{"id":5237,"date":"2013-08-19T20:50:23","date_gmt":"2013-08-20T00:50:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.catchingfireflies.com\/blog\/?p=5237"},"modified":"2013-08-19T20:50:23","modified_gmt":"2013-08-20T00:50:23","slug":"our-favorite-vacation-spots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.catchingfirefliesgifts.com\/blog\/2013\/08\/our-favorite-vacation-spots\/","title":{"rendered":"our favorite vacation spots"},"content":{"rendered":"

As another summer comes to an end so does skipping out of town for a week of sunny fun.\u00a0 We hope you discovered new and interesting places or had a chance to visit your go-to town this vacation season.\u00a0 If you’re seeking new spots to see next year, check out some of our firefly team’s favorite destinations…<\/p>\n

\"mackinac<\/a><\/p>\n

My family always went north for summer vacations when I was growing up. My mother and I have taken trips to Mackinac Island a few times since I moved out of the house, and some friends and I did a Girls Weekend on the Island a few years back. It was a blast! Every summer, I think about going back. Or maybe for Halloween!<\/p>\n

\"gladwin,<\/a><\/p>\n

I use to travel to Gladwin as a young child almost every weekend in the summer to visit my aunt.\u00a0 After she passed away, she left her cabin to my dad and uncle and is now considered our family’s cabin.\u00a0 I have fond memories of traveling “Up North” to fish on the Tittabawassee River, head over to Sugar Springs for some swimming, and visiting West Branch for some shopping.\u00a0 I now can share these memories with my family and create new ones. Recently, I have found out that two friends of ours also have cabins on the river and we can see some familiar faces as we travel down the river on the pontoon.\u00a0 It is a beautiful place in the summer and the colors in the fall are spectacular.\u00a0 My most favorite place to travel.<\/p>\n

\"naples<\/a><\/p>\n

Naples favorite relaxation spot for vacation. I love coming here and reading a book while soaking up the sun. This is total paradise for me!<\/p>\n

\"toronto\"<\/a><\/p>\n

This cosmopolitan city is a special place to me as it is where I got married.\u00a0 My husband and I are considered opposites – described as cashmere vs flannel, yet the city appeals to both of us and our individual interests. From the diverse culture, incredible variety of street vendors, restaurants, and shopping; to theater, museums, and parks, the city has it all. It is clean, safe,and friendly. See a sporting event at the dome, have dinner at the top of the CN Tower, shop on Queen Street, take in a theater production, visit China Town,,,You get the idea.\u00a0 Too many great things to do, to list.<\/p>\n

\"north<\/a><\/p>\n

My grandparents retired when I was born and moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northwest North Carolina. I spent many Summer days on their 40-acre property as a child, and I’ve gone back at least once a year ever since. The mountains get their name from the many blue-hued fur trees in the area, as well as the mist that usually covers the rolling hills. It’s all so beautiful!<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Last Summer, my finance Nick and I went for a visit. We hiked Grandfather Mountain (called that because it resembles an old man lying on his back – the peak you climb up is his nose!), climbed Mt. Jefferson, floated down the Big Horse river in inner tubes, and visited the Mile High swinging bridge.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
My picture shows Nick standing about 3\/4 up Mt. Jefferson looking down on the town of West Jefferson, where my grandmother now lives. We had a picnic not far from where he’s standing, but not quite so close to the edge!<\/div>\n
\"canada\"<\/a><\/div>\n
\n

I’ve been vacationing at a friends’ cottage at\u00a0Basswood Lake in Thessalon Ontario for over 25 years. It offers beauty, water sports, relaxation and no technology. A place to unwind and simply appreciate nature and friendships.<\/p>\n

\"gettysburg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I have been going to Gettysburg for a few years now and it didn’t take long for it to become my favorite vacation spot. Being a bit of a history buff, I love learning more about everything that occurred there and being able to experience a little bit of history for myself. It is a really pretty place and with so much to do, it’s very easy to relax and just get lost walking around<\/p>\n

\"marquette\"<\/a><\/p>\n

My grandparent’s grew up in a small town outside of Marquette and my family and I love going to the U.P. to visit our family and friends that still live up there. It is absolutely gorgeous and relaxing to spend time up there.<\/p>\n

\"punta<\/a><\/p>\n

Punta Cana is my favorite vacation spot because it’s like being in paradise. Relaxation, drinks and the ocean is the perfect combination.<\/p>\n

\"sauble<\/a><\/p>\n

While it is rather difficult to choose just one favorite vacation spot, I would say that Ontario’s Sauble Beach ranks among the highest on my list. My family took several trips to this picturesque Lake Huron beach when I was growing up. We would rent out a few cottages right on the lake, located in a remote, non-touristy area. One of the best parts was just how rustic the cottages were. It was truly an experience to stay in these tiny and charming houses. Some of the bedrooms were so small that the mattress would be bowed in the middle, because it was pressing into the walls on each side!<\/p>\n

\"lincoln<\/a><\/p>\n

One of my most memorable vacations included a stop in Lincoln, Nebraska.\u00a0 Talking with the very friendly, sociable locals it was interesting to take in a different slice of life.\u00a0 The best thing by far was seeing the night sky with more stars than you ever new existed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"south<\/a><\/p>\n

I’m a gal who always likes to discover and explore new places so there is something to be said that I’ve spent a portion of my summer vacation in South Haven the past two summers<\/a>.\u00a0 It’s just 3 hours west of Detroit and is the perfect down-to-earth beach town.\u00a0 The town has a great mix of shops, restaurants, bakeries, coffee & ice cream shops, plus an old school movie theater.\u00a0 There are two great beaches and one is a short walk from downtown.\u00a0 There are always plenty places to rent in the cute neighborhood just blocks from all the action.\u00a0 And did I mention they have the most marvelous farmers market on Saturdays all summer long?\u00a0 A great place to live the relaxing lake life for a week.<\/p>\n

Like to see where our firefly team likes to spend their time away from catching fireflies<\/strong>?\u00a0 Then sign up to receive blog posts like these in your email inbox <\/strong><\/span>HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n