MIRTH AND MISCHIEF AT UHUBURG CASTLE

During my elementary school years, you'd often find me with my nose in a book engrossed in reading tales about King Arthur, Prince Valient and the merry adventures of Robin Hood. Our local library had this wonderful reading room that was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation that made you feel like you were hanging out in a castle with its woodworking and a fireplace they kept lit from Fall through Spring which was the perfect spot for a kid to immerse himself in tales of chivalry and swordsmanship. Since those days, I've dreamed of one day traveling to Europe to explore the castles and locations where those stories were set. 

Alas, I've yet to make that dream a reality. If you are like me and taking a trip to Europe to trek around castles isn't really that practical on your family budget, there is another option that is closer to home where you don't have to use a passport to travel outside the USA. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding the alpine town of Helen, Georgia is Uhuburg Castle, a legitimate reproduction of a European fortresses from days gone by. 

This Renaissance-style castle has twelve towers, one turret, three gatehouses, an eight story lookout tower, Great Hall, cloistered walls with rampart and lower walkways and two acres of courtyard gardens. The castle has spectacular views from each of the walls and towers of the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains around it. Based upon the Bavarian heritage of Helen, the structure takes its name from Uhu and Burg, the German words for Owl and Castle. Visitors can choose to spend a day touring the grounds or can spend the night at the castle's boutique hotel. Uhuburg Castle also hosts special events like Renaissance festivals throughout the year.

During the month of May this year, Uhuburg Castle will be featuring an immersive theatrical event on Friday and Saturday nights called Mirth & Mischief which features cirque-style acrobatics and cutting-edge video projections. Utilizing the ambiance of Uhuburg Castle, Mirth & Mischief will create a fantasy setting meant to fascinate and delight people. This is a ticketed event meant for ages 18+.

Head over to uhuburg.com to check out other events taking place at the castle throughout the year ranging from its CastleFaire Renaissance Festival to visits with Father Christmas at the castle. Would you be geeked to visit Uhuburg Castle? I know I would be! 

TEN GREAT INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS IN NAYARIT

Does being able to visit scenic spots that stand out when pictured on social media factor into your vacation planning? For many the experiences associated with capturing travel selfies and landscape imagery have become as much of the fun of a trip as adventure excursions, shopping or dining can be for others. Some enjoy travel photography for the artistic expression, others find it a nice way to make and catalog memories, then there are those who just like to brag to others about what they are up to. No what reason entices you, if finding great "Instagrammable Spots" is important to your travel itinerary then a visit to Nayarit should be a very attractive destination. 

Nayarit situated along the Pacific Ocean in central Mexico is one of thirty-one states that makeup the country. Marketed as "Rivera Nayarit" based upon its attractive beaches, lagoons and tidal mangrove forests along its coastline. Nayarit also contains a variety of geography within its interior including hundreds of miles of rainforest and mountains filled with pine-oak forests. It is filled with attractive and interesting places that are great for sharing on Instagram.

Nayarit offers countless opportunities to create scroll-stopping content. Here are ten great Instagrammable Spots in Nayarit, guaranteed to elevate your social media game and provide images you can cherish for a lifetime. The aesthetics of Nayarit have made it a travel destination not just for beach goers and snow birds but a haven for photographers and Instagram enthusiasts as well.

#1 Hidden Beach, Islas Marietas 

Topping the list is the world-famous Hidden Beach in Islas Marietas. Also known as Playa del Amor, this secluded beach is hidden inside a crater, accessible only by swimming or kayaking through a tunnel. The azure waters, pristine sand, and unique geological formations create a surreal scene that will make your Instagram feed stand out. The Hidden Beach's exclusivity and natural beauty make it a must-visit spot for any traveler to Nayarit.

# 2 Higuera Blanca Viewpoint 

The Higuera Blanca viewpoint is unbeatable for breathtaking panoramic views. Located near Punta Mita, this vantage point offers sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, lush hills, and the surrounding coastline. Whether you're capturing the sunrise, sunset, or the expanse of the sea, the Higuera Blanca viewpoint provides the perfect backdrop for stunning landscape photography. The viewpoint is easily accessible and offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture Nayarit's natural beauty from above. 

#3 Cerro del Mono 

For the adventurous at heart, a hike up Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain) is a rewarding experience. The trail offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the Sierra Madre mountains, and the charming town of Sayulita. At the summit, you’ll find a 360-degree view that is awe-inspiring. The journey to the top is filled with photo opportunities, from lush forest paths to sweeping coastal views, making it a favorite among hikers and photographers. 

#4 Paper Flag Street in Sayulita 

Sayulita’s Paper Flag Street is a vibrant, colorful attraction that is perfect for Instagram. This picturesque street is adorned with hundreds of papel picado (traditional Mexican paper flags),creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The flags' vivid colors and intricate designs make for an eye-catching backdrop, and the street is lined with charming shops, cafes, and street art that add to the visual appeal. Whether by day or night, Paper Flag Street is a must-visit spot for capturing the spirit of Sayulita.

#5 San Pancho's Lo de Perla Orchidarium 

The Lo de Perla Orchidarium in San Pancho is a botanical wonderland that offers a feast for the eyes and the camera. This lush, tropical garden is home to a stunning collection of orchids and other exotic plants set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. The meticulously landscaped paths, vibrant flowers, and tranquil atmosphere provide endless opportunities for macro photography and serene nature shots. 

# 6 Isla Coral in Guayabitos 

 Isla Coral, located off the coast of Rincón de Guayabitos, is a paradise for beach lovers and snorkelers. The island’s white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life make it a perfect spot for underwater photography and idyllic beach scenes. Snorkeling in the coral reefs reveals a colorful underwater world teeming with fish and other sea creatures, providing ample opportunities for capturing stunning marine photos. 

# 7 Palafitos at San Blas 

 The palafitos (stilt houses) in San Blas offer a glimpse into this historic port town’s traditional way of life. These charming wooden structures, built over the water, create a picturesque scene that is perfect for photography. The reflections of the palafitos in the calm waters, combined with the vibrant colors of the houses, create a visually striking image that captures the essence of San Blas. A stroll through the town reveals more photographic gems, from colonial architecture to bustling markets. 

# 8 Santa Maria del Oro 

Santa Maria del Oro, a stunning volcanic crater lake, is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape and breathtaking views. The lake’s turquoise waters, surrounded by lush green hills, create a serene and picturesque setting. Visitors can capture stunning reflections of the surrounding landscape in the clear waters or take a boat ride to explore different angles of this natural wonder. The peaceful ambiance and natural beauty of Santa Maria del Oro make it a perfect spot for landscape and nature photography.

#9 Tierra Tropical Polo Field

 A sprawling backdrop of lush, green jungle will stop any Instagram scroller in their tracks when they see posts of the Tierra Tropical Polo Field. This visual paradise wows with vibrant tropical views, from the impeccably manicured polo field to the backdrop of majestic mountains. Whether you're snapping photos of graceful horses in action or the serene natural beauty, Tierra Tropical promises endless opportunities for viral-worthy material. 

#10 Mexcaltitan 

Mexcaltitan, often called the "Venice of Mexico,” is a small island town with charm and history. The town’s unique layout, with its narrow streets and canals, creates a picturesque setting reminiscent of Venice. Mexcaltitan is believed to be the legendary Aztlán, the ancestral home of the Aztecs, adding a layer of historical significance to its visual appeal. The colorful houses, traditional boats, and serene canals provide endless photo opportunities, capturing the essence of this unique and captivating destination.

FRIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

Throughout the year, St. Louis' CITY MUSEUM provides a fun menagerie of unique environments and exhibits that kids and kids at heart are sure to be geeked to explore. What was once a ten story shoe factory and warehouse has now been transformed into an artistic wonderland that will put your curiosity and imagination into overdrive. 

Do you have the courage to thrust yourself down a ten story slide that was originally a shaft used to transport finished shoes from the building's factory area to its warehouse? Brave enough to tackle a subterranean maze called "the caves?" Have the stamina to navigate a vertical climbing course on the exterior of the building complete with planes to leap into that gives you the feeling of soaring over the cityscape? These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the exciting and exhilarating experiences to be had at the City Museum. 

And while visiting this St. Louis, Missouri attraction anytime during the year will be entertaining, a visit at Halloween is extra special. From September 29th - October 28th the City Museum is going all out to amaze and mystify. FRIGHT AT THE MUSEUM will feature special Halloween themed exhibits and entertainment. There will also be two pop up pubs for the occasion for adults to enjoy, Vampire Bar and Coven & Cauldron featuring some spooktacular cocktails. 

For more information about Fright at the Museum, visit citymuseum.org

FIVE WAYS TO ENJOY A CODY YELLOWSTONE FALL GETAWAY

With summer vacations wrapped up and children back to school, if you want to enjoy the scenery of Yellowstone without the sight of crowds of other tourists around the Fall season is a great time for a getaway to the national park and the nearby quaint northwestern Wyoming town of Cody. This town provides a great staging point with the comforts of civilization for your outdoor adventures in the Yellowstone region. 

Here are five ways to enjoy a Cody Yellowstone fall getaway:

Go fishing. Cody Yellowstone is home to an abundance of top-flight fishing spots including the North and South Forks of the Shoshone River and rivers and streams in Yellowstone National Park. Local fishing outfitters offer guides, maps and advice. Blue-ribbon trout fishing is especially popular in the fall, where Yellowstone cutthroat, one of the four subspecies of cutthroat found in Wyoming, can be found throughout the region. 

Drive a UTV to a backcountry ghost town. Cody-based Tread ‘N Trails rents street-legal UTVs for adventurous visitors to explore backcountry areas such as the ghost town of Kirwin. Located high in the Absaroka Mountains above the town of Meeteetse, the discovery of gold in the late 1800s prompted the creation of this once-thriving boomtown. When a disastrous blizzard struck in 1907, most people left the town, leaving behind numerous structures and mines. UTV enthusiasts can explore miles of trails surrounding the town. They can also take a short hike to the foundation of a cabin that was being built by aviatrix Amelia Earhart, a frequent visitor to the region before her disappearance. 

Drive a scenic byway. Road-tripping in the fall is a memorable way to enjoy fall color, with five scenic drives leading into Cody that take travelers past some of Wyoming’s most breathtaking valleys, mountain passes, rivers and forests. Download the free TravelStorys app and listen to a GPS-prompted audio tour of the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway or the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway. Fans of audio tours can also listen to a guided walking tour highlighting downtown Cody’s historic structures. 

View wildlife in action. Fall is one of the best times of the year to watch wildlife in action. The forests, river valleys, mountains and canyons of Cody Yellowstone are filled with wildlife such as bears, elk, wolves, moose, bison, eagles and river otters, and many of these species are especially active in the fall. Bears spend the fall months filling up on pine nuts to fatten up before heading to their dens in the winter. It’s mating season for elk, and the males of the species court prospective mates by shrilly bugling and challenging other males to battles. Fall is also a great time to watch wolves. Wolf packs are often larger in the fall than other times of the year because pups are finally big enough to hunt with the adults. Top places to see wildlife in Cody Yellowstone include Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park, and along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway from Cody to the northeast gate of the park and the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway from Cody to the east gate of the park. 

Hit the trails. Explore Cody Yellowstone on a bike, on horseback or on foot. A free downloadable trail map offers suggestions for trails based on desired challenge level and type of trail (hiking, horseback riding, gravel bike or road bike). Grab a free downloadable trail map and hop on a bike to explore the town and the surrounding areas. Popular regions include downtown Cody, Beck Lake, Slick Rock and the Shoshone National Forest.

After a day full of adventure, you are sure to be hungry and thirsty. The new Cody Yellowstone Sippin’ Trail is a great way for visitors to experience some of the town’s most popular restaurants and bars. The trail includes breweries, restaurants and unique venues such as a cigar lounge and a historic hotel built by town founder Buffalo Bill Cody. Visitors who download a free app and make a purchase at the participating locations can earn points for rewards like Sippin Trail T-shirts, pint glasses and stickers.

Home of the Great American Adventure, Cody Yellowstone is comprised of the northwestern Wyoming towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse as well as areas inside of Yellowstone National Park and the valley east of the entrance. The region is known for recreational adventures that reflect the adventurous spirit of the visionaries and explorers who brought the remote region to the world’s attention.

DUBLIN CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF DRACULA

When most people think of DRACULA, the first thing that comes to mind is Gothic castles and Gypsy villages in the remote Transylvanian wilderness of eastern European Romania. So why is the capital city of the Emerald Isle hosting a festival celebrating 125 years of Dracula? Because the vampire's creator, Bram Stoker, is an Irish author from Dublin. Each October, the city hosts a Bram Stroker Festival with this year's event (October 28 - 31) having a focus on celebrating the 125th anniversary of the 1897 publication of Dracula which was the author's seventh novel.

While known now for his literary works, during his lifetime Bram Stoker was more recognized as a journalist and theatre critic who eventually became the personal assistant for a famed actor of the times, Sir Henry Irving, and the business manager for the Lyceum in London's West End theatre district. In fact, it is considered that Stoker's relationship with Irving and experiences at the Lyceum Theatre were more of an inspiration for Dracula than any research into Romanian lore and geography. The description of Dracula's Castle in the book is actually based upon New Slains Castle located near Cruden Bay, Scotland where Stoker was known to vacation and spend time working on his novels rather than any Transylvanian fortress.

There will be multiple opportunities to dress up in ghoulish garb during this year's Bram Stroker Festival to watch film screenings, discuss the novel or simply stroll through the city on a walking tour of Dublin’s dark side that fired Stoker’s imagination. Walking tour sites include the architecturally imposing Trinity College Dublin, which Stoker attended, Marsh’s Library, the oldest public library in Ireland, Dublin Castle with its spectacular gothic Chapel Royal, and St Michan’s Church, which houses mummified remains in its vaults. Past Bram Stoker Festival events over the years have featured major outdoor spectacles; intimate experiences on hallowed grounds; award-winning theatre productions; an outdoor circus at night; and elaborate banquets in sacred crypts. Would you want to visit Ireland to attend the Bram Stroker Festival?

This year's Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin, Ireland includes BOREALIS an electronic recreation of the aurora borealis natural phenomena being displayed over Dublin Castle's Upper Courtyard and Stokerland, a Victorian themed fun park. Visit bramstokerfestival.com for a full list of activities.

In the run up to this year's festival, to get into the undead spirit of Dracula, you can watch and listen to Bram Stoker Festival at Home Treats, a curated collection of podcasts, videos and audio content about Stoker, vampires and their influence on modern culture.

Would you consider attending the Bram Stoker Festival a spooktacular way to enjoy Halloween? I'd be geeked to go!