Winter Haven is a town full of quaint, cozy charm. Located about halfway between Orlando and Tampa, it is a cute little world of its own. Join me in exploring its adorable downtown, that is continually revitalizing while retaining its historic charm.

Napa Valley is an incredible place to spend a day or three frolicking amongst the hills, taking in the beautiful sights, and of course, tasting that wine. This trip was mainly to have fun with my friends, but I did manage to get a few shots in of our relaxing, beautiful day in Napa Valley.

Last year I had the incredible opportunity to visit Angel Island. It’s a beautiful, woods-covered island in the San Francisco Bay, located pretty close to Alcatraz. Angel Island is bigger than Alcatraz, and has the added distinction of never being home to a prison. However, it used to be home to a military site, as well as an immigration entrance into the United States. It is sometimes called the Ellis Island of the West, but that lofty title glosses over some of its darker history. Many of the immigrants were held here on this island for a time, in less than great conditions. Angel Island does still have many of the buildings and pays tribute to the people that spent time here under distressing circumstances.

Now, you can visit this island to hike, bike ride, and camp. Take the ferry over from a pier in San Francisco (I forgot which one but it’s the most touristy one) for a day trip. Or stay overnight in what is a truly spooky experience. Being out on this island all alone with no lights was pretty scary for me, but at the same time a magical experience. It is truly a beautiful place and the views of the Bay Area, from Oakland to San Francisco, to the Golden Gate Bridge, to Sausalito are absolutely breathtaking.

The Military Barracks

Sunset

Sausalito

Thank you, Angel Island

The Bellagio in Las Vegas has an amazing garden room in the center of the hotel year-round. But as with everything, Christmas makes it extra special magical. Here’s just a few snaps of this beautiful Christmas wonderland!

Am I doing this right?

I want to dive in like Scrooge McDuck, but like a non-Scroogey McDuck because it’s a Christmas tree!

Despite the missions’ somewhat questionable past, OK very questionable, they are quite beautiful to visit. And as part of our history, we do well to visit them and acknowledge the whole history: both good and bad. Here’s some pictures and somehow I forgot to get the front……

I have no idea if this window is original or any masonry-related questions, but it is really cool and I love the blue window frame. Plus it’s a circle which is the roundest of shapes

Hey there, handsome

I mean, wouldn’t you set up your mission here?