When you have time in Phoenix, you'd be crazy to not spend some of it hiking. One beautiful area to consider visiting is the White Tank Mountains Regional Park. It's about a 35-minute drive from central Phoenix in Waddell, but it's worth the trek. It's an expansive park with opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, picnics, mountain biking and exploring. Last time I visited the park was when I ... Read more
A Phoenix Hike
Dreamy Draw Recreation AreaThe No. 1 activity I had planned during our weekend in Phoenix was a hike, even if it wasn't too challenging or long. I longed for the Phoenix sunshine, especially as we made our way to the Chicago airport with a real feel in the negative digits. I didn't pack any jackets or sweaters for Phoenix, which was wishful thinking considering it does get chilly in the mornings ... Read more
Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River, Costa Rica
** This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links. Thanks for supporting Floradise!The most fun I had on our Costa Rica trip was during our whitewater rafting tour with Exploradores Outdoors. The company picked us up 6 a.m. Saturday from Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast for the 12-hour adventure. We picked up two new friends, one from France ... Read more
Caribbean Costa Rica Itinerary
Punta Uva I am sitting in the airport in San Jose, Costa Rica, trying to wrap my head around flying home. These past nine days seemed to fly past us. This country has taught us so much in just a short time. We met some wonderful people from around the world. Several Costa Ricans and expats helped us when we needed it and showed us so much kindness. I will never forget it. I plan to share tons ... Read more
Christmastime at Camelback Mountain
If you live in Phoenix, or know anyone who does, you've probably heard of the Christmas tree atop Camelback Mountain. It seems to be what everyone's talking about nowadays, besides the weather. You've probably also heard about the guy who dresses as Santa and poses for photos with hikers on weekends leading up to Christmas. While I didn't get a photo with the big guy, I saw the Christmas tree for ... Read more