Blog

Hangzhou Global Tour: Day six

Mike Shubic July 29th, 2015 Comments Off

Silk has a deep history in China that dates back thousands of years. The alluring fabric is woven into the lives of the people of Hangzhou (both literally and figuratively). From the cultivation, processing to its use in so many applications, silk is highly coveted and valued. To illustrate this...

Hangzhou Global Tour: Day five

Mike Shubic July 27th, 2015 6 Comments

It dawned on me the other day that one of the reasons West Lake in Hangzhou is so special is that it is an urban lake…an oasis right in the middle of a major city. I can think of only a few places I’ve been to where I can recall...

Hangzhou Global Tour: Day four

Mike Shubic July 26th, 2015 Comments Off

My fourth day in Hangzhou started out with a very early morning walk around West Lake. On this day the light was perfect, accentuating the details of the scene and providing an opportunity to capture some lovely photos of the famed body of urban water. I was surprised by how...

Hangzhou Global Tour: Day three

Mike Shubic July 25th, 2015 Comments Off

My third day in Hangzhou started off with a tour of a popular market where many merchants sell handcrafted items. One highlight included two gentleman pounding sesame seeds with large wooden mallets while humming a rhythmic tune in order to stay in sync with one another. The malleable form was...

Hangzhou Global Tour: Day two

Mike Shubic July 24th, 2015 Comments Off

It was a whirlwind of a second day in Hangzhou that started with a steep and windy drive to the top of Yuhuang Mountain—there we visited a Taoist Temple and met with a very friendly monk who was eager to show us around and answer our deluge of questions. Our...

Hangzhou Global Tour: Day one

Mike Shubic July 23rd, 2015 5 Comments

For those of you who follow me regularly, you know that I was selected to participate in the 2015 Hangzhou, China Global Tour. Click here for earlier post. As I typically try and do during my trips, I will be posting to the "Road Diary" to keep my regular readers...

Random Facts about the Florida Keys

Mike Shubic July 17th, 2015 19 Comments

Just south of the Florida mainland lies the Florida Keys, a necklace of islands surrounded by emerald-green harbors, turquoise seas, nodding palms and olive-green mangroves. Since first settled in the early 1800s, the islands have been seasoned by the rich American and Cuban culture, sweetened by the unabashed romantic appeal...

Local Travel Blogger Wins RTW Trip

Mike Shubic July 14th, 2015 3 Comments

PHOENIX, ARIZ — Mike Shubic, publisher of the award-winning travel blog, MikesRoadTrip.com, adds to his accomplishments. Out of 10s of thousands of entries, Mike was selected to be the 2015 Hangzhou China Global Storyteller. Mike will set off for a round-the-world journey that begins in Hangzhou, China, following the Silk...

Fabulous Four Seasons in Scottsdale, AZ

Mike Shubic July 10th, 2015 Comments Off

It was way back in 1940 when cosmetics mogul Elizabeth Arden opened the doors to Maine Chance Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, which set the stage for the city east of Phoenix to become well-known for its high-end spas, resorts and retreats. The Maine Chance Spa was a sanctuary for local...

Random facts about Walla Walla, Washington

Mike Shubic July 10th, 2015 14 Comments

Walla Walla is the capital of Washington wine country and is home to more than 120 wineries. Located in the southeastern part of Washington state, Walla Walla is fast becoming nationally recognized for its culinary scene, thanks in part to the robust wine industry. The area also has an abundance...

BIG NEWS! Hint: Marco. Polo.

Mike Shubic July 8th, 2015 20 Comments

Whoa, do I have some BIG NEWS to share! Those of you who know and follow me are aware of my thirst for adventure and exploration. A couple months ago I entered a storytelling/writing contest. Of course I had no expectations of winning. A week ago, I learned that I...

McCormick Stillman Railroad Park

Mike Shubic July 7th, 2015 2 Comments

Located in the heart of Scottsdale, AZ, the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park is a unique and fun venue for the entire family. You can take a train ride around the 40-acre park, hop on the antique carousel, or visit the newly completed 10,000 square foot model train exhibit. There are...

Random facts about Philadelphia

Mike Shubic July 3rd, 2015 2 Comments

Take a convenient East Coast location within a 5 hour drive of one-fourth of the US population, add in iconic historic sites such as Independence Hall and Congress Hall, mix in a nationally-renowned dining and craft beer scene, numerous internationally acclaimed arts organizations, trend-setting indie music culture and a jam-packed...

Scottsdale’s Toro: A Peruvian Ascent to Culinary Heaven

Mike Shubic July 1st, 2015 1 Comment

We recently took a fantastic culinary journey to Peru at Toro Latin Restaurant and Rum Bar, which is located at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess' TPC (Tournament Player's Club), where the annual PGA Waste Management Phoenix Open takes place. Celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval has created this newest culinary experience where Asian...

Random Facts about Wallace, Idaho

Mike Shubic June 26th, 2015 6 Comments

Wallace, Idaho is located in the northern part of the state, where silver is king and the autumn leaves provide a colorful gift from Mother Nature. Historic Wallace has been on the local, regional, state and national map since 1884 and has survived the largest fire in North America, labor...