Quick, Simple, Hearty! That's what you get at The Little Diner in Vail Lion's Head Village. Open for Breakfast and lunch only. This tiny kitchen offers an array of choices, prepared before your eyes as you sit at the counter and visit with the cooks.
The Little Diner - Vail Village Colorado
The Details on the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
Summer time is off season for ski resorts and a fabulous time to check out the places you are interested in and get a super value at the same time have the place practically to yourself. Hyatt's website boasted a $111 for a weeknight stay at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. In addition the hotel restaurant 8100 is currently offering 30% off their entire menu. Too boot, I happen to stay at the Hyatt Tamaya resort in Bernalillo New Mexico a few weeks ago and upon check out received a coupon for my next stay at any Hyatt that boasted $150 off lunch and dinner. The code offer is DELISH - you might check it out on the Hyatt site under specials when booking. There are specifications for qualifications, but it's worth checking into.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is beautiful and what you would expect in sophisticated mountain decor. The Lobby is large with plenty of room for families to have their space while enjoying the gorgeous views as they relax in comfy chairs and couches. It's a perfect option for the skier, as the Buckaroo lift is right outside. Ski in and out is the way to go. Every evening between 4pm and 5pm they offer complimentary Smore' Roasting in the large fire pit out back. The resorts boasts a great workout facility with Kinesis and Yoga classes. Allegria Spa offers a full menu and great products. The pool area is pretty with plenty of chairs, poolside menu service, 5 Jacuzzis, decent size pool and the best view of the mountains. Their is just something about laying out by the pool soaking up the sun, while gazing out at the gorgeous Rocky Mountains. Pure heaven.
8100 the hotel restaurant is beautifully decorated with a sophisticated pottery barn style. The service is good and food is marginal. They do have superb sourdough bread that comes to the table once you order. They make an excellent Bloody Mary, made with pepper infused vodka. The New York Strip is also excellent. The sides and appetizers are lacking and very small in portion size. This is the mountains people - support the active hungers of your patrons. My past two experiences with Hyatt restaurants - Beaver Creek and Tamaya have both been disappointing. However, Hyatt Maui was terrific. My advice - always try the hotel restaurant - but don't feel like you have to eat all your meals in the hotel. Beaver Creek Village - right out the door of the Park Hyatt - has a huge array of places to eat. From Thai to Mexican to Italian and Mountain Fare. So spread it out a little and you won't go wrong.
The Village offers outdoor ice skating even in the summer (evenings only). Plenty of comfy seating with outdoor gas fire pits. Plenty of shopping and eating. A beautiful place to spend an evening. Over all, we would stay again at the Park Hyatt and would even consider staying in the winter for some skiing. Keep in mind - in the winter- this place is packed.
Beaver Creek Village
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Colorado
Here is a sneak peak at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek in beautiful Beaver Creek, Colorado
A beautiful place winter or summer. Here are a few highlights!
One of the 5 hottubs by the pool
Slopeside - Buckaroo Gondola - For Quick Skiing Fun!
Grand Lobby
8100 Restaurant in the Hotel
San Marcos, Texas
So our latest getaway was in San Marcos Texas. It's our place. Lots of history here for us. So we know it well. The San Marcos River runs through the Texas State campus and is 72 degrees year round. It makes for a refreshing and exhilarating treat from the hot weather. San Marcos also hosts the BEST Mexican Food on the planet at Herbert's Taco Hut. So I know I normally take pics of our food for you to salivate over, but I was so thrilled that we were at Herbert's, I totally forgot until after it was all gone. So as you can see by the empty plate, I really enjoyed my Guacamole Chalupa Dinner. You just can't go wrong with any plate. The hot sauce is unlike anything anywhere else. It's not tomatoey, but a hot deliciousness of jalapeno goodness. 
The owner and her son Mrs. Herbert. 
You hungry for a Chili Dog? Then head of to Chili Dog and get 5 for $6.25. Need a little retail thereapy? Head to the gargantuan outdoor Outlet Shopping Mall. Actually there are two. Just in case you couldn't walk your legs off at one. They are side by side and one can find any store in the world there. My faves - Coach, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Restoration Hardware, Ralph Lauren - to name a few.
We stayed at Canyon Trail RV Park while we were there. Definatley close to the action, but no shade and no cool amenities. Would only stay here again if I really had no other option. Which in San Marcos, there are many options.
Ruidoso New Mexico
A Fabulous place to vacation for a weekend or a week. For a small town, Ruidoso has so much to offer. We like to camp when we go to Ruidoso, but before we began RVing, we stayed many times in a cabin in Upper Canyon. From private cabins rented throughout the year, to commercial cabins, to hotels, to Bed and Breakfasts, Ruidoso has tons of options. We now like to stay at our favorite little campground just outside of town towards Alto called Little Creek RV Campground. Owned by the Varnadore's, it's a friendly, quiet and beautiful setting that we have been frequenting for over 3 years. Plenty of deer come up in the evening for our viewing pleasure. There is a small putting green for some practice time. A large grassy area to throw a Frisbee or football. Plenty of room for the kiddos to ride their bike's. It's a laid back kind of place with friendly travelers as your neighbors. Wide spots that make it easy to back in your Rig. They also have pull through spots, if that's your preference. You will pay around $35 a night for a spot with full hook ups, including cable TV. Make your reservations early, the word has gotten out about Little Creek and it's often full all summer long. Partly our fault, as we tell everyone we know about our favorite little campground. 
We love to eat when we go to Ruidoso. Green Chili is the thing to have when you are in New Mexico and Ruidoso doesn't fail to live up to this reputation. Lincoln County Grill is our breakfast spot. The Huevos Rancheros call out to us. It's two eggs over easy perched on top of two soft corn tortilla's, with pan fried potatoes, pinto beans, two sausage patties all covered in Red Chili or Green Chili or if you feel Cheery, Christmas. That's both Red and Green chili. Delicioso! Our son loves the Buttermilk Pancakes with hot maple syrup. Our favorite snack is at Farley's and it's the Fried Green Chili Wontons. It's a hangout for locals and tourist. Sort of a Sports Bar/Apres Ski Joint. Family friendly, so don't worry about taking the kids. It's totally fine. For good, straight up New Mexican Fare - try Casa Blanca. It's our go to place when we bring first time Ruidoso visitors with us. It never let's us down. Hungry for some Pizza? Try Casa Rio right in the heart of the town on Suddereth. Total local joint, the pizza is great. Great prices too! If you are feeling way more Italian - go to Michalena's. It's got your pizza and so much more. Great pasta dishes and great ambiance. 
Enough on food. Although I can never get enough. Walk off that chow with a little shopping. One of my favorite stores of all time is right in the heart of midtown - J. Roberts. Sooo Cute! They have the most fun fashions. Great prices and things you can't find everywhere. The owner is a talented buyer. I always find something or somethings I want when I go in there. She never lets me down. This time I found cutie patootie green flower earrings, a sexy dress and a peacock essence t-shirt.
After you get your shopping on, you can burn off more calories with all the outdoor activities. With an outdoor park, bike and walking trail, tennis courts, golfing galore, hiking, fishing, you name it. Winter time brings skiing. Summer time brings jeep and hiking trails. Got more time? Take the hour drive up to Cloudcroft for a whole new experience. Feeling lucky? The Inn of the Mountain Gods Hotel and Casino offers breathtaking views, golf, a lake, more good food and gambling. Owned by the Apache Indians, this Hotel and Casino sits on part of the reservation and is operated by the Natives themselves. A top notch outfit with some of the most beautiful scenery you will find in all of New Mexico.
For the less active and outdoorsy type, head on over the the Hubbard Museum of the American West. Located in Ruidoso Downs, it offers different exhibits throughout the year ranging from artists to movie making exhibits like Tombstone. Also in Ruidoso Downs is it's namesake the Horse Race Track itself. An experience unlike many others, you can enjoy the sport, people watch and place a bet. A real trip.
I'm only hitting my highpoints. Ruidoso has so much more to offer. Check out the Chambers site for a calender of events. There is always something going on. You really can't miss.
Up Next Breckenridge Colorado in the Summertime!
Next post will review for you all things Breckenridge. If you like to ride bikes, this is the place for you. I'll review Tiger Run - Luxury RV Park, Breck Bike Path, a few restaurants and more.
Check back later in the week....
More on Maui!
Okay, so here's the scoop on Maui: (I'll post pics later)
Hotel - Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa - Great hotel! Beautiful grounds, pool, restaurant and plenty of space. You never feel like the hotel is crowded. Rooms were good sized and came w/ great hotel amenities. The lotions and shampoos are terrific. I always take home some of those goodies because when I use them, the smell takes me back and I'm in Maui again in my own bathroom. Then of course, I open my eyes and I'm so not. But it's worth the quick mind trip.
The pool is huge and has plenty of fun for the kids, with their own safe and shallow place to play. My favorite thing about the hotel are the rental lounge cabanas. We picked one that was close to the kiddie pool and yet looked over the ocean. They brought us food and drinks. When the sun was too much, we raised our cover shade and took naps. We spent at least 3 days renting one of these babies and it was well worth it. Breakfast each morning came with our room rate and it was a huge buffet with plenty of fresh fruit, normal breakfast fare and typical Japanese/Hawaiian fare as well. We had 3 dinners at the hotel in all three restaurants. We recommend them, as each had their own style and menu. Very tasty food.
Activities- We rented a jeep during our stay and ventured all over the island. That is how you really get to see what Maui is all about. I must say that around the airport and along the beach front areas, I was disappointed that it was so commercial, but if you spend sometime and get away from all that, you get a real treat. Maui is very diverse and beautiful. We spent one day at Napili beach enjoying body surfing, turtles and great sand. Also enjoyed breakfast there at the Gazebo. Be prepared to wait an hour, but it's so worth it. Where else can you get Fried Rice for breakfast. Omelette's as big as your head. Great view and so fun!
If you keep driving West then North then East you will eventually be around the West side of the Island. You will see gorgeous cliff lines, farm land and blow holes. Amazing views and a quaint little village called, well I forget the name, but keep driving on this narrow road around the cliffs and you will come to it. Chickens cross the road. Small taro fields and ladies selling fresh pineapple and delicious homemade banana bread and to die for coconut candy. Absolutely my best memory of Maui!
Blow Holes are so intriguing! You must go on a blow hole adventure of your own. It's easy, just get a map and start driving. You don't need a guide. The power and extreme force of that water is "WOW'!
We did also do a little shopping around the Kaanapali area at Whaler's Village There is a cute outdoor mall among all the nice hotels. Also a huge outdoor mall about 10 miles away with everything you could ever think of, called The Shops at Wailea. It's like your typical mall in any metro, but just being there outside smelling the scents of Maui and enjoying the weather, makes this shopping experience even fun for the men in the family.
The best part about a vacation in Maui or Hawaii in general, is the relaxed nature of the people and atmosphere. If you are in need of a laid back, total relaxation, then Maui is your place. The people are wonderful and the scenery is gorgeous. Just do it. Go to Maui!
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