Blog

UGOBAGS: Customized Luggage made simple

Mike Shubic September 16th, 2014 9 Comments

Have you ever come across a new product and wondered why someone hadn’t thought about it earlier? That happened to me recently when I discovered UGOBAGS, a customized luggage company—as soon as I saw one of their bags, I thought, “now that’s a good idea!” As a perpetual traveler and...

Crazed lookin’ owl

Mike Shubic September 10th, 2014 2 Comments

I was visiting my folks in Wickenburg, Arizona when I saw an owl in a tree in broad daylight. I have never seen an owl in the middle of the day before, let alone have an opportunity to photograph one this close up. As you can see, this owl looks...

A glimpse at Shoshone Falls

Mike Shubic September 5th, 2014 Comments Off

Just a short drive from Twin Falls, along the Snake River in southern, Idaho, are the spectacular Shoshone Falls. At over 2oo feet, Shoshone Falls are higher than the more well known, Niagara Falls. Spring and early summer are the best times to view the falls when water flow is...

Feelin’ the Love of Lake Charles

Mike Shubic September 4th, 2014 Comments Off

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “southern hospitality” before, it’s a romanticized notion personified in movies and television shows, where chivalry flourishes and visitors are made to feel welcome. While on a recent trip to Lake Charles, Louisiana for a travel conference, I discovered the essence of southern hospitality is...

New Orleans… Captivates, tantalizes and hugs with hospitality

Mike Shubic August 20th, 2014 Comments Off

I’m not proud to admit the following, but I have found myself being a bit judgmental of late. Don’t misunderstand; I don’t apologize for this in the least, as I believe that some prejudices are innate human survival characteristics. However, what I’ve been discovering is that my preconceived notions, while...

Café Brûlot being prepared at Galatoire’s New Orleans

Mike Shubic August 19th, 2014 Comments Off

While dining at the classic and historic Galatoire's restaurant in New Orleans, I had an opportunity to try and witness their Café Brûlot being prepared table-side. If you're looking for a dramatic conclusion to your fine dining experience, you have to order the Café Brûlot. [youtube youtubeurl="P26vxmNcan0" ][/youtube]

Mike’s Road Trip on T.V. …well, sort of…

Mike Shubic August 14th, 2014 Comments Off

A few month ago I signed a distribution deal with a company who makes apps for ROKU streaming devices and smart TVs, my channel is now live. If you have a streaming television device, you can search under the travel section for the Mike's Road Trip channel and watch the...

Six places you’ll want to photograph in Greece

Mike Shubic July 29th, 2014 1 Comment

Greece may be in the spotlight right now for all the wrong reasons, but what better time to visit such a beautiful and vibrant country? Traveling to Greece is a great way to help a struggling economy, and get some well-deserved rest and relaxation. While you're there you won't want...

Planning Your Perfect Road Trip

Mike Shubic July 21st, 2014 Comments Off

Some people think that the perfect road trip simply involves getting in the car and driving. Unfortunately it’s rarely this simple - discovering those hidden gems you’ll only find on the road requires slightly more preparation in most cases. Fortunately with just a little bit of effort before you set...

Mountain Ranch Resort

Mike Shubic July 17th, 2014 1 Comment

The Grand Canyon State of Arizona is an amazing place and its diversity never ceases to amaze me. Like a lot of folks from the Valley of the Sun, I try to escape the summer heat as often as I can. Thankfully, the pilgrimage is only a couple hours north...

Santa Fe School of Cooking

Mike Shubic July 8th, 2014 2 Comments

I was first introduced to the Santa Fe School of Cooking in 2012, as it was a stop on my culinary tour of Santa Fe, New Mexico for the USA Today and Rand McNally’s “Best of the Road” rally. (By the way, Santa Fe ended up winning the “Best Food”...

Beckett’s Table: The soul of culinary confection

Mike Shubic July 7th, 2014 Comments Off

Opened in 2010 Chef Justin & Michelle Beckett, along with Scott and Katie Stephens, launched a ‘new’ vision including ‘old’ favorites. Nestled between the elegance of the Biltmore area and the hip and trendy Arcadia neighborhood, Beckett’s Table is an upscale dining experience with a comfortable casual feel. The restaurant...

Talavera typifies fine-dining

Mike Shubic June 20th, 2014 2 Comments

The Four Seasons is synonymous with luxury and uncompromising quality…the Scottsdale location in the northern part of the city embodies those guiding principles that make the brand so coveted. Nestled at the foothills of Pinnacle Peak (an iconic rock formation and historic North Scottsdale area), amid towering saguaro cacti and...

Sanctuary “elements:” Where Yin Meets Yang

Mike Shubic June 17th, 2014 Comments Off

Hamachi Sashimi at Sanctuary's elements restaurant - Photo by Mike of MikesRoadTrip.com

Arizona is recognized for some of the most amazing resorts in the world. Sanctuary, located in the heart of Scottsdale is an upscale resort at the top of that list. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, tranquil spa and modern classic rooms, Sanctuary houses the award-winning restaurant, “elements” and “Jade...

Blue Agave Bed and Breakfast, the nectar of Tucson

Mike Shubic June 11th, 2014 2 Comments

As you travel just six or seven miles northwest of downtown Tucson, Arizona, you’ll find yourself in a sparsely populated area in the foothills of the majestic Tucson Mountains—here, is where I discovered the marvelous Blue Agave Bed and Breakfast. The Blue Agave is situated on fifteen acres and is...