Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas Review
I had gone to Vegas for a vacation and I stayed at the Plaza Hotel by Fremont experience street. The hotel was rated a three star but in my opinion it was a four star compared to hotels in the state I live in. The plaza hotel had a three bedroom suite where one bed was adjoined to a living room and the living room was adjoined to a two bedroom. Each bedroom had a bathroom with a shower. The living room had a half bathroom. Each bedroom had a tv and the living room had a tv too. The TVs has cable tv. The view from the the room I was in was of the swimming pool and a few of the buildings, and one of the highways or roads. The pool area looked like it had a big area for lounging in. The pool looked like there was enough room to swim laps if you are into swimming laps when you swim.The plaza motel sign was also seen from the view. The beds were comfortable to sleep in. The hotel suite had a mini fridge, a Keurig one cup coffee maker, ice bucket, but there was no mini bar like I thought Vegas hotels had. That was one let down to the hotel.
By Stephanie Gray8 years ago in Wander
The Oldest Christmas Celebration in Southern Louisiana
My latest adventure goes back to 90 years ago. Natchitoches, LA has been known for their Festival of Lights since before I was born. In 1927, Max Burgdof thought it would be exciting to find a new way to celebrate Christmas. Mr. Burgdof was the superintendent of utilities at the time. He provided a 10 watt Christmas tree bulb to post along Front Street, which is in the downtown area of Natchitoches. Every year since then, Natchitoches adds a new piece to light up the Cane River. This year Natchitoches celebrated their 91st Festival of Lights. They decided to name it Christmas on the Cane. It was such an amazing experience to be a part of. Around 1 PM on Saturday, December 2, there was a parade prior to the concert at 4 PM-6 PM. There were several different artists, vendors, and people from different parts of Louisiana. This day full of activities was set up to welcome December and to celebrate the city's history. Unfortunately I missed the parade, but I was able to hear some awesome music from some of the artists they allowed to perform. Heads up, make sure while preparing to participate in the festivities that you try to make it there early; it helps the process of finding seating downtown and parking. The climate was hot, starting off in the middle of the day, but the darker it got I could feel more of a breeze, so a blanket would be nice to bring, and also a lawn chair. Many people including myself had to sit on the ground due to not bringing a lawn chair. OK! So upon arrival I had to park within the downtown neighborhood so that I would be walking distance to the downtown area where the light show would take place. The admission of the downtown area is $10 per person 12+ years of age and under 64 years old. In order to buy food from the vendors you must purchase food vendor tickets at the entrance of the downtown areas where you purchase your wristbands from. While I was enjoying the festivities I did remember how famous Natchitoches is for their meat pies, so I made sure that I purchased a meat pie from one of the food vendors that was located downtown, but I would honestly suggest for future reference visiting Lasyone's Meat Pies and Maggio's for a daiquiri. These two places are within the city but not downtown. The meat pies from the food vendors downtown were overpriced and the meat pie was fairly hard. However, the actual light show was AMAZING. When I was younger I came to see the lights, but I could barely remember anything. Visiting as an adult literally has left a mark on me in a tremendous way. While Louisiana is full of great places to see holiday lights, Natchitoches is known around the country for its festivities. The fireworks were paired to holiday music, which made the show that much more exciting. Right after the show, the city turns on all 91 lights that are showcased, and seeing the Cane River lit up made me feel like a kid again. I was more excited than I'm sure I was as a child. This year's theme was "Christmas on the Cane." I participated in the kickoff day which was December 2, the first Saturday of December. The Festival of Lights will display their show every Saturday until the last Saturday in December. Each Saturday they will have different live entertainment, art, food, and vendors. If you're looking for something exciting and fun to experience before Christmas this is the ideal event to attend. For more info you can visit their website here.
By Krystal Norris8 years ago in Wander
Universal Studios
Three months ago, our wedding got postponed because of Hurricane Irma. I was extremely upset, and my husband decided to take the plunge and get us both Annual Passes at Universal Studios Orlando. We have WORN out the parks since then, and we have been continuing to visit them weekly. Here are our personal picks for the best to worst rides at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure in sunny Orlando, Florida.
By Maria Rose8 years ago in Wander
How to Travel Around Europe for Three Weeks with Only a Carry-On
Europe is at the top of most people's lists when it comes to travel destinations. When touring Europe, it's important to budget and to carry only necessities so you can get the most out of your European adventure. I traveled to Europe in the Summer of 2016 with only a carry-on. Only bringing a carry-on made going around Europe easier and ensured I wouldn't have to worry about my luggage being lost on the plane. Here are a few tips and tricks for traveling around Europe with only a carry on:
By Brynna Robinson8 years ago in Wander
Self-Discovery
It feels as if it was yesterday when I was a senior in high school; it was the last opportunity for everyone to use “senioritis” as a lame excuse to procrastinate. A year and a half earlier my mother passed away. I could not put aside the thought of losing her. I didn’t know if I was just procrastinating, or if in fact I was still grieving. I felt as if I was in an empty black hole with no hope. I was losing myself.
By From Everything To Nothing8 years ago in Wander
BagoBago: A Review of the Travel Backpack Chair
I’m a very active person. Yes, I do work out, but not as much as I commute to the city, travel, go on road trips, hike, and other activities that get me so tired out. Ever since I came across BagoBago backpack chair, my active moments aren’t as tiring anymore.
By Patricia Sarkar8 years ago in Wander
Best Places to Visit in Calistoga
One of the most relaxed and still relatively rural places in the Napa Valley has long been Calistoga. At the top of this narrow valley, the charming town has long been a refuge for long weekends, wine tasting and mud baths (both traditional and cutting edge).
By Liza Zimmerman8 years ago in Wander
The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond
Imagine you’re living somewhere a bit lacklustre, like a very average and grungy flat in a bland bit of Glasgow. You’re not within easy walking distance of many super nice things and every time you go out, you see a shitload of rubbish, and well, shit. Because weirdly, people just let their dogs use the pavements as toilets and don’t bother to clean it up. Come on people!
By Megan Hemmings8 years ago in Wander
Guinness Storehouse . Top Story - December 2017.
When I started looking into what I wanted to do when I get to Dublin I immediately wanted the Storehouse. Why, you ask, since you don't drink or even LIKE any beer at all, ever? Well, I like the stories, and I wanted to do some of the more traditional (ie: touristy nowadays) Irish stuff I could- drinks, dancing, and history.
By Katie Werthmann8 years ago in Wander
Flint, Michigan
When I think of home, I think of where my family, friends, and roots are. And home to me is Flint, Michigan. What can I say about Flint? It is where I was born, where most of my family are, and where I have memories. I remember all the places I would go to with my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. I lived with my grandma for six or seven years, then I moved to Texas for a better life. But there are things that I miss about Flint. I miss the fun parks, visiting my family, and most definitely the places to eat there. For example, Angelo's Coney Island had the best coney dogs in the world. Especially when you wash them down with some pop (soda). Halo Burger, when I say they have some of the most delicious juicy burgers, MAN!! It gave me heartburn, but it was so worth it at the end. And last but not least, WHITE CASTLE!!! Those tiny burgers are the bomb. I can eat eight of them and still be hungry.
By Shante Hernandez8 years ago in Wander
