5 Reasons to Stay in Hana on Maui

October 13, 2015January 28, 20162 Comments

When planning our honeymoon in Hawai’i a couple of years ago, I had such a hard time deciding which islands to visit even though we were able to spend two weeks there. We decided on three islands total to give a good amount of time on each island; O’ahu was a given since we were flying in and out of Honolulu from the mainland. I had a hard time choosing between the Big Island and Kaua’i but ultimately decided on the Big Island because of my desire to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. I also decided I’d save Kaua’i for a future trip. Since it was my first time visiting, Maui also quickly made the list because it’s my husband’s favorite island (side note: Hawai’i is his favorite place in the world- he’s been five times)! But in all the times he visited he’d never been to Hana, so we planned to stay the last couple of nights of our trip on the Eastern part of the island. Here are five reasons to stay in Hana on Maui based on the fabulous experience with our Hawaiian stay:

Hana is most well known because of the Road to Hana, which twists and turns alongside the Cliffside road. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, the road can get crowded so staying overnight in Hana allows you more time for stops along the way without feeling rushed and limited by needing to turn around and head back.

2. Hana has some pretty colorful beaches to visit. Waianapanapa State Park has a black sand beach and freshwater caves to explore. Kaihalulu Beach takes a little more effort to find – a bit of a walk and climbing on rocks- but you’re rewarded with a gorgeous and unique red sand beach. If you want a more traditional beach that’s good for bodyboarding, Hamoa Beach shouldn’t be missed!

3. I loved the authenticity of the small town of Hana. We enjoyed exploring the lushness of the countryside. I also liked strolling around Hana, especially the grounds of Travaasa hotel and its gallery shop. We found a Thai restaurant that I still remember being delicious but sadly discovered on TripAdvisor that it has since closed.

4. A short drive south of Hana town you’ll find part of Haleakala National Park, with parking and swimming at Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools). There’s also hiking including the Waimoku Falls trail. We loved this hike with its gorge, bamboo forest & eventual waterfall destination. The lushness of the surrounding environment is so refreshing!

5. The final & perhaps best reason to stay in Hana is just to relax. The pace of life feels slower than when staying at a resort on the island. We rented a house for the nights we stayed, and my husband was absolutely thrilled with our porch. It was so peaceful to lay out there and look out to see the green of the forest and blue of the ocean and sky. I tend to be a frenetic traveler who wants to see and do everything but sometimes its nice and necessary to rest and spend quality time with your fellow traveler(s).

If you’ve been to Hana, add your reasons why to visit in the comments below! If you haven’t, tell us if you now want to go!

Stephanie at A Friend Afar

Stephanie grew up road-tripping across the U.S., but her first flight was to Australia, and she’s been hooked ever since. She lived abroad in Thailand, where she met Meagan, and in Ghana with Peace Corps and has been to over 30 countries on 6 continents. She travels for the adventure, the stories, and nature.

http://www.AFriendAfar.com

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta - www.AFriendAfar.com

Free Atlanta Adventures: Historic Oakland Cemetery

September 10, 2015January 28, 20161 Comment

Top 5 Reasons to Visit
Historic Oakland Cemetery this Fall

When the weather starts to cool down, which could be a while from now in Atlanta, I’m always looking for new, outdoor fall activities and places to visit. I always make a few day trips up to the North Georgia mountains to see the leaves change, try some of the vineyards’ offerings, and pick apples. As for locations in the Atlanta area, I have a great idea for you! If you haven’t been to Historic Oakland Cemetery, take a weekend morning this fall to walk along the 48 acres of Victorian gardens and statues with a cup of coffee in hand. It’s a peaceful refuge in the busy city, and a perfect addition to any “staycation!” Here are the Top 5 reasons you should check it out.

It’s FREE!

With all of the things to do in the fall that cost money – weekends in the mountains, football, apple picking, pumpkin picking, and drinking as much cider as possible, a free place to spend your time is a great find!

It’s a calm green space in the heart of the city!

While everyone else is headed to Piedmont Park and the Beltline, Historic Oakland Cemetery is never crowded. Take a picnic or jog along the paths, stopping to check out the dates and names on the headstones. With 48 acres of gardens, green space, and benches, you’re sure to find a serene spot all to yourself.

Walk through Atlanta’s fascinating history!

Oakland Cemetery was started in 1850, and during the war, land was added to bury soldiers who died in local hospitals. It was designated a rural garden cemetery, and families often took carriage rides and picnics when tending to the graves of their loved ones in the late 19th century. Keeping with the garden theme, Oakland was also home to Atlanta’s first greenhouse, which was built in 1870.

Margaret Mitchell, Author of Gone With The Wind - Top 5 Reasons to Visit Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta - www.AFriendAfar.com

Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, is buried here.

There are numerous famous Atlantans buried here, including Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones, Maynard Jackson, and Ivan Allen Jr. There are signs along the walkways pointing you to historic graves, and you can also take a guided tour to learn more about those buried here and how they shaped the city of Atlanta to what it is now.

Bobby Jones, Golfer - Top 5 Reasons to Visit Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta - www.AFriendAfar.com

It’s a tradition for golfers to leave a golf ball on Bobby Jones’ grave.

Check out the neighborhood restaurants!

Grab coffee at Octane Coffee Bar across the street before your walk through the gardens, or plan for brunch at Ria’s Bluebird; both are local favorites. Bars like Six Feet Under and The Republic Social House have great views from their rooftop patios, and Mi Barrio serves up some wonderful Mexican food. If you don’t live in the Grant Park area, this is a great chance to try some new restaurants.

Sipping Tea in Historic Oakland Cemetery in the Fall - Top 5 Reasons to Visit Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta - www.AFriendAfar.com

Sipping tea in Historic Oakland Cemetery on a beautiful October morning

Take a Halloween tour!

Speaking of guided tours, the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tour is an exciting annual event at the end of October. Docents in Victorian costumes guide you through the cemetery. Tickets sell out fast, and you can buy them here.

Have you been to Atlanta’s Historic Oakland Cemetery, or do you have a similar historic cemetery in your city that has become a wonderful park to explore? Tell us about it in the comments!

Meagan Martz at A Friend Afar

Meagan grew up in the North Georgia Mountains and spent her first trip abroad in Italy. She’s been traveling all over the world ever since, learning Spanish, Japanese, and Thai. She travels for the food, the culture, and the history.

http://www.AFriendAfar.com

Two National Parks of the West: Joshua Tree & Hawaii Volcanoes

August 25, 2015January 18, 20164 Comments

As our dedicated readers have realized by now, I am quite enamored with the National Parks of the US. In fact I have a goal to visit them all! If you missed it, there was an earlier post on National Parks and Seashores of the East as well as Camping Out West. To celebrate the 99th birthday of the National Park Service (can’t wait for the 100th), I’m bringing you more inspiration about a couple of National Parks of the West. Our country is so beautiful so hopefully this post inspires you to add at least one more park to your list.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park wasn’t really on my radar until last year when my husband and I were deciding where to travel on a long weekend trip. It’s only a two hour drive from LA and 45 minutes from Palm Springs, but you feel like you’re a world away from civilization once you get out in the desert. Joshua Trees are so named because they reminded early Mormon settlers of the prophet, with their branches raised heavenward. You’ll also see yuccas and ocotillos in this meeting place of the Mojave and Sonora deserts. We entered the park via the Southern entrance at Cottonwood Visitor Center and were instantly amazed by the vast desert scenes along the stretch we first drove. Our first stop at Cholla Cactus Garden introduced us to cholla, which look like you’d want to hug them, but don’t try!

Most of the scenic stops are concentrated on Park Boulevard and include Jumbo Rocks, Keys View, and the one-mile Hidden Valley loop trail. There’s plenty to do including hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Don’t miss the short Skull Rock Trail near Jumbo Rocks, where you’ll see the famous rock that looks like a skull, or the sunset, which is pretty spectacular in the desert. Make sure you plan your visit during the cooler period (October-May) and bring lots of water since it’s the desert, and cell phone signal is hard to come by.

Hawai’i VolcanoES National Park

My husband and I honeymooned in Hawaii in October 2013, and one of the main reasons I chose the Big Island over Kauai was a desire to go see a volcano! Because of the government shutdown, it was touch and go for a while as to whether the park would be open during our stay, so you can imagine my immense relief when it reopened! It absolutely did not disappoint. I loved seeing the fumes from the lava during the day, but the highlight was to see the lava glow from the vent within Halema’uma’u Crater at night from the Jaggar Museum. Driving Crater Rim and Chain of Craters roads through the park allows you to see all the different scenery available in the park- from the caldera to the desert and more.

My favorite activity was hiking the 4 mile Kīlauea Iki loop trail which takes you through a rain forest and then onto the crater floor where you find a lava lake, steam vents, cinder and spatter cones. Many people do the national park as a day trip from Kona, Hilo or elsewhere on the island but we really enjoyed our stay in the town of Volcano, and because of the weather (lots of rain), it afforded us the opportunity to enter the park multiple times.

Which of the two parks in today’s post sound most interesting to you? Any recommendations on which national park of the West I should visit next?

Stephanie at A Friend Afar

http://www.AFriendAfar.com

Quote of the Week

August 24, 2015Leave a comment

Stephanie at A Friend Afar

http://www.AFriendAfar.com

Shot of the Week

August 14, 20154 Comments

Alaska never disappoints! This photo of Ptarmigan Creek in Moose Pass on the Kenai Peninsula was taken by Blake, Meagan’s cousin. We love how the sun shining in highlights the gorgeous purple fireweed!

Meagan Martz at A Friend Afar

http://www.AFriendAfar.com

Mt. Pisgah- www.afriendafar.com #mtpisgah #northcarolina

A Favorite Place: Mt. Pisgah in North Carolina

August 4, 2015January 18, 2016Leave a comment

I have many a favorite place, but one that will always have a special place in my heart is Mt. Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. One reason why Mt. Pisgah is so dear to me is that when I was growing up my family often took a trip up to the mountains in the summer to camp since it’s much cooler than back home in Atlanta. I still enjoy camping today, and Mt. Pisgah is somewhere I like returning to over and over again. My husband and I even visited Mt. Pisgah when we got engaged. There’s also an Inn to stay in if camping isn’t your cup of tea and an adjoining restaurant that serves up pretty tasty meals, including mountain trout.

The beauty of Mt. Pisgah never gets old. Gazing out at the Blue Ridge Mountains makes you forget the hustle, bustle and busyness you left behind in day-to-day life and brings you back into living in the present. No dwelling on the past or looking forward to the future but being mindful of the moment, brought back to live in the here and now. Conquering the hike to the summit of Mt. Pisgah makes you feel accomplished but also affords an incredible view that simultaneously makes you feel on top of the world and reminds you of what a small space you occupy in it.

Stephanie at A Friend Afar

http://www.AFriendAfar.com

National Parks and Seashores of the East in the US

July 2, 2015January 28, 20165 Comments

There’s something about summer that makes me want to plan a domestic trip where I spend most of the time in the great outdoors. Last time I wrote about National Parks I focused on camping trips to parks out West. But the Eastern part of the US also has amazing national parks and seashores that are completely worth exploring.

National Parks and Seashores of the East- Cades Cove - www.afriendafar.com #greatsmokymountains

National Parks

National Parks and Seashores of the East- Cataloochee - www.afriendafar.com #greatsmokymountains #cataloochee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the first national parks I ever had the pleasure of visiting. Cades Cove and Cataloochee are two of my favorite areas in the park because of the wildlife viewing opportunities, including deer, elk and bears, and their campgrounds. The park also has excellent hiking, biking, horseback riding, waterfalls, and historic buildings to see. If you love the mountains, start planning your trip to this park. As an added bonus, this is one of few parks that is absolutely free to visitors! [Great Smoky photos by Laura Brown]

National Parks and Parkways of the East- Acadia Sunrise- www.afriendafar.com #maine #acadianp

Acadia National Park in Maine is such a unique and stunning park. Being from the Southern US, I love the rocky beaches of the park but of course found the water too cold for my taste. Acadia is perfect for camping in the summer since it stays cool, but Bar Harbor and other nearby communities also have other lodging options. You can wake up literally at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, which is the first place in the US to the see the sun each day (though technically it changes depending on the season). Other activities include hiking, biking and boating. I’m sure the leaves are gorgeous in the fall, but I’ve only been during the summer. [Acadia photo from Mainethingstodo.com]

National Parks and Seashores of the East- Skyline Drive from Bearfence Mountain- www.afriendafar.com #shenandoahnationalpark #virginiaisforlovers

Shenandoah National Park is easily reached from Washington DC if you want to make a side trip while visiting our nation’s capital. Although, there’s enough to see to warrant it’s own trip as well! There’s plenty of adventure awaiting you along Skyline Drive, the 109 mile scenic roadway that runs the length of the park. Across from the Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center on Milepost 51, Big Meadows is perfect for rambling around and viewing wildlife. There are a lot of hikes in varying levels of difficulties, including Bearfence Rock Scramble and Viewpoint at Milepost 56.4, which affords you 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge mountains.

National Parks and Seashores of the East- Cape Hatteras National Seashore- www.afriendafar.com #capehatterasnp #outerbanks

National Seashores

National Parks and Seashores of the East- Hatteras Lighthouse- www.afriendafar.com #capehatterasnp #outerbanks

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks and consists of three barrier islands: Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island. The pristine beaches, fun lighthouse climbs, and hiking trails with wildlife viewing are all big draws. I have many fond childhood memories camping there with my family. There are four campgrounds to choose from and other lodging options outside the park.

The northern entrance of the national seashore is in Nags Head, NC, while the southern entrance is in Okracoke and can only be reached by ferry. The ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are free while the ferries between Okracoke to the mainland require reservations. Riding the ferry is one of my favorite parts of the Outer Banks experience!

National Parks and Seashores of the East- Cumberland Island Campground- www.afriendafar.com #capehatterasnp #outerbanks

Cumberland Island National Seashore is my favorite beach in my home state. No cars are allowed on the barrier island, so you must take a pedestrian ferry that leaves from St. Mary’s, Georgia. Most people go to Cumberland Island as a day trip, but if you like camping, the gorgeous Sea Camp Campground is pretty amazing with its stunning shade from the live oaks that lean away from the beach. Try to make reservations well in advance since it’s a popular place, and keep in mind that you do have to pack all supplies in and out. There’s also wilderness camping available if you like backpacking.

Once on the island, you can either walk or rent bicycles from the ferry company. The beach is beautiful and unspoiled with white sand and decent waves for bodysurfing. The best part of the island is seeing the wild horses and the Dungeness ruins. The first Dungeness was built by Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene’s widow, while the second Dungeness was built by the Carnegies on the original foundation but burned down in 1959. Plum Orchard Mansion is gorgeously preserved in Georgian Revival style and is open Thursday to Monday. Cumberland Island made the news in 1996 when John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette were married in the First African Baptist Church in the Settlement, which is one site I’ve yet to see. Guess that means I’d better plan a trip back to the island soon! [Cumberland Island photos by Laura Brown]

Planning Tip

If you’re visiting multiple parks during the year, think about buying the $80 annual pass! Also check out my posts 2 National Parks of the West to Visit, Camping Out West in the US, and A Quick Guide to National Historical Sites for more inspiration on which parks to visit.

Stephanie at A Friend Afar

http://www.AFriendAfar.com

Five Wineries to Visit in North Georgia

June 25, 2015November 6, 20162 Comments

We know what you’re thinking. Wineries in North Georgia? Really? But yes, friends, North Georgia has been in the vineyard scene for a while now, and the offerings are quite impressive. While we haven’t been to all the wineries here yet, these are a few of our favorite North Georgia Vineyards that we’ve visited and would recommend as a day trip from Atlanta or a short weekend getaway.

Frogtown Cellars

This Dahlonega vineyard has one of the most picturesque views from its outside patio. You can lunch on delicious paninis from the Bistro Café while looking out on the vineyard and lake with the mountains in the background. The tasting is $15 for a flight of 7 white or red wines.

: Three Sisters Wine Slushy

: Tasting Room

: Three Sisters Barn

Three Sisters Vineyard

I love the name of this vineyard first off since I’m one of three sisters. It’s just around the corner from Frogtown Cellars but has a totally different, more country feel. I have a wine glass at home from a tasting that says “Thar’s wine in them thar hills” which perfectly describes the vibe of Three Sisters. My favorite wine is the Fat Boy Red but Blood Mountain Red is a close second especially paired with Cheetos! You can taste 4 for $10. They always seem to be having events and live music so definitely check out their calendar beforehand. They also have wine slushies and beer on tap.

: Cavender Creek Log Cabin and Vineyards

: Donkey Wine Tasting Room

Cavender Creek Vineyards

We’ve only been to this vineyard once but we enjoyed the rustic feel, laid back tasting room, and live music on the patio outside. You can taste any four wines for $5 and mix reds and whites. We loved the informal atmosphere and that the symbol of the winery is a cute donkey (#donkeywine on Instagram).

Wolf Mountain Vineyard

Wolf Mountain Vineyards

This vineyard is a favorite of ours to eat at. The WMV Vineyard salad and fig, prosciutto, and pear pizza lunch menu items at the Vineyard Café are to die for and the $30 Sunday brunch is well worth it. Make sure you check the website for the monthly theme of the brunch and make reservations since they’re required! The tastings cost $15 for 6 pours and we recommend taking home the Chantelope.

Five Wineries to Visit in North Georgia- Hightower Creek Vineyard- www.afriendafar.com- #hightowercreek #northgeorgiawineries

Hightower Creek Vineyards

Meagan’s parents helped their family friends start this vineyard, and it’s located in her beautiful hometown of Hiawassee. They’re about to celebrate their three year anniversary next week and wines like Deliverance and Chatuga White are definitely worth celebrating! Plus, they have delicious wine slushies and offer live music and wine dinners as special events.

Planning Tip

We used Southern Living and the Dahlonega Wine Trail page on Dahlonega’s site to plan our trip!

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Stephanie at A Friend Afar

http://www.AFriendAfar.com

Guest Post: Leaving My Comfort Zone in Costa Rica

June 18, 2015January 18, 2016Leave a comment

Today’s post is by our good “friend afar,” Emily! She recently traveled to Costa Rica for an anniversary trip with her husband. We’ve known Emily for over a decade now, so we loved hearing about how she faced her fears and the wonderful adventures she had in return.

: Arenal

: Cloud forest

: Waterfall

: Tarantula

For my 5th anniversary, my husband and I decided to take a big trip. I am absolutely a read and relax on vacation kind of girl so when we settled on Costa Rica as the destination, I was a little terrified. I knew the trip would be lots of hiking, sight-seeing, and adventure. I decided early on to buck up and really enjoy the ride, and I made a promise to myself not to complain and to push myself to be uncomfortable.

We started our trip in gorgeous Arenal, and it was exactly as expected: crazy driving on dirt roads, 8+ miles a day of hiking, and hundreds of steps climbed. By the time we reached Monte Verde and saw both a pit viper snake and a tarantula right beside our hiking trail, I knew I definitely wasn’t in my element any more!! Still, I was proud of myself for taking it all in stride and really appreciating the sites and experiences that came with quite the workout. I knew, however, the true test of my resolve would come towards the end of the trip when we planned to take a zip line canopy tour.

Guest Post: Leaving My Comfort Zone in Costa Rica- Getting Ready- www.afriendafar.com #costarica

It only got higher from there!

I don’t think I can communicate enough how terrified of heights I am. I get queasy even when driving near a cliff or drop off! We went to some hanging bridges at the beginning of the trip, and I had to dart as fast as I could across them to keep from panicking. By the end of the 6 bridges I was doing a little better and able to take my time a little.

Guest Post: Leaving My Comfort Zone in Costa Rica- Bridge- www.afriendafar.com #costarica

Hanging bridges may have broken me in a little at the start of the trip, but dangling by a cable for the mile long zip line didn’t sound like my idea of fun! My husband, however, was beyond thrilled! Standing around, in full gear waiting for instruction, I nervously chatted with my husband about how safe he though everything was. Two guys nearby jumped in and assured me everything looked pretty good, except the hand breaking, which they had never done before. Turns out this was their 3rd zip line trip, and they had done this before in Puerto Rico and Mexico. It was great to get some tips from people with experience! Come to find out, one of the pair actually works at the same company as me in another office! The world has honestly never felt so small!

For the entire experience, they stuck with us, encouraged me, and even used their Go Pro to video my trip down the mile long zip line. It was amazing how meeting these strangers totally eclipsed my fear! Hanging a mile above the earth, dangling from a wire was so invigorating!! It was worth pushing through those terrifying moments in the beginning! It wasn’t an experience I will soon forget! I was so glad I had leaned into the fear instead of missing out, and I’m so grateful for my husband and new friends for encouraging me to be brave.

hot springs near Arenal: Guest Post: Leaving My Comfort Zone in Costa Rica- Tarantula- www.afriendafar.com #costarica

It was worth it for the chance to relax in these amazing hot springs near Arenal!

Traveling to new places can be scary. There are language barriers, lack of street signs, and different customs and traditions to navigate. If I hadn’t faced these fears, I wouldn’t have been able to relax in the hot springs in Arenal, summit above the Cloud Forest in Monte Verde, and see all the monkeys in Manuel Antonio. Surround yourself with people who will cheer you on and maybe even buy that plane ticket with you. Nothing is more rewarding that looking head on into those fears and leaping into adventure anyway.

Meagan Martz at A Friend Afar

http://www.AFriendAfar.com

Quote of the Week

June 1, 2015Leave a comment

“Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don’t be sorry.”
― Jack Kerouac

Stephanie at A Friend Afar

http://www.AFriendAfar.com

A Friend Afar

Travel Tips from Friends Who Know

Category: North America

5 Reasons to Stay in Hana on Maui

Free Atlanta Adventures: Historic Oakland Cemetery