Travel The World

TELLURIDE

By Lorenzo Vigil / Adventure Travel / Global One Journalist

I started by planning this trip with the best intentions , hoping that all the things that I’ve read and seen on TV and the internet will give me a firsthand experience. I hoped for the kind of story that will give you a “magical” and full of beauty incite. You know the kind of stories that start out as, “Once upon a time!” Well, what if I told you this place is dubbed the Swiss Alps of America and I found it to be exactly that and much...much more.

Destination, Telluride or Bust!

The only planning that took place was the day and approximate time that we would leave and like all the best laid plans we ended leaving way earlier and more loaded down with a huge four-wheeler and more building materials for my dad.

My travel companion is a native to Colorado so we both knew that the drive from Dallas, Texas would be quite an undertaking. This was to be a boy’s trip. NO kids, no girlfriends. I need the bathroom every fifty miles, no I’m hungry, no one screaming he touches me. Just me and a cooler full of beer and food for five days. If you’ve ever taken a drive in any direction in Texas you know that its flatter then the bottom of a hot iron, the dirt is red as the stripes of the flag and the rivers have a murky sandy color, but for now it’s home and even when I’m gone for a few days I still miss it.

We Set Out Early

So, we set out in the middle of the night to purposely reach the top of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico by daybreak. My family owns a ranch in Colorado, so I make the drive (with kids) a few times a year. Reaching this spot by daybreak is always my goal. You can see off the top of the mountains for 40 or 50 miles. Looking out onto the rolling prairie for miles and miles like the explorers Lewis and Clark did for the first time. The mountain air is so crisp and clean and smells of Pine and Douglas fir like an unending Christmas smell that brings back childhood memories of family and ranch life. An hour or so later were on the family ranch and rest for the night before pushing further into the western slope, but not before we stop and hug on Granny’s neck and tell her what the plans are, so she doesn’t get mad that we didn’t see her on our way. That night it was steaks grilled on an open fire, cut from the family stock of cattle. My favorite is the rib eye cooked to perfection, the marbling melting in your mouth with the hint of garlic butter and salt. Sitting here now as I write this story suddenly my mouth begins to water. The morning came early but the smell of a fire in the kitchen and the smell of fresh coffee revived me. The kitchen window is framed with a 14000 ft peak in the distance and the pastures below it are green and ready to cut the first bales of winter cattle feed. This is, by far, one of my favorite things in life. Like every other day Dad was cooking fresh red potatoes and eggs and even at 46 I still felt like an elementary school kid waking up to watch Saturday morning cartoons on the living room floor with a blanket.

Back on the Road

We left dad with the materials we brought for him and left after breakfast driving with a much lighter load. Another five hours of twisting and turning, driving in the mountains, through fields of hay next to cool rivers that are clear and sweet tasting. Have you ever put you face into a cold stream and taken a drink? Have you tasted what home feels like?

Personally, this will be my first time to visit Telluride but, to my benefit, my buddy Brandon is a native and knows all the secret spots. I took so many pictures driving north on highway 145 that it felt like I had never seen mountains before. The sights are all so awe inspiring. July in Colorado is a sight to be seen. As the road summits over high mountains there is so much color everywhere in every direction. I know I wouldn’t be the first to say its Gods country.

We Embraced Mother Nature

As we were about thirty minutes from town, we began descending next to Trout Lake.

There is a heavy cloud lumbering just over the water only letting hints of the blue water sneak past its grasp. The more we descend the mirror sheen begins to reflect the cove of mountains surrounding its hidden treasures. Even with a light mist people on kayaks and paddle boards are strew about enjoying the privacy only known to those willing to suffer just a little for the richer reward of Mother Nature’s embrace. Simply put, driving into town is a feast for the senses. First you see the buildings of Main Street but THEN… you see the mountains that hold Telluride in its gentle embrace. The town is situated in a canyon with towering mountains on 3 sides. Standing in the middle of the street looking straight uptown there is a bright white waterfall that tumbles down the face of the mountain. I stand there dumbfounded and simply jealous that people live here every day. I have found my Valhalla….my heaven. Then I remember how hungry I am, and my hunger brings me back to earth. The little shops are selling all kinds of sweet-smelling treats. Vendors are everywhere selling all kinds of food. The crisp air you feel on your skin even in July is calming.

I Had to Have A Burger

There was one thing that I wanted, and I had to have it…a cheeseburger! Mere feet from where we were parked there was this burger place on main that I wanted to try so away we went. I also noticed right away that everyone on the street that appear to be locals are all wearing sportswear. The only traffic are people coming and going into and out of town. Everyone that lives here are riding bikes and walking. You also notice that because of this fact for the

most part everyone is in relatively good physical condition….they’re healthy!! This would be the only day that we eat on Main Street. Two burgers, two fries and two cokes came to the awesome total of $60.00. Don’t get me wrong the food was delicious but I’m still on a budget.

We Decided to Hike

Feeling rejuvenated we decided to take a short thirty-minute hike up Cornet Creek and find Cornet Falls. Just two blocks away from where we were sitting down eating, we walk past these houses that all look so perfectly manicured. I swear everyone here is OCD. The rocks, the leaves, the grass in the yards have all been tended to by Hobbits and I think I’m in the shire. As we pass the last house there a small path that begins leaning upwards and before long, I sound like a 20year smoker sucking air with the weight of lunch weighing me down. Brandon passes me like I was standing still and as he does, I notice this (expletive expletive) is wearing flip flops. That pisses me off just enough to keep up with him in my high dollar hiking boots. The whole hike up we are seeing this rushing creek bouncing over granite boulders that over time have taken and washed them clean leaving makes of time. Passing the last few trees, we get the rush of wind from the falling water. The mist that hits your face washes away the sweat. It erases the need to pick up an email or the want of a desk. Standing the test of time at 80 feet high Cornet Falls is a must see. This is only the beginning of the trip what other gems will this adventure reveal.

We Had No Reservations, But Survived

We have no expensive hotel. What do we have is a cooler and camping gear? It’s getting late and we must find somewhere to sleep. Driving back to Trout Lake we skirt around following a dirt road not knowing where it leads but Brandon had heard there were some good spots to set up camp. We found a spot right from the pages of Narnia. A bubbling brook of clear water was surrounded by tall trees. A small clearing with short grass that I’m sure the elves themselves had planted because sights like these are for imagination and the movies far off places that only the wealthy can afford but here, we are with a hope and a prayer and willing spirit. After camp was made dinner was eaten, I crawled into my tent feeling very happy. I remember that first night I was woken up by a thunderstorm shaking my tent with heavy rain and wind. I laid awake for a couple hours there on the ground just thinking. Thinking about how thankful I was for the trip, how amazing the earth smelled, and how I knew it would be over sooner than I wanted.

Hiking the Via Ferrata

The next day was breakfast with a bath and shave near the lake before we set off for the day’s hike. We planned on driving up the 4x4 road called Black Bear Pass and seeing Bridal Falls and then hiking the Via Ferrata. Now let me attempt the explanation of a Via Ferrata. You hike up a narrow death-defying path to an unspeakable height of oh let’s say 1500 feet above the canyon floor and carefully ease your way down a path only inches wide coming to a vertical face of rock and instead of continuing upwards you hike across it horizontally. This is where the real challenge begins. Anchor points have been established footrests and handholds have been installed but it doesn’t dismiss the fact that the path disappears. Yes, that’s right…. the path disappears into nothing but bars of steel.

Not for The Faint of Heart

If you have a fear of heights this might not be the best thing for you. You can do a lot of things that can give you an adrenalin rush, but this kind of hike took time and effort. Walking up the trail I remember having to convince myself over and over to keep going. There were moments of serious vertigo. I would have to stop and focus just on the rock face because seeing the drop off was making it hard to focus without getting dizzy.

You Can Do Many Things for Free

After we made our way back down to town, we did some sightseeing and bar hopping. There is a free chair lift that’s takes you all over the place including to the top of the mountain where there is a restaurant with a view and also to the other side where mountain village is full of shops and restaurants. There are so many things that we did that didn’t cost anything. We found a local “Hippie Dip”. They’re free thermal baths out in the woods where people go to relax have a drink or smoke a little something and enjoy one of the many attractions that make this place magical. We did so much with so little during this trip; we met bartenders and wait staff that were welcoming and insightful. We talked and shared drinks with townsfolk that loved living their lives in such a beautiful place. People here are happy.

If you ever want to take a trip and share it with someone you love, there are sights to be seen that are unforgettable. Your kids will remember the best day gaming but when you get them out of the house and show them things like this place, they’ll never forget that time you made them go outside and have an adventure. There are no nights out to dinner or drinking that compares to these memories. I have learned how to live my life outside, feeling the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. I recommend you try it to. It’s the best.

VENICE, ITALY

Today I’m Dreaming of Venice, Italy

By Denella Ri’chard, Global One Travel Journalist

Venice….some call it the city of water; others call it the floating city. I call it, one of the most romantic cities in the world. It’s the place where I can get lost in a maze of streets around Saint Mark’s Square. It’s a place where I can let my hair fly in the wind in a speeding water taxi. Or I can simply relax in a floating gondola and be serenaded under a full moon along the Grand Canal. History, culture, art, and magnificent cuisine, you’ll find it all in Venice. Venice is the kind of place that touches your soul and once you’ve been there, you’ll always long to return.

I wish I could travel to Venice right now, in this moment. It’s when you are restricted from having something, you miss it most. COVID-19 has changed the way we travel. We don’t have the freedom to just jump up and go any more. There are many places where borders are still closed, flights are limited, and quarantines are imposed. And unfortunately, Venice is not open to tourist at this moment. However, it does not stop us from dreaming and planning to visit in 2021 and 2022.

So, once we can travel to Venice again, here are the Top 5 things I recommend you see and do:

1) St. Mark’s Square: This is a must! This iconic site is the heart of Venice. You can easily access most of the main streets from here. Around the square you’ll find cafes, restaurants, shopping, museums and more… It’s also a great place to people watch, interact with the friendly pigeons, and take amazing photos. The locals recommend you visit in the early morning, around 7am. It is most peaceful at this time and it’s not crowded.

2) Water Taxi – This is one of the most popular ways to get around Venice. While private water taxis can be expensive, it’s the best way to be privately chauffeured around Venice. If you are more budget conscious, then I recommend the water bus called vaporetto. The water bus will take you from point to point and it’s an inexpensive way to tour the Grand Canal. You can ride the vaporetto from the lagoon through the Grand Canal, past the Rialto Bridge and on to the train station.

3) Day trip to Burano: This Venetian island town could be the most colorful place in the world, with all the houses painted in bright colors making each street look like a rainbow. Book a walking tour with Silvia Zanella at DiscoverBurano.com and truly experience life like the locals for a day.

4) The Doge’s Palaces – The Doge's Palace is a palace built in Venetian Gothic style, and one of the main landmarks of the city of Venice in northern Italy. The palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic. It was founded in 1340 and extended and modified in the following centuries. It became a museum in 1923 and is one of the 11 museums run by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.A visit to this famous museum is a must. The architecture is beautiful Venetian Gothic style. You’ll be amazed with the history of the palace, its famous art, and the magnificence of its golden staircases. You can also enjoy some amazing views of Venice from here.

5) Osteria, where the locals dine: An osteria is a mix of a bar and restaurant. The menu is short consisting of “small bites” like local specialties such as pasta and grilled meat or fish, often served at shared tables. You can also enjoy wine, or as the locals call it an “ombra de vin”. (Ombra means a small glass of wine to be shared with a friend or consumed in an osteria.)

So, as you dream about Venice and start planning your travel for 2021 and 2022, I highly recommend you contact a professional travel advisor to get the latest travel advisories. At the time of writing this article, according to Italian Government: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International

Cooperation, Americans traveling to/from are only allowed for precise reasons, such as work, health or study reasons, absolute urgency, return to home, home, or residence. Travel for tourism is not allowed, at this time. The return to Italy is permitted to Italian/EU/Schengen citizens and their family members, as well as holders of residence permits and their family members with conditions such as fiduciary isolation and healthy surveillance.

The goal of Traveling with Denella is to keep the audience dreaming about the joys of travel, as we work through the COVID 19 period. Those in the tourist and hospitality industries need our support by traveling and patronizing local tourist businesses as keen measures and protocols are put into place to keep us all safe. Traveling with Denella is a great vehicle to help spotlight travel and remind us that the world is still out there waiting on us to explore, enjoy and indulge.

Road Trip with Ella

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Texas - For all-ages fun, the Texas Hill Country can’t be beat. Watery wonderlands and sporting events with themed nights are just some of the region’s highlights. Here, welcoming weather and human ingenuity give the whole family something to agree on. Thanks to its wide array of fun-filled activities, historical landmarks, and outdoor adventures, the Texas Hill Country offers something for everyone. Visitors looking to go on a road trip to escape the big city stress will find the natural and man-made attractions here equally appealing; couples looking to tie the knot or renew their vows couldn’t wish for a more romantic setting; families looking for a new place to call home are sure to be fascinated by the amazing real estate options that are available here at the Hill Country. With over 30 cities spread across the region, here’s a brief breakdown of what to expect at some of the best locations in the Hill Country:

Fredericksburg - Getaway to Shopping and Winery Explorations

Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, the historic city of Fredericksburg is home to over 20 wineries, all offering fantastic tastings and barrel room tours, while also boasting breathtaking views. Naturally, this is one of the best places in all of Texas to enjoy authentic German cuisine, which pairs quite nicely with the various wines. If you’d rather go on a shopping spree, head on down to Main Street, Fredericksburg’s shopping mecca that comprises more than 150 shops and boutiques, as well as several art galleries. In terms of rest and relaxation, Fredericksburg boasts numerous hotels, bed and breakfasts, and cabins that you can retire to after a relaxing spa session or a refreshing round of golf. Nearby Johnson City, Kerrville, Comfort, Blanco, and Dripping Springs are also great destinations for exploring wineries in the Texas Hill Country.

Canyon Lake Getaway to Water Recreational Activities

Located about 40 miles north of San Antonio, Canyon Lake holds the title of being the Water Recreation Capital of Texas. The beautiful, clear water lake itself is brimming with striped bass and other marine life, making it a favorite among the locals for fishing. Other activities here include kayaking, scuba diving, water skiing, parasailing, tubing, and boating. Any of these water fun escapades is sure to be one of the many highlights of your trip to the Hill Country. Canyon Lake’s proximity to the famous Guadalupe River means you also get to enjoy the beautiful scenery and spot the many wildlife species that reside around the arena such as white-tailed deer, roadrunners, and foxes. As a true outdoor adventure haven, Canyon Lake is surrounded by campgrounds, hotels, cottages, vacation rentals, and RV Parks. A par 72 golf course completes the features of what is sure to be an unforgettable trip.

Burnet Getaway to Romantic Landscapes and Blooming Wildflowers

Aptly named the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas,” the sprawling city of Burnet is just an hour away from Austin. It was founded in 1852 and is famous for its fields of brilliant bluebonnets, black-eyed Susan’s, Indian paintbrushes, and other indigenous wildflowers. Burnet hosts the annual Bluebonnet Festival which takes place every April and attracts over 30,000 people from all over the globe. There’s live music, parades, beautiful exhibits, arts and crafts vendors, contests, shopping, and of course lots of food. Burnet is also home to a number of parks, museums, and the famous Eagle Eye Observatory. Either way, expect to fall in love with the dazzling scenery and Instagram-worthy fields, any of which can form the perfect backdrop for photos with your loved ones.

Boerne, New Braunfels, and Kerrville Getaways to Weddings and other Events

The Hill Country is one of the most breathtaking regions of the United States, so it naturally boasts some of the best wedding destinations in the country. The cities of Boerne, New Braunfels, Kerrville hold a special place in the region as hosting the best places for weddings, reunions, anniversaries, and other notable events. These charming towns offer varieties of indoor and outdoor venues for celebrating your special day, as well as an abundance of lodging options, ranging from modest bed and breakfast lodges to full-on luxury hotels and resorts. After the event, explore the marvelous offerings of the Hill Country, whether on a historic walking tour, a scenic drive, or tubing along the Guadalupe River. These cities are also among the best places for a food trip where you can sample sumptuous cuisines both local and international to your heart’s content. In any case, visitors can look forward to having the time of their lives and create some lasting memories.

Marble Falls, Mason, San Marcos, and Wimberly Getaways to Entertainment and Great Fun

Okay, so the Hill Country is one giant entertainment and fun-filled region, but these cities deserve special mention thanks to their diverse array of theaters, museums, clubs, golf courses, wineries, and many other recreational destinations. Plus, these areas are easy to access for weekend-long road trips. You can reach out to us here at Hill-Country-Visitor.com for recommendations based on your preferences. As proud residents of the Hill Country, we’ll be happy to help you enjoy the best of our little slice of paradise and make the most of your stay.