Check out my book list below and watch the video for an in-depth look into the titles I have chosen.
If you are visiting or living in the great city of Melbourne, you should take advantage of all that Victoria has to offer. With just a few hours of driving, you can reach Victoria and all that it has to offer like, scenic coastal drives, beautiful gardens, amazing Australian wildlife, delicious food, rejuvenating mineral springs and so much more.
All kinds of accommodations can be found in Victoria. Beyond the traditional hotels you can opt to stay at rustic cabins, quaint bed and breakfasts, beachside lodging, mountain retreats, farm stays and many other awesome places to hang your hat.
Below you can check out some of the most popular destinations in Victoria for nature lovers, romantic trips or getaways with family and friends.
Daylesford & Hepburn Springs
Want to experience ultimate relaxation? Check out Daylesford and Hepburn Springs – Victoria’s famed Spa Country. You can choose from more than one hundred natural spa treatments that are sure to leave you well-replenished, or just enjoy the rejuvenating powers of immersing yourself in naturally occurring mineral springs.
Mornington Peninsula
You’ll find this paradise just over an hour from Melbourne, but you’ll feel like you’ve traveled a world away. Strewn along the coast are quiet Victorian seaside towns, lovely sheltered beaches, fancy wineries as well as local markets. Here you can spend your days lounging by the beach in the pleasant Sorrento or Portsea. Enjoy tasting local wines and gourmet cheese in Red Hill. In Mornington Peninsula everything you want is at your fingertips.
The Dandenongs
Located a mere hour from Melbourne, The Dandenongs is a paradise near the city. Lavish foliage, abundant gardens, forests of tall ash trees, and quaint towns are the charms of Melbourne’s concrete jungle. There’s more to do than just enjoying the nature here. It’s possible to visit here via ferns and gullies on the historic Puffing Billy. Be sure to visit the region’s most famous establishment, Miss Marple’s Tea Room for a delicious taste of scones and tea.
Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is a real foodie haven in Victoria that’s renowned for its world-famous wineries, beautiful accommodations and fine restaurants. Yarra Valley is a renowned weekend destination both for Melbourne’s visitors and residents. Go out for a stroll, take photos of the rolling vineyards of the valley while on a hot air balloon ride. You can also get up close and personal with wildlife such as dingoes, wombats, platypuses and kangaroos at the Healesville Sanctuary. Don’t forget to savour exquisite meals matched with the some of the region’s best red and white wines to complete your gourmet experience.
High Country
Take in the majestic snowy peaks, pleasant heritage towns, rolling countryside, and superb wineries all while breathing in the fresh alpine air. There’s plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Victoria’s High Country. Sample creative cuisines in Milawa and Beechworth or spend an afternoon sipping wines in Rutherglen. Relish in the amazing scenery by biking or horseback riding through mountain trails. In winter, you can ski or snowboard down the slopes of Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham.
Victorian river trips
Want to fully enjoy Victoria’s natural wonders? Here you can find some of the best river scenes in the world where you and your travel companions can enjoy a plethora of activities. Check out the list of river trips from DriveNow and have a fun weekend break at Victorian Rivers. Take some time to relax riverside under the sun or swim through unspoiled waters nestled by nature and wildlife.
There you have it! Don’t forget to plan your itinerary in advance to maximise your stay. While you’re at it, it’s best to book your personal transport in advance so you can avoid lines, traffic, and even visit locations that aren’t normally reached by public transportation.
This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.
My family and I recently returned from Skytop Lodge and I cannot say enough about the awesome days we spent there. Skytop Lodge is a stunning piece of history that sits upon 5,500 majestic acres atop the picturesque Pocono mountains.
Although this resort is only a 1.5-hour drive from our home in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York, I never heard of it before this summer. Even though I have traveled to the Poconos more times than I can count, this was an entirely different experience. From the moment we arrived, until the moment we left, we could not look at the old world charm of the stone lodge without being in awe.
Vacationing at Skytop means taking a step back in time. While they have all the modern conveniences we have come to rely on, it is the 4 pm afternoon tea time you look forward too.
Tea time is served in the main lobby or Pine Room and features an assortment of large, fresh-baked cookies, ice-cold lemonade and an assortment of teas. Once you have made your selections you can choose to enjoy your treats in the main lobby or as we did sitting in rocking chairs on the porch overlooking the grounds.
My boys loved the little chipmunk that decided to join us for tea and cookies. He was very polite and ate a small piece of whatever cookie you gave him.
Downstairs the arcade really takes you back to a time when families were unplugged and played games of ping-pong or went to the malt shop AKA the Tea Room where you will find an old-fashioned luncheonette counter reminiscent of an old-time soda fountain. Order up an egg cream or one of the “World’s Greatest Milk Shakes.”
The halls are peppered with photos and artwork of the Lodge and the many events that have taken place there since 1928. The dog shows, sled races, golf tournaments, tennis matches and so much more. All around you will find pieces from the rich history of this historic resort.
Climb the stairs of the Lodge all the way to the Skytop Observation Post which was used for spotting and reporting enemy aircraft during WWII. It was manned around the clock by volunteer staff, guests, cottagers and townspeople. for the duration of the war. The observation tower has views of Skytop’s 5,500 acres as well as the Delaware Water Gap and beyond. It is a great place to take photos and just imagine what it must have been like to be a lookout during the war.
Spending time out in nature is something I think a person should do every day, whether it is a morning walk, having coffee admiring the birds in the feeders or a challenging hike, it is good for your mind, body and soul! Skytop has trails throughout the estate property that let you embark and gaze upon the peace and beauty of nature at its finest.
All kinds of trails are available, guided tours, self-guided tours, trails suitable for strollers and trails that are much more challenging. They take you to crystal clear waterfalls, pristine lakes, mountain vistas, ancient forests and more.
The forests are alive with all kinds of wildlife, downstairs there is chart where people list what they saw that day. While we were there, someone spotted a black bear on hole 11 on the golf course, a family of otter swimming under one of the falls and so much more. Beyond that there are blueberries and huckleberries galore.
Downstairs in the lodge there are wildlife exhibits of live snakes and turtles, booklets about wildlife and guides you can take if you are brave enough to venture off on one of the trails yourself.
One of the highlights of our time at Skytop was the time we spent with their naturalist Rick Koval. Rick took us on a tour of the butterfly house and a guided tour of falls. The butterfly house is new and you can take a tour where you will learn all kinds of interesting facts about butterflies and get to feed them. It is utterly informative and absolutely amazing. There are many great photo opportunities too! Check out the caterpillar that looks like he is smiling in the collage below.
The hike with Rick was a real treat. After your first hike with him, you will be scanning the activities’ sheet to see when the next walk or hike with him is. Rick kept parents and kids engaged with his wealth of knowledge about the trees, flowers and wildlife found in the northeast Pennsylvania region and hands-on learning and tasting along the way. Who knew sassafras smelled and tasted like Fruit Loops?
He showed us some of the most poisonous mushrooms, we did not taste test those but took his word for it. We all got hands on with nature and wildlife like the adorable newts we met along the way. The highlight was the beautiful waterfall we all stopped to admire and as we reach the end of our hike we immediately wanted to know when and where the next one was.
After a nice hike it was time to hit the pool. Choose the outdoor or indoor pool or do both since they are connected. Relax and unwind on a chaise while your kids and maybe your husband if he is like mine, cannonball to their hearts desire. Then swim laps in the lap lane of the indoor pool. There is a kiddie pool and large hot tub for adults to soothe sore muscles in.
There are plenty of choices for dining. In the morning there is complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby along with fresh fruit and some fresh-baked goodies. If you are looking for a full breakfast, you can eat at the Windsor Dining Room.
The Windsor Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their cuisine is innovative and supports local farmers and ranchers. Everything is served in a classic setting. Be aware that no jeans, t-shirts, hats or shorts are permitted. On Saturday evenings, jackets are required for men. Ladies and children are also required to wear proper attire.
We really enjoyed the Tap Room, it is more casual and nice for families. They serve a full menu of traditional pub fare including lunch, sandwiches and dinner. I had a BBQ brisket sandwich that was so good my husband could not wait until I said I was too full to finish it! There serve large portions and the food is amazing.
The Inn-Between Deli is conveniently located in the Inn at Skytop between golf holes 9 and 10. The deli serves a light sandwich and salad menu. We found the Inn-Between Deli to be very convenient when we were at the lake and beach with our kids.
Also located at the Inn is the Lakeview Dining Room. Enjoy your meal in a relaxed setting overlooking one of Skytop’s lakes and award-winning golf course. The menu is extensive and offers something for everyone. Jackets are not required but jeans, t-shirts, hats or pool attire is not permitted. The front desk staff can assist with any questions about dining options and make reservations for you.
At night enjoy a marshmallow roast around the campfire or have fun playing Bingo with the other guests, movies are also shown in the afternoon and evenings. There is even a Camp in the Clouds for kids and so many other activities.
Even though in our first few days we had quite a bit of rain it was not constant and in the times of clearing we still were able to do so much. The last couple of days the weather was beautiful and while we did not believe the place could be more beautiful it was. Every time we went about we discovered something new and yet there was still so much we have not experienced.
Besides The Lodge there are other choices for accommodations on the property like the Inn at Skytop, The Cottages and the Stream Side Cottages. We chose the Lodge because we wanted the full, rich experience that only staying in the Lodge can provide.
The Lodge guest rooms were newly renovated in 2015 and the inspiration for their design was Skytop’s history, traditions and the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains. Incorporating that rich history with today’s modern conveniences led to the three signature designs of the Lodge guest rooms: Water, Garden and Mountain. There are also individually designed suites inspired by Skytop historical figures.
Our Garden theme room was gorgeous with a view overlooking the gardens, outdoor pool and the butterfly house.
Three dormer windows let in the natural light and let us peer down on everything below. In the closet were 2 large umbrellas, 2 handcrafted walking sticks and 2 luxurious robes. Waiting for us when we arrived was a plate of fruit and cheese along with flatbread crackers and a note from the staff. The housekeeping service was excellent and made sure we did not want for anything.
The valets were so accommodating and friendly it really was like coming home every time we came back from an activity, hike or trip into town. Shay at the front desk is a real treasure and always had a smile on his face, upon check in he remembered speaking to me the night before and went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect for our stay. Christy, director of group sales worked her magic to make sure we had everything we needed. The smiles were genuine as was the desire to really help guests have the best possible experience.
Down by the Inn, a short walk from the Lodge is a lake with a beach area. There is a large inflatable island of fun out in the lake that my kids just loved. There is a sandy beach area that is filled with lounge chairs, tables, beach umbrellas and more.
Nothing is overlooked at Skytop, the pool area has stacks and stacks of soft, fluffy, cabana striped beach towels. Down by the lake there are sand toys galore kids can use as well as more stacks of soft, fluffy towels. There are ample lounges, chairs and tables at both pools and on the beach. In the pool area they have fun noodles, diving rings, balls and other pool toys.
The grounds are impeccable and off the porch you will find a nice large playground for kids, a lawn chess set, a kid size golf course and so much more. All kinds of lawn games are available like crochet, volleyball, badminton, lawn bowling and more. If you are the competitive type, there are tournaments you can take part in.
If you are a golfer, you will love the award-winning golf course with spectacular views and the ability to see a variety of wildlife as you are teeing off.
Among the beautiful perennial flowers the gorgeous butterflies and birds. A white gazebo adorned with flower boxes filled with vibrant, red and white geraniums awaits. Take a seat in one of the comfortable rocking chairs and spend some time listening to the calls of area birds like the Northern Cardinal.
The SkyLites Activity Newsletter informs you about all the different activities happening each week. There are daily activities, 7 days a week and an activities desk to register for the things you want to do.
For the adventurous, the Adventure Center has a 3-hour treetop adventure course with challenging obstacles including elevated bridgeways connecting tree platforms, logs hanging from ropes to walk across, ladders, a cargo net and 7 different zip lines. This is not for the little ones, you must be a height of at least 5’11” with your hands above your head and must have a waist size of less than 41″ to participate. Other activities include paintball, rock wall climbing, archery and more.
Skytop Stables in on the property and you can take a western style wilderness ride to the top of the west rim tail for a picture perfect view of the property. The horses are well-natured and there are professional guides to make sure everyone has a great experience. Pony rides are available and you can also go on a hay ride.
If you are in need of pampering, look no further than the Skyview Spa. The Spa offers a wide selection of stimulating, healing, and innovative spa services that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.
Bring your dancing shoes because every Saturday night following a tradition from the early 1940’s, children and adults of all ages celebrate the tradition of the Grand March accompanied by the Doug Smith Orchestra. An elimination dance is held right before the Grand March.
Shuttles are available to take guests to different activities and hiking trails from the North Porch. A beautiful gift shop will let you take home memories in the form of a beautiful pottery mug, silver-plated Christmas Ornament of the Lodge, Skytop logo clothing and more.
Skytop truly is a hidden jewel atop the Pocono Mountains just beckoning to be discovered. Spending time at Skytop is not a vacation it is more than that, it is an extraordinary experience that I feel blessed to have discovered. I know why people return every year to Skytop, it is the perfect blend of past and present where you will create memories to last a lifetime. I know we will be back, next time with the whole family!
If you would like to make reservations at Skytop you can right on their website You can also stay in the loop with them on Facebook and Instagram. If you have any questions please ask in the comments and let me know if you have experienced Skytop, I would love to hear all about it.
Bees are crucial for our food system. Are you aware that bees and other pollinators are essential for two-thirds of the food crops we eat everyday such as almonds, squash, cucumbers, apples, oranges, blueberries, and peaches.
One out of every three bites of food we eat is pollinated by honeybees. The land around our home is a pesticide free zone and we garden organically and the many sunflowers, perennials and vegetables and fruits we have growing all over are flourishing thanks to bees.
Bees contribute over $20 billion to the U.S. economy and $217 billion to the global economy. Neonics are widely used in the U.S. on 140 crops and for cosmetic use in gardens. Neonics can last in soil, water and the environment for months to years to come. Neonics can kill bees outright and make them more vulnerable to pests, pathogens and other stressors while impair their foraging and feeding abilities, reproduction and memory.
Friends of the Earth U.S. had “bee kits” and “bee’n’bee” houses. The kits contain organic sunflower seeds and resources, a bee-safe and pesticide-free zone aluminum yard sign and other informational materials. The “bee’n’bee”kits will include a mason bee house and resources to maintain the house and create pollinator friendly habitat.
Both kits will include resources that will allow people to get more involved with Friends of the Earth and its #BeeAction Campaign. The goal is that after taking action in their own backyards through the “bee map” and kits, individuals and families will use it to connect and stay engaged with Friends of the Earth and the campaign on marketplace and local, state and federal organizing around protecting bees and other essential pollinators.
We recently received a “bee’n’bee” kit with a mason bee house and resources to create a pollinator friendly habitat. It is advised to hang the mason house on a tree, fence or your house about 3-6 feet above the ground in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. It is also advisable to have a wide range of annuals and perennials for the pollinators we are attracting.
This post is sponsored by Friends of the Earth. As always my words and views are 100% my own.
If you want colored glass rollers they are available too in a variety of shades like cobalt, green, amber,pink, black even multi color packs. See the selection HERE.
Another super deal I got was 12 Amber 15 ml bottles with dropper tops that are awesome for storage, mixing and sharing your oils. The handy dropper top is perfect for dispensing and mixing. Best of all $6.99 with free Prime shipping!
Diffusing oils is a great way to benefit from the health and healing these oils are known for. The Riverrock Diffuser from Deneve is whisper quiet and so easy to use.
You just fill the chamber with water you can easily measure and pour using the included plastic beaker. You use room temperature water, that is very important. Then add 3-5 drops of you favorite oil or oils and replace the cover.
Turn the unit on and immediately the unit’s LED light band starts changing colors and dispensing the aromatic The diffuser is whisper quiet and has the faint sound of a distant, babbling brook to relax you. Without oil the unit functions as a humidifier. This diffuser covers about 250 square feet for best results.
The diffuser purifies, sterilizes, moisturizes and ionizes by producing the finest, lightest droplets of water and essential oils without degrading the true essence of the oils, allowing micro droplets to disperse more widely. Using your essential oils in a diffuser like his can help with relieving tension, relaxation, coughs, colds and skin conditions. The changing LED light band is a mood enhancer and accent light but if you want totally darkness, you can turn it off. The river rock sleek shape of the diffuser compliments nearly any decor in the home, office or spa.
There are so many free ebooks on using Essential Oils HERE!
Please let me know if you have tried these products or are going to. I would love to hear your thoughts, just leave them in the comments.
The United States has long been called the world’s melting pot due to the great number of immigrants that moved here at the beginning of the twentieth century and continue to come. Today, many cities welcome immigrants with open arms. Here are a few of the country’s most culturally diverse cities.
New York City was the starting point for many Europeans as they made their way to America in search of paradise. However, much of the cultural landscape has since changed; 28.6 percent is Latino, 33.3 percent is white, 22.9 percent black, and 12.7 percent is Pacific Islander. Within each of these groups is a range of people from various countries, primarily Italy, Ireland, China, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean, creating an eclectic mix of food, art, music, and overall culture. If you love diversity, New York is definitely one of the best places to live.
Beginning in the 1850s, Chinese immigrants came in masses to San Francisco for a better quality of life. Today, the city has over 150,000 residents of Chinese heritage which comprise 21.4 percent of the population. San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest outside of Asia – even larger than New York’s. An additional 15.4 percent of the population is Hispanic, making San Francisco the second largest melting pot on the west coast.
Miami’s proximity to the Caribbean gives it a unique identity. Cuban, Puerto Rican, Haitian, and Dominican populations are large, each with their own unique neighborhood. This lends itself to a unique mix of food, music, and architecture. If you are in Miami, make sure you try a Cuban sandwich, made with pork, swiss cheese, and pickles on Cuban bread – a true delicacy.
Even before Texas became a state, it had a large Hispanic population, and today, the city has a completely different demographic. Over 50 percent of the population is Hispanic, making it the largest Hispanic population in the country. Authentic Mexican and Central American food is abundant, and many bars and restaurants deal strictly in Spanish. When in San Antonio, visit the Hispanic Heritage Jalapeno Festival and check out a Mariachi band or two.
The beautiful weather and scenery attracts not only Americans from around the country, but also people from all over the world. Almost half of the population has Hispanic ancestry, 14 percent are Asian, and nine percent are black. The true beauty of the city is that its ethnic and cultural diversity creates a creative atmosphere that is found only in Los Angeles. Plus, if you love film festivals, Los Angeles churns them out in different styles and languages, from blockbusters to small, independent films.
Cultural diversity is the catalyst to attaining a more creative and tolerable living situation. Whether your family came 100 years ago or just last month, the country provides fertile cities to plant new roots for anyone searching for the “American Dream”. All you have to do is find out what that dream is.
This post is a sponsored guest post on Mommy Ramblings.
We are in a crisis though, since 1990 the Monarch populations has decreased by 90%. I have noticed how rare it is to see a Monarch but was surprised to learn we lost such a large percentage. The more I thought, I could not recall seeing even see one last year. The beautiful yellow Swallowtail butterflies are prevalent and feed on the many succulent perennials in my garden. I have to do my part this year to try to bring the Monarch population back!
You may be wondering what we can do. It’s as easy as planting Milkweed. Milkweed serves as a food source, nursery and home for the Monarchs. The National Wildlife Federation says there is hope for the Monarch if we act now. Below you find 6 ways to save Monarchs with the NWF. This information and more is on their website so click the links below to learn more.
I hope you will join me in doing our part to create a natural habitat for the Monarchs. Please let me know if you plan to participate. I am really looking forward to seeing more and more of these beautiful creatures. I know we will if we all do our part. So, are you in?