Hipmunk Hotels: Bridges and Boardwalks in Wheeling, Gulf Shores, Hunstville, Little Rock, and Kissimmee

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

If I took this road trip in order, I would log about 2,000 miles on my car; which I think would be would be worth the mileage. I would be sure to properly explore the bridges and boardwalks in some unlikely spots in these cool southern towns.

Wheeling, West Virginia

Wheeling, West Virginia, sits on the banks of the Ohio River, the largest river that flows into the Mississippi. The suspension bridge is a must see stop in Wheeling. A short walk from many hotels in downtown Wheeling, you can traverse the 1,000 foot bridge and see great views of the river, Wheeling, and Wheeling Island. The bridge has great historical significance. It was the original passage from the New World to the wild, wild, west.  If you’re afraid of heights or old things, prepare yourself. The bridge looks every bit of its 160 years.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

When I think of the Gulf Shores, my mind conjures up the devastating scenes of Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. The homes and attractions destroyed during the storm have popped back up over the years better than ever. Gulf Shores, Alabama is a great beach town with amazing reasonably priced hotels on the beach and fun attractions like the Gulf State Park and Boardwalk. It’s possible to sit out on this boardwalk and stare at the water for hours.

Image provided by Amanda Watson via Trover.com

Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama is a beautiful little city with land on two spots of the Tennessee River. I think the river loved the water so much it curled around another city to have two river coastlines. Ditto Landing is a marina and campground dedicated to preserving the natural resources. The nature reserves are regulated by the government and provide fishing, boat rides, archery, and bow lessons. Ditto Landing is only 10 minutes away from several hotels in Huntsville, but the peaceful surroundings may make a camper out of me, yet.

Image provided by Jennifer Hott-Greenway via Trover.com

Little Rock, Arkansas

I spent a few days in Little Rock, Arkansas, last summer. I didn’t get the chance to see much but the inside of a nice hotel and a few bars downtown. I also saw the Junction Bridge and knew I had to come back and explore. Located outside of Bill Clinton’s Presidential Library, the trails from the library lead you into the woods and over this historical bridge. I can’t wait to check out the views over the Arkansas River.

Kissimmee, Florida

I lived in Florida for years and every time someone came to visit, they wanted to go, stay, and play in Kissimmee–the center of adult and childhood fun near Disney and Universal Studios. However, the adventure side of me always wanted to visit Shingle Creek Regional Park. Located in the Everglades, the President calls Shingle Creek America’s Great Outdoor. On the west trail a pedestrian bridge was constructed to allow hikers, bikers, and nature lovers to explore the Kissimmee lands without disturbing the natural setting.

Image provided by Steve Burns via Trover.com

What are some of your favorite boardwalks, shores and bridges? 

B – Blurb

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle11 Comments

B

Anxious Love is my sixth multicultural sports romance.

I need some help with the blurb.

Trauma, isolation, courage, love. . .  Anxious Love

Ryan Ware has overcome loss and is hopeful about his future. As a first round draft pick, he is living his dream. Fame, fortune, and gorgeous women are part of his crazy new life, and he is ready to enjoy every minute of it.

Best-selling author Leah Jones is the most sought after writer in romance but never strays far from her isolated world. Leah suffers from severe anxiety. Her regimented life diminishes the triggers that could put her back in the hospital or worse, cut her off from the world completely.

After a chance meeting on the streets of New Orleans, Ryan vows to get to know the brown eyed beauty who keeps odd hours and seems content in her own little world.

Can Leah manage her anxiety to function in Ryan’s crazy life? Can Ryan throw away everything he thought he knew about love to be the man Leah needs?

Anxious Love contains explicit scenes of a sexual nature and is not suitable for readers under 18 years of age. 

Add Anxious Love to you TBR list on Goodreads.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23688024-lie-with-me?from_search=true&search_version=service

Tell me what you think?  

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A – Rachelle Ayala

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle11 Comments

A

Welcome to the A to Z Blogging Challenge. My name is Sydney Aaliyah Michelle and I will be your blog host for the month. I have a great month of stuff planned for you. And, a #Giveaway every day. Please come back daily to enter.

My theme for A to Z 2016 is Sports Romance. I’ll bring you interviews from some of my favorite authors, free books, excerpts from my own books and an introduction of my upcoming release, Anxious Love.

Since opening day of baseball is this weekend, I thought I’d started with a baseball sports romance. Welcome, Rachelle Ayala.

Five Questions: 

1.     What is it about the sport in your romance that inspired you to write about it?

I’ve always liked baseball as a kid. Baseball has a long season and they play many games, so it’s all about the averages and being consistent. Also, baseball is a summer sport, so it reminds me of long, hot days and relaxing with family and friends. 

2.     Is your sports hero based on a real sports figure? If so, who and why?

Not based on anyone real. I don’t follow real sports figures because the men in my imagination are much more perfect.

3.     What kind of research did you do for the sport in your romance?

I read books by baseball players describing their game. I used to watch baseball on TV as a kid, but have been too busy lately. I did go to the Giants World Series parade and got to cheer on our heroes.

4.     Best advice for other authors who want to write sports romance?

Use fictional team names so you don’t get into any trouble with the franchises.

5.     What sports romance are you working on next?

I’ll work on another baseball romance in time for Spring Training 2017. I like spring training because it is more low-key for the fans and there are more opportunities for the fans to get to know players since everyone is in the same vicinity for a little over a month’s time. I’ve concentrated on Phoenix since I’m in California and more familiar with the west. I’ve been to Phoenix and not Florida.

I’ve also written several football romances, so there’s always a chance I will write another one, maybe for a holiday romance.

Thanks for having me on your blog. I’d like to give away a copy of Playing the Rookie, a humorous and steamy romance between a rookie pitcher and a marketing intern trying to get over her ex-boyfriend.

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To win a copy of Rachelle’s novel, Playing the Rookie, tell me your favorite baseball team or player. Leave the answer in the comments section. 

The Best Non-Beach Spring Break Getaways

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on March 16, 2016.

The words “spring break” may conjure images of swimsuited coeds frolicking on the beach, but a truly enjoyable spring break is hardly one size fits all. Everybody has their own preferences, and some folks simply prefer urban, landlocked, or mountainous settings to sandy ones. If you fall into the former category, then don’t let your friends pressure you into yet another sticky spring break on the edge of the ocean. Instead, book a trip to any of these stellar non-beach spring break getaways.

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Austin, TX

Texas’ capitol has earned itself a reputation as the hipster capital of the country—and for good reason. The unparalleled music scene, thriving foodie culture, and laid-back vibes make this city a must-visit for any college student. The wildly popular SXSW festival is held every year in March, so expect hotel rates to rise during the month—but if you make it to the festival, your money will be well spent. The weather is nice and temperate in the spring, so don’t forget to take advantage of the many outdoor recreational opportunities both in and just outside of the city.

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Asheville, NC

If wild parties aren’t your thing, then head to laid-back Asheville for a spring break that won’t disappoint. Located between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers gorgeous 360-degree views and easy access to outdoor adventures. The city is also home to thriving arts and foodie scenes, interesting museums, and an abundance of live music—you’re unlikely to find more buskers per capita in any other city. Be sure not to miss the historical Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the U.S. The grounds also feature a winery, garden tours, and the upscale Antler Hill Village, which offers shopping, dining, and live entertainment.

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Las Vegas, NV

For those who are comfortable with flashing lights and large crowds, Las Vegas is the place to be. From world-renowned casinos to one-of-a-kind performances, raucous pool parties, expansive buffets, and an anything-goes nightlife scene, Las Vegas brings the party at all hours of the day and night. Don’t miss the downtown Fremont Street Experience, which includes a pedestrian mall, concert venues, and various wild attractions such as the SlotZilla Zip Line, which lets adventurous spring breakers fly over the street at a height of more than 70 feet.

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Memphis, TN

If you’ve never been to the birthplace of Rock ‘N Roll, it’s high time you paid it a visit. Whether you’re interested in music or southern heritage, you’ll get a (fun) education anywhere you turn. Head to Sun Studio, where the first ever Rock ‘N Roll record was made, or visit the Center for Southern Folklore or the Pink Palace Museum to learn about southern art, culture, history, and music. And of course, be sure to visitGraceland Museum, home to none other than the one and only Elvis Presley. When you’ve had your fill of educational tours, head to Beale Street (the official “Home of the Blues”) to enjoy great food, live performances, or the jovial nightlife.

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New Orleans, LA

With Mardi Gras over and the summer humidity still months away, spring break is the perfect time to explore New Orleans at a leisurely pace. Thanks to the city’s fusion of Cajun, Creole, French, Native American, and Spanish cultures, awesome architecture, art galleries, food, museums, music, and live performances are a stone’s throw away in any direction. Head to Bourbon Street if you’re looking to party, visit the historic French Quarter to experience a taste of the past, or stroll Frenchman Street to hear some of the best blues, jazz, and rockabilly around.

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San Antonio, TX

What Austin’s cool cousin lacks in beachside access, it makes up for in great weather, artsy shops, award-winning food, interesting museums, gorgeous architecture, and awesome outdoor activities. By day, stroll along the pedestrian Riverwalk, hike to the top of Enchanted Rock, or tour the historic missions, which were recently designated aWorld Heritage Site. At night, take a ghost tour of the city before hitting up the area nightlife or retiring to one of the city’s many budget-friendly hotels.

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Press Play on These 4 Great Travel Podcasts

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on March 22, 2016.

The appeal of travel is that you get to, well, go somewhere. That’s why a travel podcast might sound a little counterintuitive at first. Most people would rather go to Peru (for example) than hear someone else talk about it. And if that’s not an immediate option, browsing photographs may seem superior to spoken word.

And yet podcasts have exploded in popularity precisely because the spoken word is so powerful, and because a lack of visual commitment makes them perfect for filling time stuck in traffic, walking the dog, or cleaning the kitchen. Plus, travel podcasts specifically can clue you in on new destinations, while also offering travel tips, language lessons, and much more.

If you’re in the market for some new podcasts to add to the queue, try one of these; it just might just inspire your next vacation.

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1. The Indie Travel Podcast:

For the last decade, New Zealanders Craig and Linda Martin have been “professionally homeless,” meaning they travel full-time. The couple chronicles their travels on the Indie Travel podcast. According to a recent anniversary episode, Craig and Linda describe “Indie Travel” as the desire to experience a destination as opposed to just seeing it — generally by engaging with the local environment, businesses and people.

In most episodes, the couple hones in on a specific destination and talks about their experience — whether that means navigating the United Kingdom, living in Mexico, or visiting Ukraine. The couple also sometimes shares more practical advice and interviews other travelers. With over 300 episodes already broadcast, new listeners have plenty of backlog to enjoy on top of the usual two to three new podcasts coming out each month.

2. Travel with Rick Steves:

A good number of top travel podcasts are created by a couple or group of friends who quit their full-time jobs to travel the world. They are (understandably) eager to share tips and best practices to that end — which is great! But many of us aren’t in a position to necessarily rearrange our lives around travel; we simply want to get away or spice up some standard trips. That’s why the “Travel with Rick Steves” podcast remains a staple.

Episodes don’t spend time on his life story or on motivational quotes about breaking away from your routine. Instead, the episodes showcase places and cultures, while also featuring renowned guests from activist and author Gloria Steinem to British actress Joanna Lumley. And while Steves’ voice may sound a bit monotone when you first tune in, it’s actually quite soothing as you get used to it, making for perfect background listening.

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3. Conde Naste Traveller Travelogue:

Another established, well-executed podcast that features a nice range of voices is the Conde Naste Traveller Travelogue. Conde Naste is one of the world’s leading media companies, while its Traveller Magazine boasts beautiful photography and seemingly endless travel suggestions. The podcast, as you might guess, is essentially the magazine a new form.

Launched last fall, the weekly episodes are conversational, yet keep things a bit more journalistic. So far, topics have included how to travel with kids, information on new TSA rules and how to survive holiday travel, in addition to destination-specific highlights from Australia to Miami. Oh, and each episode kicks off by sharing the “Cocktail of the Week.” Get a buzz on, then book a trip!

4. Survival Phrases:

Ever find yourself in a new country without the ability to even ask for basic directions? That’s where the “Survival Phrases” podcast comes in. It can help travelers prepare (or perhaps cram last minute) for travel to a country in which people speak a different language. There are podcasts series available for 27 total languages, from Spanish to Chinese to Dutch. In teaching important travel phrases, the podcast attempts to offer listeners “cultural insight you will not find in a textbook,” including frequently used modern phrases.

If you have travel coming up, pick a podcast, scroll through the archives and find an episodes that focuses on your destination. You’ll be sure to find some great suggestions and stories, while other episodes may also provide the perfect place to visit for vacations that follow.