magazine is next!

// Side note: If Indian food is your cup of tea (it's ours to be sure), don't miss the Kountry Xpress in Mulberry, off the Dyer exit on I-40 //

[travel] + [friends] + [sightseeing] Summer Travel ... Seattle + Vancouver

Hot off the heels of our midwest tour it was time to pack the bags again and head west! Long-time high school pals Rose (+ Trav + Adrienne + Wally + Raya) and Broke (Ernst + Elsa + Soph) settled in on the Pacific Coast - so what a great place to go visit. We picked Seattle - to spend time with Rose's little fam - with a ladies night up to Vancouver thrown in for good measure.

Rose and Travis are living the beach life on Alki Beach in West Seattle. Their cottage couldn't be cozier and more perfect for their family. Situated directly across from the beach, they've got access to the water, bike/walking trail and a two-thumbs-up view of sunsets over the sound.

Got a glimpse of what life is like with two working parents, two kiddos under the age of four and Raya the pup. Learned a couple things: avoid white clothing, patience goes a long way, us kid-less folks don't appreciate our sleep nearly enough and despite their mood-swings and messiness - kids are pretty awesome. // Oh and it's ok to let your kids eat a dozen donuts on the beach //

The city of Seattle sits on an isthmus (just like Madison!) between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. It's a bigtime Pacific port - evidence of container shipping lines the sound. The Port of Seattle Seaport sits near Starbucks HQ, the Seahawks and the Mariners stadiums.  Now that my professional life focuses on industrial real estate, supply chain / logistics, it boggles my mind how goods get to consumers. It's a complex system to be sure.

A certain Starbuck's partner took me to see the new Starbuck's Roastery. The intention of the Roastery is to really experience coffee. We had the pleasure of doing a side-by-side tasting of the same coffee using three brewing methods: siphon, Chemex and pour-over. Gotta say that the Chemx brewed the brightest, cleanest cup. Loved every bit of this place. Can you believe the details? I'll let the pics speak for themselves. More here.

"We have designed a space that will heighten all the senses. This is a real-life Willy Wonka experience with coffee as the heart and soul, where customers will see coffee being moved through the roasting process right before their eyes."

- Liz Muller, VP of Concept Deisgn for Starbucks

Also got to meet some of Travis and Rose's social circle. They all met through PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support). This support system places new parents with others similar to themselves. For transplants to Seattle this is more than just about the kiddos, it's a social outlet and wellness group for the parents. Someone needs to bring this idea to Northwest Arkansas! Here's a little more about PEPS - http://www.peps.org/about.

After our quality time in Seattle we scooted north for a kid-free ladies night in Vancouver. A quick three hours later and we were in Canada, border crossing and all! Driving through the Pacific Northwest you really appreciate how beautiful that part of the world really is. The Douglas fir forests, the temperate weather and the soft breeze off the water made me feel a world away from Arkansas (I was!). Our hotel was situated smack dab in the middle of West Town - walking distance to Stanley Park, Gastown and Yaletown neighborhoods. The weather gods were good and gave us a perfectly sunny 75-degree day. We enjoyed the most delicious, inventive sandwiches at Meat & Bread al fresco in a public plaza before our afternoon adventuring. Fave was the corned beef with sambal gherkin mayo - I now follow them on Insta so I can remember the yumminess.

// found this cheeky little neighborhood map at www.mapurbane.com //

We explored the oceanfront and Stanley Park by bike - glad for the electric assist - who wants to break a sweat on vacation?! The park is 1,000 acres and is entirely open to the public. This is not a manicured, urban park dreamed up by a landscape architect, with the majority remaining densely forested. The bike path skirted us around the park's perimeter taking us precariously close to the water along the seawall, giving us views of the bay and rock face as we hugged the path. Our post-pike journey put us in search of a cold beverage. We popped into the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in hope of stealing our way up to the rooftop lounge - but our plans were foiled. The kind concierge recommended pressing on toward Gastown - a perfectly chill, urban neighborbood for our purposes. But first, let me rave about the Fairmont. If I have the fortune of returning to Vancouver, this is where I'm staying, period. Modern, luxurious and comfortable - I'm sold! Check out some more pics HERE.

"Lying on top of a building the clouds looked no nearer than when I was lying on the street."

Gastown is a step back in time when compared to the glassy, steely high-rises directly next-door. The cobblestone streets are lined with "hip" boutiques, touristy shops, bars and restaurants. After a failed attempt to get seated at a "too-cool" establishment, we wound up at Lamplighter tasting some local brews and muching on pretzels and mustard. Guess that's just the "Wisconsin" in us.

Dinner at Kingyo Izakaya was a major highlight of the night in Vancouver. This is a spot that's not to be missed. Casual and affordable, yet creative and top-notch, Kingyo was amazing. It's in a smallish storefront on Denman, away from the fanciness you get a few blocks to the west. We enjoyed every single thing we ordered: deep-fried corn with soy butter, yellowtail carpaccio, black cod, kobe beef shabu shabu and my favorite, the Tantan noodles. We topped off the night exploring an Asian grocery up the block and took home some hard-to-find treats: Koala Yummies, Pocky sticks and bonito flakes.

We wrapped up our time in Vancouver with a morning stroll through Yaletown - a gentrified neighborhood with upscale condos, Yorkies and trendy eateries. We popped into a converted warehouse district and found a brunch spot, Flying Pig, with all the necessaries: champagne cocktails, caesars (that's evidently what Canadians call a bloody mary) and nouveau Canadian food menu.

The take away? It's an amazing thing to have such long-time girlfriends. 

These are the people that really know you. And it's a real blessing to get a chance to visit with each other despite living in three different states across the country!

[sightseeing] + [history] + [fun] Exploring Branson

Used our NWA location as a springboard for a couple more roadtrips - this time to Branson (yes, we went to Branson) and Little Rock.

Let's start with Branson, Little Rock is next.

There are lots of preconceived ideas about Branson, most negative. Is it a tourist town? Oh yeah. Are there tacky shows and country-themed tourist traps at every turn? Oh yeah. But what I didn't realize is that it's nestled into a really beautiful pocket of the Ozarks. Quick changes in elevation and windy roads give way to views of Table Rock Lake and rocky outcroppings. Natural beauty in Branson; who knew?

// enyndlessphotography.com //

Branson is absolutely a family vacation destination. For you Wisconsinites, think Wisconsin Dells on steroids. Oh and add in a big 1800s-themed amusement park. Silver Dollar City! This is where D and I, and D's parents spent a sunny May day, and had a great time. The two-part secret to our fun-filled day was the fact that it was beautiful weather in the low 80s and that it was a weekday while kids were still in school. Pretty sure the outcome would have been markedly different if we were swarmed by thousands of kids on an August scorcher.

Silver Dollar City grew around the popularity of Marvel Cave (which was closed due to flooding while we were there) and was run by Chicagoans Hugo and Mary Herschend. The family came up with the idea of recreating a 1880s Ozark town around the cave to increase tourism. Mary didn't want cheap storefronts, she commited herself to authenticity and preservation during the development of what is now Silver Dollar City (named for the idea of giving silver dollars as change).

// marvel cave then and now // photo credit: silverdollarcity.com //

I'm admitedly not much of a thrill-seeker when it comes to roller coasters but D managed to get me on a few! Upside-down is my roller coaster M.O. - WildFire. Big drops and jerky turns are very much NOT - Outlaw Run. Bonus of riding the roller coasters are the views - gorgeous! With feet planted firmly on the ground we had fun exploring the craftsmen's shops: glassblowing, candy making, pottery, leather, blacksmiths, creamery, furniture making and carpentry. And there is some serious skill and artistry - these are not just trinkets with a Silver Dollar City logo slapped on.

// roller coaster with a view // fire in the hole! // not-so-lazy river //

After a full day roaming the park and riding the rides we headed back to our hotel at Branson Landing for a quick refresh and then dinner. The Landing was built in 2006 along Lake Taneycomo. It offers some shopping, restaurants and entertainment geared towards the familys and tourists pouring into the area. We found a pretty outdoor dining area at Cantina Laredo to enjoy the riverwalk water and light show. Bottomless chips and salsa with margaritas on a 70-dgree night is the perfect end to any day in my book.

// the fam at branson landing // photo credit: bransonlanding.com and cantinalaredo.com //

We topped off our Branson excursion the next day with a requisite stop at a Northern favorite: Culver's Frozen Custard. Got my standard order - butter burger with cheese, fried onions and ketchup with a side of fries...and that scoop of Snickers custard (how could I say no). Didn't get the chocolate malt this time // regrets //

// culver's // a wisco fave //

[sightseeing] + [outdoors] + [history] NWA Exploring

Still so much to see in our new home state! Got the chance to take in more of NWA and explored a bit around Beaver Lake - a man-made lake formed by damming the White River in the 1960s. The lake itself is big - almost 500 miles of shoreline - and has beautiful limestone bluffs, lots of fishing (not so much my bag) and recreational boating (can you say pontoon?!). Can't wait to spend more time here as the weather warms up.

capturearkansas.com //eric studer

We stopped by the dam that forms the river - Beaver Dam - built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Learned a bit about the dam's construction, made a few "dam" jokes and took in the view.

Because the White River was dammed to form Beaver Lake, there were areas of land that are now submerged. One of those is an early 1900's health resort called Monte Ne. The amphitheater and several buildings are now under water and the remaining others are on the National Historic Register. But thanks to growling stomachs and a poorly (or perfectly!) timed thunderstorm we opted to get some of the Monte Ne Inn's well-known broasted chicken. //great decision

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention my first experience eating crawfish! We popped into Ozark Brew Company to fill a growler and it just so happened they were setting up a crawfish boil. All in all, it's a lot of work and a lot of mess for a little nibble of tail meat. But hey, it's part of the fun! And as an added bonus, I got to try the local collab brew between Ozark and Onyx Coffee Labs - cream stout infused with Guatemalen french roast. //now that's a go together

We also squeezed in some military history at Pea Ridge National Military Park. Lucked out with a visit during National Park Week - all parks granting complimentary admission. The park itself sits on the site of a Civil War battle that took place in 1862, significant because it saved Missouri for the Union. The national park building shows a 20 minute film setting the stage for the battle before you take off on a seven-mile loop with points of interest around the battlefield. Absolutely worth the stop to take in this place and learn a little more about our country's history.

[culture] + [sightseeing] Exploring Northwest Arkansas: Bentonville

It's been just shy of three months since the we ditched the big city for our new home in Northwest Arkansas - more familiarly known as NWA.  Fayetteville's funky little college town vibe blends with global headquarters of the world's largest company (yep, Walmart); who's presence here brings us world-class art, architecture and entertainment.

For Arkansas newbies (my parents!), D and I showed off NWA's cultural pride and joy, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This museum turned Bentonville into more than just the home of Walmart, but into a bit of an American art destination. The youngest heir to the Walmart empire, Alice Walton, used a large portion of her wealth (Forbes estimates she's worth $37 billion) to build a museum to showcase her extensive collection - with free general admission (score!). That means everyone has the opportunity to see works by Georgia O'Keefe, Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol - pretty amazing considering we're not in a major metropolitan city like NYC or Chicago.

Designed by Moshe Safdie, the museum is a series of galleries and pavilions/bridges set into 120 wooded acres over several creek-fed ponds. The interior galleries are beautifully done - using natural light and reflections from the water to draw you through the spaces. Enough about the commentary - the pictures speak for themselves! (Only complaint is that the water isn't so "crystal" - maybe it was the recent rain, but the ponds could stand to gain a little clarity.) 

Photo credit upper left: Huffington Post

Art and architecture aside, the grounds warrant their own visit with over 3.5 miles of manicured trails sprinkled with sculpture and pavilions. The latest addition is the Bachman Wilson residence, a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonion home; relocated from New Jersey thanks to the threat of flooding. The rebuild is underway and should be done in August - can't wait to check it out.

We hooked up with the Art Trail to the Museum on the edge of Historic Downtown Bentonville, where we had brunch at Tusk and Trotter (I'd been wanting to try this place since we moved!). Sadly we weren't wowed - we agreed that our casual outdoor dining the morning before at Arsaga's was far superior to the James Beard chef's food, what a disappointment. But that's part of the fun of trying new places and learning what makes the "favorites" list! Next Bentonville brunch will be Crepes Paulette food truck - the line was at least 20-deep and we couldn't help but notice the banana Nutella crepe on the menu - yes, we will be back.

En route from brunch to the trailhead we ran across the original Walton's 5 & 10 (now the Walmart museum) and 21c Museum Hotel - a combo contemporary art museum, hotel and hip restaurant. I love them for their hard-to-miss, neon green penguins that roam the property - oh and for their restaurant's pimiento cheese spread (The Hive). And last stop was to pick up some teas and spices at the aptly named Tea & Spice Exchange. Needed to mix up the flavors in our kitchen so we added some togarashi, tandoori spice blend, jasmine tea and chai tea.

There's still more to explore in Bentonville - restaurants, community activities, bike paths and walking trails, and of course the Bark Park for Bayla once this outbreak of the doggie flu dies down.

And I failed to mention that NW Arkansas got it's FIRST Eater.com article...ever "How Walmart's Hometown is Fast-Becoming a Restaurant Hotspot". Bentonville has arrived! *update: a New York Times article on the Film Festival and other Bentonville growth

Belfry, northwesterner.com / Tea & Spice Exchange, my own pic / Blu Fresh Fish Marketplace Facebook page

Quick list of future To-Do's:
Compton Gardens | privately-owned gardens and paths
Table Mesa | creative latin dining
Bike Rack Brewing | we've picked up a growler, but need to do some tasting
Ramo D'Olivo | wine, olive oil and balsamic flights
Blu Fresh Fish Market | retail and cafe for...you guessed it...fresh fish *update: they are now OPEN!
Belfry and Old 71 Club | church conversion to contemporary restaurant+cocktail lounge *coming soon

[staycation] + [sightseeing] Fayetteville Spring Break '15

We spent Arkansas' spring break hangin' at home in Fayetteville, playing host + hostess to D's pal, and exploring the University of Arkansas campus.

Sunshine and warm temps lured us outside for a stroll down the Frisco Trail - part of the Fayetteville trail system that connects our place in South Fayetteville with Dickson Street...and beyond. Bayla and I have become regulars on this part of the Frisco and at our favorite pitstop, Arsaga's Coffee Roasters. They're a family-run business and are doing it all right. Small batch roasting, great atmosphere (old train depot), tasty/quality/inventive/local menu. Winning! On this particular stop, D gets the best order award: polenta creamed with smoked gouda, topped with sauteed kale, sundried tomatoes, shitakes and blue cheese. // flavor bomb. no meat needed

In an effort to walk off the brunch, we strolled up the trail and over to campus. Why not take advantage of the quiet while the kids are in Cancun and Panama City?

We started at the Inn at Carnall Hall, a 1905 residence hall now functioning as an inn ranked by Conde Nast as a Top Hotel in the South. From there we stepped off the front porch and onto the lawn of Old Main - the oldest building on the U of A campus, built in 1875. The names of the first graduating class of 1876 are etched into the sidewalk that criss-cross the front lawn. This began the tradition of all graduates getting their names etched into sidewalks that run throughout campus. And yep, D's name is there!

Departing form the uber-traditional architecture of Old Main is the new addition to the Fay Jones School of Architecture building housing the architcture, interior deisgn and landscape architecture programs. Now's probably the right time to gush about Fay Jones. A Frank Lloyd Wright disciple, AIA Gold Medal winner and Arkansas native, Fay Jones' work is intimate and organic. I can't wait to go back to his Thorncrown and Mildred B. Cooper chapels.

Walking around hilly Fayetteville really makes ya work up a thirst! We popped into a couple of our favorite spots for an afternoon refreshment or two. Puritan Brew Co. sits at the top of Dickson and serves brew - of the coffee and beer varieties. They just put in their built-in outdoor lounge areas and we couldn't ask for a more perfect spot! Next on the walking tour of our hometown was classic/craft cocktail destination, Maxine's Tap Room, opened in 1950 by charismatic Maxine Miller. Loved them from the start - they make a perfect Aviation. For you Big Lebowski fans, they serve one heckuva White Russian during happy hour. And even dog friendly, what's not to like?!