Diana Rowe is a Denver-based freelance writer, editor, and photographer with more than 20 years experience. Hundreds of her articles and photos have been published online and in print.
Southwest Road Trips & Tips
For me, there are no better places to visit in the United States than those in the Southwest.
From the iconic Grand Canyon to the unforgettable landscapes of New Mexico and Colorado, this road trip is perhaps one that covers the most unique and unexpected of all.
Get off the beaten path with two-lane highways or arrive at your destination sooner on the more traveled interstates.
Need a little guidance?
These are my Southwest road trip tips and destinations not to miss.
Photo by Michael Just f...
Diana Rowe
Denver-based freelance writer Diana Rowe wants to open the conversation that Life after 50 is not the end — it’s the beginning! She'll talk real lifestyle stuff like juggling work, marriage, caregiver for elderly parent, relationships with adult children, grandchildren, and blended families, what works what doesn't, but when all else fails, she bakes! She'll share her favorite recipes, especially baking! her favorite traveling partners are her grandkids — and sometimes she even lets their par...
Cheers to National Wine Days For 2020
If you’re like us here at WineLoversVillage, who needs a reason to enjoy a good bottle of wine? Not us and we’re guessing, not you. But if you do want to try to explain yourself to others, then say cheers to these National Wine days for 2020!
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National Wine Days in 2020
There are at least 17 national wine days identified by the National Day Calendar an...
Santa Claus Indiana: Where Every Day is a Holiday
Editor’s Note: This is post was written by a different author, and I was tasked with refreshing, researching updating, and editing the article.
The holiday spirit flourishes year-round in Santa Claus Indiana, known as “America’s Christmas Hometown.” Honoring Old St. Nick himself, this laid-back Midwestern town celebrates all things Christmas including Santa, Rudolph, the North Pole, and its local amusement park, Holiday World, adds even more holiday celebrations.
Where is Santa Claus, Indiana?
Yes, Virginia, there reall...
Gaylord Rockies Christmas 2020 – Take the Family!
It’s the most beautiful time of the year and holidays in the Mile High City just got better with the Gaylord Rockies Christmas. Even with the pandemic, families can experience the holiday spirit at Gaylord Rockies in 2020 with social distancing and COVID protocol in place. While the experience maybe different this year, there are still many reasons to visit Gaylord Rockies Christmas Denver this year — and to make it a family tradition every year.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you ...
Antlers at Vail Resort, Colorado: Family & Pet Friendly Prime Location
Life is different now, whether we like the new normal or not. Families are traveling differently too, and more cautiously. Families learned to enjoy more “together” time but also still wanting a sprinkle of “alone” time. Say hello to your new BFF hotel, the Antlers at Vail Resort in Colorado, where they say yes to family and yes to pets — and of course, yes to all sorts of Colorado mountain fun. Read on for the details of why you should stay at the Antlers at Vail resort.
I admit it — the pan...
The Scoop on Denver Metro Hotels Openings 2021 and Beyond
Where else but Colorado can you get these stunning mountain views and a downtown skyline? Denver, the capital city of Colorado, is a great place to visit. Below we’ve updated the scoop on the Denver Metro hotels recently renovated, opened, with plans to open in 2021.
I’ve been updating the amazing growth in the Denver Metro and Colorado regions for the past few years. Downtown Denver is home to more than 11,000 rooms all within a short walking distance of the convention center. Yet the boomin...
It’s Fun to Stay at the YMCA (of the Rockies)
When you hear “YMCA,” do you think of the song? The local community center with a gym, swimming pool, and after-school programs? Those aren’t the only YMCAs in the United States! YMCA lodges and cabins are the best-kept affordable family vacation secret. Unplug and get active together without breaking the budget at the YMCA of the Rockies, located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, a short drive from Denver.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, Travel...
Charming & Historic: Dove Inn Golden, Colorado
The best part of living in West metro Denver is the opportunity to discover hidden hotel treasures, not a secret to locals, but off-the-beaten-path accommodations. That’s what I recently experienced with a stay at the charming, historic, and boutique hotel, The Dove Inn in Golden, Colorado.
Located just 20 minutes west of downtown Denver, the Dove Inn is a historic Victorian-era boutique hotel, located blocks from the main street of Golden, Colorado. These accommodations are perfect for explo...
Planning Your Road Trip to Redstone, Colorado
One of my favorite Colorado road trip destinations is the picture-perfect and historic Redstone. When you’re ready for a relaxing, wind-down and disconnected destination, add this Colorado mountain town to your itinerary. Here are some tips for planning your road trip to Redstone, Colorado, a mountain town experience you won’t easily forget.
Colorado is undeniably a magical place for road trips (and for me, especially motorcycle road trips!), with its twisty, curvy roads and majestic mountain...
Visit South Dakota and the Black Hills Region
Mention South Dakota, and you’re likely to envision the iconic South Dakota landmark of Mount Rushmore. But wait there is more to love about this Midwestern state. You’ll also need to include a visit to Custer State Park with its awe-inspiring wildlife. For your home base, consider kicking back in the town of Custer, in the heart of the Black Hills and located at the edge of the state park. Read on for tips to visit South Dakota Black Hills region.
This post may contain affiliate links. If yo...
Bring the Kids (Grandma Too!) : 17 Fun Things to Do in Grand Lake, Colorado
A Colorado family vacation solidly covers all ages with fun things to do for everyone. That’s why Grand Lake and Grand County top the list of favorite Colorado destinations. As a four-season destination just two hours from Denver, Grand Lake offers year-round scenic hikes, affordable winter sports, family-friendly restaurants, and places to hang out together as a family – and yes, even grandparents love it. Got your attention? Read on for these 17 family-friendly things to do in Grand Lake, C...
Best Kept Atlantis Resort Secret: Comfort Suites Paradise Island
Are The Bahamas on your beach vacation bucket list, but your budget doesn’t quite measure up to the expense of a hotel AND tickets to The Atlantis and its amazing water park? Get ready to pack your bags, because we have the best kept Atlantis Resort secret: Comfort Suites Paradise Island. Read on to find out more, and get ready for The Bahamas vacation of your life without breaking the bank.
Disclaimer: While this was a sponsored trip, courtesy of the welcoming and awesome team at Nassau Para...
International Female Ride Day Now: Sat., August 22, 2020
By Diana Rowe
Ladies, no question, 2020 rolled in like a pissed off Mama Bear. Yet what remains for women is still our passion for riding. Call your girls and let’s get out there and ride together. If you’ve never ridden on International Female Ride Day, save the date to meet up with your girlfriends to ride on the rescheduled date of Saturday, August 22! This celebration of women motorcyclists is now in its 14th year, and it’s happening in your home town.
Support Hotels From Home and Plan for Future Travel
No doubt — we are living through unchartered travel(less) territory these days. For those of us with itchy travel feet, not only are we grounded, but we are unsure just when we CAN travel again. And then the other question remains, what will happen to some of our favorite hotels? Will they financially survive the halt on travel and can we help? Yes, we can help! Here are ways to support hotels today and plan for future travel — from purchasing gift cards to booking hotel stays now for dates i...