Reading Time: 2 minutesIn this post we share the thought process we went through as we selected trees for a backyard remodel project.
Reading Time: 5 minutesIn this post we share photos from Washington D.C. including the nation’s government buildings and historical sites to neighborhoods like Georgetown. The city’s significance as a hub of political activity and historical heritage sets it apart as a truly unique metropolis.
Reading Time: 2 minutesIn this post we share some of our favorite moments from the property from fall 2023.
Reading Time: 3 minutesAs spring comes to an end and summer begins, we share some of our favorite images from around the property.
Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share information around the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. This information gives gardeners a way to check whether a plant will thrive and/or survive without damage in their particular area. Note that as climate changes, so will these zone categorizations.
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThis is a recommended itinerary for a first time visit to Vancouver & Whistler, British Columbia for someone interested in natural scapes.
The trips begins in Vancouver, a city that offers a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking natural surrounds. After a few days visitors head north to Whistler, a special destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. From towering mountains to pristine lakes and dense forests, the natural beauty of the area is truly awe-inspiring.
Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this post we share two itineraries for first time visitors to see Northern California in all its splendor. Both itineraries begin in San Francisco, with a focus on the natural spaces.
The first itinerary emphasizes California’s natural beauty through a visit to Yosemite National Park (granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves and biological diversity), and ends on the coastline in Carmel & Monterey (pristine white beaches, rugged cliffs, and enchanting cypress trees).
The second itinerary swaps a visit to Yosemite with time in California’s wine country to highlight Sonoma and Napa Valley’s viticulture. Rolling hills surround 650+ picturesque vineyards who are ready to welcome visitors for tastings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and fine dining at the 150+ Michelin-starred restaurants.
Reading Time: 5 minutesIn this post we discuss what items you may consider packing when preparing for a (university) semester abroad program.
We recommend bringing the essentials and other items that may drastically alter the experience without them (i.e. medicine, electronics etc.). By starting with a less-is-more approach, you’ll have a chance to spend some time in-country and assess what additional items you may need to purchase based upon your schedule, activities, weather etc.
Note that most of these recommendations assume you are based in a place with moderate-to-high accessibility to goods. For those studying in the bush, rural areas, or an atypical setup, this post may need to be adjusted to suit your specific circumstance.
Reading Time: 2 minutesAs spring comes to an end and summer begins, we share some of our favorite images from around the property.
Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share photos from Xochimilco, Mexico City’s famous canal system that dates to Mesoamerica’s PostClassic period (A.D. 950-1521). This area is significant for its ingenuity in agriculture that enabled pre-Hispanic people, and later the Aztecs, to create a food surplus.
In present day Xochimilco continues to be used as a source of food and vegetation, with visitors enjoying rides on the flower-garlanded boats through the canals.
Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this post we outline how to spend three, four, or five days in Mexico City, Mexico.
Mexico City is the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the world and its 16 alcaldías (boroughs, officially designated as demarcaciones territoriales) are home to nearly 2,000 colonias (neighborhoods) each with their own history, culture and flair. For this reason, we consider three to five days in Mexico City as the briefest of introductions to this city.
Reading Time: 5 minutesIn this post we share photos from The Thompson Hotel in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Situated on Playa La Ropa, the hotel is part of Hyatt’s luxury property portfolio and was named “The Most Romantic Resort in Mexico.”
Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this post we share photos from Playa la Ropa in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. This mile-long fine grain white sand beach is lined with coconut trees, and the hotels and restaurants on the shore are nicely integrated into the surrounds as to not disrupt the tranquility.
Playa la Ropa still maintains its roots as a fisherman’s village but offers the modern comforts for a beautiful walk or stay in the area. For this reason, it is a must-visit.
Reading Time: 5 minutesIn this post we share the history of Zihuatanejo, Mexico and photos from “El Centro”, Zihua’s downtown area.
While travelers may know of Acapulco, Guerrero state’s glitzier resort hub, few know of Zihuatanejo, a bucolic Mexican fishing village that offers fine-grain white sand beaches with the Sierra Madre mountainous terrain as backdrop.
Zihuatanejo is still unspoiled by tourism and offers the comforts of nicer home stays and well-integrated hotels. Pair your trip with a day in nearby Ixtapa for a true escape.