Food is an essential part to any gathering.

Choosing the right BBQ caterer is an extremely significant decision to make when you are hosting or planning an event. If you do not have the right caterer the event can be substandard. Sometimes choosing the least expensive option is not always the best option. It’s important to understand your budget, but also take into consideration everything that you will get the quote.

DFW BBQ Catering guarantees not only a top quality service that suits each client’s specific needs but a memorable experience for everyone they meet. They are proud to offer the best outdoor BBQ catering experience in Dallas.

Call (214) 499-5493 for the finest catering service in Fort Worth & Dallas.

The Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Bilox is a great choice for a getaway.

In need of a weekend away, I booked a night at Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Bilox for me and my fiancée. We were definitely NOT disappointed.

I hoped the suite would be nice with all of the standard features a room should have, and it was.  Once checked in (hours early – thank you Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Bilox) we found that the layout of the room was absolutely wonderful. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The parking was convenient and simple. The getaway was a success in large part to the fact that this hotel had a very comfortable feel. My search for the perfect fit was found – this will be our place of choice from here on out.

We look forward to staying here again.

Family Property

We stayed at the Wyndham, which is a time share resort. Yes, they do try to entice you into listening to a presentation about the property with the promise of a gas card or American Express card and breakfast; but there’s no reason to comply, unless you want that credit card. A quiet setting with a nicely uncrowded pool that tops off at 5 feet deep, one of the best things about this property was having a full kitchen and a washer-dryer. The two-bedroom suite is big enough for any family; small balconies offer slices of the dramatic views that you’ve probably come here to enjoy. If you decide to make a meal or two, several national chain groceries – including a Whole Foods – is just down the road.

Sunset Watch

The hotel is close to one of the premiere attractions in Sedona: a spectacular sunset. At Airport Mesa just a few minutes away, there’s ample, flat viewing space to see the sun kiss and set below red rock hills – yes, there’s the color red again. One of the most popular viewing spots at twilight, there’s still plenty of room to stand and gawk; a jubilant mood and easy just-across-the road parking makes this a good family spot. If the kids are a little older, take them out to Crescent Moon Red Rock Crossing which boasts a view of the famous Cathedral Rock as red as a burning ember in the last of the sunlight.

Grand Views

During the day, Boynton Canyon offers several easy and appealing hikes, including Vista Point, where the trail meanders pleasantly along a sandy path before a bit of mild rock scrambling to get to the vista. Parents of very small children may want to carry or strap them in to carriers, but it’s doable and lovely. You get a sense of the desert vastness and a grand view of monuments and valleys. The Chapel of the Holy Cross also gives a stellar view, and this architectural wonder is nestled so firmly in the rocks that it seems to have sprung right out of them.

You can’t visit Sedona without hearing about its energy vortexes, reputed to provide health benefits and Zen moments. Two of the most famous are also a part of incredible views and great climbs:  Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. Cathedral is challenging to all but the most intrepid of climbers, not a spot for young children unless sure-footed parents don’t mind carrying them along for the ride.  Bell offers an easier trail to the top. But even from the base of these gorgeous rock formations there is plenty to see, and kids will be fascinated by finding the vortexes – a sort of cosmic energy treasure hunt – as well as being captivated by the idea that they exist. Do they? Up to you to decide, but we certainly felt more positive and relaxed after a few days exploring them.

We took a hike about a third of the way up Cathedral Rock, to the point where the trail can be challenging for kids. From this cairn-guided stopping point, we nonetheless had a sweeping view of other rock formations, all a rich red in the sunlight, so picture-perfect against blue sky you’d think you’d imagined it, except for the climb back down.

If you’re not into hikes or even strolls, a cruise along Oak Creek in the car is one option, and a pleasant way to enjoy the red rock views and tree lined canyons. Another option:  jeep tours. A variety of jeep tour options abound in Sedona, and offer a great way to bounce pleasantly along the back-country and rocky trails without hiking. If you do stay at Wyndham, and you do get the sales pitch, discounts on jeep tours are also offered, along with the credit card incentive.

Beyond the Rocks

Looking for something more civilized? Then take the kids to the shops and galleries of Tlaquepaque, a graceful, tree shaded Spanish colonial-style shopping plaza. There are over forty shops; galleries feature locally produced art. Also on site is the Oak Creek Brewery, offering up cold micro-brews for parents and a bright, pleasant dining room. Kids will enjoy burgers, ample cheese and fruit plates, and sweet desserts. If you’re after some kid-friendly souvenirs, check out Mother Nature’s Trading Co. with eclectic kids’ items and objects of art.

A good spot for dinner is Javalina, inexpensive and tasty Mexican food served up both on a commodious patio overlooking outdoor sculptures and indoors. See if the kids can spot the miniature javalina in the fountain off the patio; don’t miss the crispy fish tacos.

Just outside of town, Slide Rock State Park is a place not to miss in warm weather. The park’s name comes from a natural water slide created from, what else, slippery rocks in Oak Creek. A great place for water splashing fun, above it are grand and rocky views, and alongside are lovely, shady trees. The park also includes a working apple farm, which, in autumn, provides yet another type of Sedona red.

Light spills on the water’s surface

It has been said that Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, British Colombia, Canada is bottomless in some places, and that it connects to Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Dwelling in Okanagan’s infinite depths is a serpent-like monster known as the Ogopogo—a monster very much like the infamous Loch Ness monster of Scotland. And while photographs, testimonials and sightings of the elusive creature have proved inconclusive, the rumor is enough to perk ears , turn heads, and draw attention to this mysterious lake; rumors that go as far back as the native peoples who lived in these parts long before white settlers first arrived. 

HISTORY

The native Okanagan people who originally lived here were historically known as the Northwest Plateau indigenous peoples, and were part of the Interior Salish ethnic group. They lived in tribes, and were hunter-gatherers who fished, hunted wild game, and lived off berries and roots. The first non-native people came to the Okanagan Valley on fur trading expeditions in the early 1800s. With regular trade, a permanent settlement was finally established by Europeans in the late 1850s, after which ranchers, prospectors and miners arrived.

RECREATION & WATER SPORTS

Lakes inspire tranquility

Okanagan Lake is quite large, stretching over 130 kilometers long, and more than 4 kilometers wide, with a combination of sandy shores and pebbled beaches surrounded by lush parks with sagebrush, cedar, hemlock and ponderosa pines. Its sunny, mild, dry climate has long attracted many to swim and soak up the warmth of the sun. Visitors can also go fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, windsurfing, hiking and biking.  

RESORTS & CAMPGROUNDS

Many of the resorts surrounding the lake boast a golf course with spectacular vistas, acres of parkland along its endless shores, and lots of recreational activities for everyone in the family, right on the lake or in the adjoining countryside. For those who revel in the great outdoors, there are wilderness campgrounds as well, with fire rings and picnic tables.  

WINERIES & VINEYARDS

The surrounding Okanagan Valley is British Columbia’s oldest wine-producing region. It boasts countless wineries and vineyards that offer tours and tastings, including those vineyards that produce the vinifera grapes flourishing in the microclimates bordering Okanagan Lake. A visit to the area just wouldn’t be complete without a trip to some of the wineries.  

PARTING THOUGHTS

Partial panoramic view of Okanagan Lake
attribution / Dave Dyet

With stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape, this is one of those perfect spots for families to enjoy the lush outdoors on holidays or any time of year. It’s hard to beat the many opportunities for recreation, and the lovely array of resorts to suit a variety of budgets. Its gorgeous location has been drawing visitors from far and wide for generations.

There is something about lakes and other bodies of water, that plunge the imagination into all sorts of fanciful and intriguing directions. Water has the capacity to distort, deepen, and amplify the things it contains, sometimes to the point of creating myths and legends that are strange and inexplicaple. And while the myth of the Ogopogo creature is a fascinating tale, it is enough to make one wonder about what lies beneath the lake’s shimmering surface.  Okanagan Lake is certainly beautiful, but the mysteries hidden within its watery depths add a provocative allure to its natural beauty.

Saturday, October 26and Thursday, October 31 – The W Hollywood is putting on the ultimate Halloween party and everyone is invited. Join us – we dare you – where a mysterious underground universe lingers…Transport to a place where dancing ensues in public spaces. Doors 9pm-2am.

W Hollywood turns into a hotel-wide haunted house, with the Station Hollywood and the Living Room playing everything from hip-hop and house to top 40. Put on your most creative costume and head into Hollywood to party all night. (Skimpy) costumes are encouraged. Advance discounted tickets available at www.whollywoodhalloween2013-jb.eventbrite.com (10/26) and www.whollywoodfright2013-jb.eventbrite.com (10/31).

Limited discounted presale tickets available and price increases soon, so act fast! For more information, visit JBPevents.com or call (310) 749-9029. W Hollywood is located at 6250 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, CA.

About W Hollywood

The W is one of the hottest new locales in the heart of Hollywood. In the W, every guest gets their moment on the red carpet, strut down the catwalk or time in the spotlight. The mix of classic chic with modern glitz and glamour makes the W the perfect nightlife location.

A few things you might like to check out that locals love here!

Sumburger Resteraunt

1487 North Bridge Street Chillicothe, OH 45601 (740) 772-1055

AMAZING! You order from the telephone on your table (A Great way to get service fast anytime you need it)

If you stop here one of my favorites is of course, The Sumburger, and I also love the deep fried mushrooms!

Crispie Creme Doughnuts

47 North Bridge Street Chillicothe, OH 45601 (740) 774-3770

Not with a “K” but with a “C” means a huge difference! When I moved away, I think I missed these doughnuts the most! I get everyone hooked on them, they are delicious.

Triple Crown

1 Nancy Wilson Way Chillicothe, OH 45601 (740) 773-7529

Grandview Cemetary

Great for Adults and kids. Just like Chucky cheese except better Pizza, and better prices! They have games, blow up slides and jumpers, a lot of FUN and Only $5.00 to get in.

Jerry’s Pizza

319 South Paint Street Chillicothe, OH 45601 (740) 773-1200

Great pizza place.

SHOPPING – Check out Bridge Street and ESP check out Paint Street Ivy’s and all the local places on Paint Street are in Old Historical buildings you can just walk around and eat and shop and also check out historical places here on Paint Street.

Ivy’s Home & Gift Shop

Ivy’s Store

is locally own and so much here that is well made clothes, and baby items, holiday items, toys, etc. If you like to shop, Check out Ivy’s on the corner of Paint Street and Water Street.

There is so much more but here are a few great local places to eat and have fun! The park here is Beautiful. My daughter loves playing on the playgrown, swimming in the City Pools (They have 3 sized pools for all ages) and we love feeding the ducks, or ice skating during the winter. Yoctangee Park, we also love the festivals in spring and fall. There are many historcal places and so more much to do here!

My husband and I were driving thru the area on our way back home, and we typically stay with super 8 because we like the hotel chain and have always had a good experience, Until walked into Super 8 in Butler, Pa.  The desk clerk was a sort woman with glasses whom was the rudest person I have ever met in my life. I asked her basic questions such as, What is your room rate? When is check out? Do you have a continental breakfast? And do you have non-smoking rooms? You would have thought I asked this woman to perform a circus stunt. She told me she didn’t have time to answer my ridiculous questions that she had other things to do. I thought my questions were typical due to the fact that they determined what type of room we wanted except for the breakfast part. But I guess sitting in a chair and talking to the gentleman I’m assuming her husband that was standing to her right hand side (my Left) behind the counter in the doorway of a small room behind the counter was more important then attending to her customer. And when I was asking questions the tall skinny gentleman started to answer my questions for me before she even did. So unfortunately we will 100% not be booking a hotel stay with this establishment due to the desk clerk being so rude and ignorant.