#58: Kauai (Page 614; 2nd Ed pg 765)

January, 2006: Kauai, truly one of my favorite places on Earth. It is so incredibly beautiful! We spent two days on Kauai. The first day, we started out at a local hang-out we heard about, a great natural water-hole, Kipu. We cliff jumped and had a fabulous time! From there, we went to Waimea Canyon (pictured here), known as "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific."
Another view of Waimea. Gorgeous!

After Waimea, we went to the famous Poipu Beach, where Puff the Magic Dragon "frolicked in the autumn mists." For some reason, I don't have any pictures of that, but it was fun! We finished off the day by going to a Luau at Gaylord's Kilohana Plantation.

Day 2: The Na Pali Coast. This is, in my opionion, the highlight of Kauai and the reason why I want to go back to this island and spend a week just hiking and kayaking all over this coast line.

More Na Pali Coast.

Verdict: Absolutely something you must do in your lifetime and something I really, really, really want to repeat! And if you know me, I don't say that about too many things!

#57: Big Island (Page 612; 2nd Ed pg 759)

January 2006: My first trip to Hawaii was in January 2002, but we stayed on Oahu the whole time. Four years later, I was back and ready to explore the other islands! So, this was my first time to the Big Island and it was fabulous! I took the trip with my husband (of only 7 months), my sister and her husband. We visited both sides of the Island. Here I am on the Kona side at Kahalu'u where we snorkled with Sea Turtles.
We also visited the Kona Hawaii LDS Temple.

And then on to Hapuna Beach. We basically just came across this beach by accident, but it ended up being one of my favorite days of the trip because this was such a fabulous beach!

But we also wanted to check out "the other side." So, we spent a day in Hilo. Here we are at Sulphur Banks.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Verdict: An absolute Must! But if you're trying to decide on which end of the island to spend more time..... my vote is Kona all the way!

#56: Savannah's Historic District (Page 610; 2nd Ed pg 757)

May 15, 2007: Walking around beautiful Savannah
The historic homes are so fun to see from the outside....

and the inside!

Verdict: We loved Savannah. I'd go back there in a heartbeat. Great scenery, great food, great people.

#55: Mrs. Wilkes's Boarding House (Page 609)

May 15, 2007: When Lacey was just a few months old, we ventured out on our first "Family Vacation" to South Carolina and Georgia. We spent a day in Savannah and absolutely fell in love with the city. Our big meal of the day was at Mrs. Wilkes's Boarding House, which serves family style (we didn't know any of these people) all-you-can-eat platters. This home/restaurant opened in 1943. Cost: $15 per person cash or check only (in 2007).

Verdict: If you're in Savannah, go out of your way to eat here. If you're not, I wouldn't make a special trip.

#54: Walt Disney World Resort (Page 605; 2nd Ed, pg 753)

I've been to Disneyworld a few times, but my most recent was April 30, 2009. My husband watched the kids while I ventured out on a "Womancation" which kicked off at Disney World!
Thundermountain Railroad.... one of my favorites!

And a new discovery - Dole Pineapple ice cream drinks. One of the highlights of the day!

The first time I went to Disney World, I stayed at the Grand Floridian. We didn't stay there on this trip, but I made sure to go and visit and walk the grounds. I absolutely love this hotel. It is so beautiful, clean, classy and picturesque. It reminds me a lot of Hotel del Coronado.

Aside from our brief visit to the Grand Floridian, we stayed inside the park from the minute it opened until the minute it closed. What a great day!

Verdict: Wouldn't everyone in the world agree with me that Disney World is a must-do/see/experience before you die?