Archive for the ‘ Road Diary ’ Category

 

Epic east coast road trip coming up…

Saturday, April 27th, 2013

Over the past three years I’ve been road tripping from north to south, and east and west of the US and Canada.  I’ve only done one trip to the east, so I’m long past due for another.  During the month of May I will be road tripping from Arizona to Toronto, Ontario.  My first stop outside of Arizona will be Santa Fe, New Mexico, where last year I spent time during the Rand McNally and USA Today’s, “Best of the Road.” I’m really looking forward to a return visit as Santa Fe has a special place in my heart.  During my visit I’ll be meeting up with a couple blogger friends as well as producing a video for a local boutique hotel.

My next stop will be a 2011 “Best of the Road” contender for “Most Friendly” small town in America…Woodward, Oklahoma.  While Woodward did not win the coveted honor, they were a top-6 finalist, so I’m looking forward to seeing just how friendly the folks are in the great state of OK.

Next up will be Eureka Springs, Arkansas…one of the few remaining states I’ve not yet been to. I’ve heard amazing things about Eureka Springs and can’t wait to check it out. While I’m there I’ll be filming a video for a B&B as well collecting footage of the community to document this epic road trip .

After traveling across the northern part of Arkansas, my next stop will be Chattanooga, Tennessee, yet another state I’ve not been to.  I have a friend who lives in the area and am am hoping to meet up while in town.  My accommodations while in town will be at the gorgeous Chattanooga Hotel.  Here I plan on doing a bit of relaxing, perhaps take in a spa treatment and enjoy some fine dining.

A National park that has been on my bucket list is the Smokey Mountains. I’m so excited I’ll have an opportunity to explore and camp out under the stars in this iconic park. On the other side of the of the mountain range is Asheville, North Carolina, where I’ll be staying with some new friends and fellow bloggers, from Travel for Wildlife. One of the items on the agenda is seeing the famed Biltmore Estate.  I also have another friend from Arizona who moved to Asheville a few years ago and am hoping to meet up with her as well.

My next stop is yet another “Best of the Road” town, this one was the 2012 winner for “most beautiful” small town in America…Bardstown, Kentucky.  As I continue my trek north I’m hoping to stay in northern Ohio for a few days en route to Toronto for the final leg of this portion of my road trip. I will be in Toronto for the annual TBEX (Travel blogger conference).  After the conference I plan on spending 2-3 months exploring eastern Canada.  From there, we’ll see where the road takes me.

For now, that’s what’s coming up.  If you’ve been to any of these towns (or places along the way) and have suggestions on where I should eat, things I should see/do, please post a comment below, your recommendations would be much appreciated.

Chelsea Market in NYC

Friday, April 19th, 2013

On my last day in NYC I met a buddy of mine and we walked to Chelsea Market, which was my first time.  In the late 1800s Chelsea Market was home to the New York Biscuit Company, however today it’s a thriving market with a host of food vendors and merchants. The structure has maintained its rugged industrial look, with wonderful wood plank floors and exposed brick walls. The building is a photographers dream, and the culinary offerings a foodie’s delight. Chelsea Market reminded me a bit of Pike Place Market in Seattle.

Above Chelsea Market, passing through the building on the 10th Avenue side, a new urban landscape called, the High Line opened a few years ago. This abandoned, elevated railroad track has been converted into an urban oasis, full of trees, foliage, seating areas and vendors. In a few years the High Line will form a continuous route between the trendy Meatpacking District and the Javits Convention Center. My buddy and I must have walked the entire length, stopping for a spell to enjoy a gourmet ice cream sandwich by Melt Bakery, which was simply delectable.  Ten years ago it was the doughnut craze, then the cupcake phenomenon…my prediction is that gourmet ice cream sandwiches take the world by storm next.

Canada Media Marketplace

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

I’m having a blast in New York City meeting a lot of wonderful folks from various provincial and city tourism departments here at the Canada Media Marketplace. I’ve also met a number of travel bloggers that I’ve followed for some time now…so great to final meet them in person. Oh, and our keynote speaker yesterday was none other than Andrew McCarthy…you know, from “Brat Pack” fame.  Andrew was in movies such as “St. Elmos Fire,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “Weekend at Bernie’s.” The reason Andrew was invited to give the keynote speech is that he’s also a well-known and accomplished travel writer.  His speech was excellent…very funny and insightful.

My plan is to spend two to three months road tripping through the eastern part of Canada this summer.  During the month of May I will be making my way from Arizona to Toronto, where I will attend the annual North American travel blogger conference known as “TBEX.” Afterword, I will use my new found contacts to explore the many wonderful areas of eastern Canada. If you have any “must-see” places, please drop me a line by posting a comment below.

About to take a bite out of the Big Apple

Sunday, April 14th, 2013

This week I will be taking flight to New York City to participate in the Canada Media Marketplace (CMM), an event where provincial and city tourism leaders meet with members of the media to entice them to visit and feature. This is the first time I’ve been invited to the event and I’m really excited as my plans are to road trip from Arizona to Toronto for TBEX (Travel Blogger Conference). After the conference I plan on spending the summer in the eastern part of Canada. I’ve been all over British Columbia, Alberta and Nova Scotia, but no where in between.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the Big Apple, the last time was just before 9/11. I used to work for a leading dot.com back in the late 90s to 2001 and made frequent trips to NYC. This is a great time of year to visit and am looking forward to having a bit of time to re-visit the city after the CMM conference.

New Wickenburg tourism video

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

I just finished an experiential tourism video for the town of Wickenburg, Arizona.  This video showcases the various activities, events and things to do in this west’s most western town. Located about 60 miles northwest of Phoenix, Wickenburg is an old mining town where cowboys still roam and artists reign. Have a look and let me know what ya think.


Bitcoin now being accepted

Thursday, April 4th, 2013

As many of you know, I offer sponsorship opportunities as well as video production services on Mike’s Road Trip.  What you may not know is that the digital currency called, Bitcoin, is becoming a more widely accepted form of payment for goods and services rendered. Starting today, I will start accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment.  As a matter of fact, I’ll even offer discounted rates when payment is made using Bitcoin. As of today’s value (4/4/13), I would be willing to produce a base rate 2-minute video for only 3.5 Bitcoin.  For the latest Bitcoin price, visit MTGox.com, the largest Bitcoin exchange.

No road trips left in this car

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

While out exploring some shots of an old mine for a tourism video I’m working on, I came across this ol’ car at the bottom of a mountain of tailings. Anyone have an idea what the make, model and year is?

[Video] Cowgirl Up! “Quick Draw” contest

Monday, March 25th, 2013

Cowgirl Up! is an annual art event hosted by the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, Arizona.  On the final day of the event there is a “Quick Draw” competition in which female artists have one hour to paint or sculpt an original piece of artwork. Shortly after the competition the various pieces go up for auction.  The video below is a snapshot of the event featuring V…Vaughan…from start, to finish, to sold.



If you’ve been to Cowgirl Up! before, leave a comment below and share your favorite aspects of the event.

Biggest, Baddest, Bucket List!

Tuesday, March 19th, 2013

Vote for meI usually shy away from the deluge of travel blogger contests out there, but this one really grabbed my attention…The Biggest, Baddest, Bucket List! True to it’s name, this is one heck of a great opportunity for the winner.  Get this…a six month, all expenses paid trip around the world.  And, you get to choose the destinations.  If that wasn’t enough, upon your return, and for all the work blogging about the trip, you receive a check for $50,000 and the title of “Biggest Baddest Blogger!”  How cool is that!?  If you click on the icon to the right you’ll be taken to my profile where you can vote for me.  I would REALLY appreciate your support on this one.  Below is the video I produced specifically for this contest.

Featured in the Spring 2013 issue of “Wild Junket”

Saturday, March 9th, 2013

One of my photos (shown below) was featured in the spring 2013 issue of “Wild Junket” magazine on page 10.