Author: gabby

Singapore:

Cost: Free to wander. Food: $$-$$$$

Funky Fact: Singapore is one of the world’s greenest cities.

1. Marina Bay Sands 

One of the most famous architectural marvels. The Marina Bay Sands was built in 2010 and has 2,500 rooms. Its a 7 star hotel, known for its extravagance and luxurious hotel rooms. You can even add on a butler service! The hotels boasts stunning city views from the sky deck and is home to the worlds longest infinity pool. Only hotel guests can access the top floor. Starting room price is $442.80 (USD) a night.

2. Spectra – A Light & Water Show

This nightly light show is an immerse symphony of playful fountains, colorful virtual projections, and lasers through mist. It’s a daily show put on infant of the Marian Bay Sands at 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

3. Gardens Rhapsody 

A garden like no other in the world. Take a night time stroll behind the Mariana Bay Sands and watch Garden Rhapsody in the Supertree Grove. It a nightly light show dazzling visitors at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. In the Supertree Grove visitors can marvel at the 12 massive tree-like sculptures covered in plants, vines and rainbow color changing LED lights. The Garden Rhapsody is set to music that echos around the park along with a stunning light she that is a must see.

4. Merlion

The Singapore Tourism Board developed the Merlion in the 1960s. it was the brainchild of designer Fraser Brunner. He fused 2 historical parts of Singapore to create the unique creature. Half of the Merlion is a fish, this represents the beginnings of the port city as a humble fishing village. The creatures head shows the city’s original name of Singapura (lion city in Sanskrit). Located along the bay walk, visitors can watch the fountain Merlion watching over the city.

5. Helix Bridge 

An excellent site for Science fanatics, It opened in 2010. Its modeled after the structure of DNA. While walking the bridge illuminated letters c and g, as well as a and t glow in pathway set pin lights These letters represent the building blocks of DNA: cytosine, guanine, adenine, and thymine.

6. Shiseido Forest Valley

Located in the Changi Airport this indoor garden is like nothing else. Tis garden is home to over 2,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs. Take a stroll down the many winding paths and enjoy the tranquil sounds of soft music, playfully illuminated shrubs and small cascading river water falls trickling around you.

7. Rain Vortex

Not to be missed if you are visiting the Changi Airport. This is world tallest indoor waterfall. Standing 7 stories tall the Rain Vortex concept began in 2014. The water fall is funneled trough a pump room that sits inconspicuously at the B3 car park them pumped up and around the exterior via small tubes, then falls as rain, back down to the pump room.

8. The Slide @T3 and T4

Airports arn’t known for fun, but the Singopore airport was determined to add in a little fun when constructing slides in Terminal 3 and 4. To gain access to the slides, visitors must spend a minimum of $10 in Changi Airport.

9. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Check out the charm in Little India and the Hindu community’s most important monuments. Its speculated that Little India developed around 1828. The population of Indian immigrants here were originally British imported convicts, that were forced laborers. The British built roads using convicts imported from India. Today, this thriving neighborhood is filled with temples, charming shops, and restaurants.

10. Rainbow shutters on the MICA Building

Today he MICA Building is one of the most colorful instagram spot in Singapore. The building has over 900 windows, painted in colorful hues. Originally, it was the Old Hill Street police station.

11. Singapore Botanic Gardens

Check out the Singapore Botanic Gardens rotating plant exhibits and see the Seed Bank. The Seed Conservatory is a non-permanent exhibit in the garden is a metal pavilion with blooming baskets of native and common imported plants. This Seed Conservatory showcases over 700 plants.

12. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

This youth and performing art center has a futuristic exterior design. The amorphous armadillo like geometric spines glow a warm gold at dusk and in the evening. It sports 7,000 triangular aluminum sunshades over its glass exterior. The building is referred to at The Durian.

13. Mirror Balls

While Walking along Clarke Quay you’ll pass the Museum of Ancient Civilisations. In front of the Museum is a Public arts work by Baet Yeol Kuan. This fascinating sculptural installation lets visitors reflect on the beauty of the city around them.

14. Clarke Quay

Named after Sir Andrew Clarke, Clarke Quay is a charming riverside neighborhood. Its the perfect place to go for an evening stroll and stop in a one of the trendy night clubs for a drink. in the early 1800s, the Clarke Quay area was composed of warehouses and docks for the loading and unloading of cargo.

15. Haji Lane 

One of the narrowest street in Singapore is actually an old back alley. Today, it’s lined with colorful shophouses. This street was built in 19th century and is home to charming and quirky small cafes, trendy bars, shopping and funky boutiques. be on the look out for unusual street art.

Viva Las Vegas:

Cost: Free to wander. Food: $$-$$$$

Funky Fact: Over 41 million people visit Las Vegas each year.

1 Fremont Street

The city’s most famous neon signs and marquees line the blocks and its home to Las Vegas’ first casinos. You’ll hear dueling piano bars and enjoy craft cocktails and dirt cheap drinks. You can’t miss the ceiling: Viva Vision! It’s a screen boasting 16.4 million pixels. At 1,375 feet long and 90 feet wide the screen arches over the street to light up your scenes. (Free to see)

2. The Forum Shops

A world renowned upscale shopping mall in Caesars Palace. The sales in this mall are some of the highest grossing in the United States. (Free to see)

3. Wet Republic Ultra Pool

The best pool party on the strip. Its a massive 54,500 sq. ft. music venue with  pools, daybeds, banquets, private bungalows, fancy cabanas and amazing DJs (its adults only).

4. Erupting Volcano

Every hour from 7 pm on, Vegas visitors can watch the smoke, fire, lights and fountains explode in a choreographed spectacle in front of the Mirage Hotel. (Free to see)

5. Paris Paris Tour the Eiffel Tower

Aside from walking around the adorable interior shopping street. Visitors can take in the best view of the strip from a visit to the top of the tower. Plan your trip up for a time that aligns with the Bellagios’ fountain show for a spectacular view.

6. Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Enjoy the charm of the Brooklyn Bridge at the New York, New York Hotel. Check out their live music, is this amazing 9,000 sq. ft. replica. You’ll feel like you’re in the big apple. (Free to see)

7. Flamingos

Check out the 9 chilean flamingos living at The Flamingo’s Wildlife Habitat in a stunning four-acre gardens. The gardens are elaborately planned with streams, waterfalls, exotic birds, turtles and fish. (Free to see)

8. Rainforest Cafe

Feeling Tropical vibes? Check out the tropical thunderstorm every 22 minutes in the Rainforest Cafe. (Free to see)

9. Giant Aquarium

The Mirage Lobby Aquarium has to be the best office view, with a 20,000-gallon saltwater tank behind the check-in desk. It’s home to 450 kids of fish and has a thriving coral reef.

10. Glass Wine Tower

One of the most unexpected sites you’ll find at the Mandalay Bay hotel is the Aureole Wine Bar. Its a four story glass tower with an Acrobatic ‘Wine Angel’ that will grab you something from their 3,000-bottle list.

11. Luxor Pyramid

This 4400 room hotel is the largest pyramid in the U.S. From the outside the glossy black four sided facade is topped with a light beam that’s the strongest beam of light in the world. (Free to see)

12. Excalibur Castle 

The Excalibur Hotel is named for the mythical sword of King Arthur. This Medieval theme hotel is lines with coats armor and features dueling knights and jousting.

13. The Trevi Fountain

A smaller version of it Roman replica exists outside the Caesar’s Palace. There is a famous myth about throwing coins in: If you throw one coin: you will return. If you throw two coins: you will fall in love. If you throw three coins: you will marry the person that you met. (Free to see)

14. Little Venice and Gondola Rides

The gondola boats give 500,000 visitors ride annually, each boat makes roughly 40 trips a day. The gondoliers perform a song and march to and from their boats at 9:50 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. daily at The Venetian Hotel. 

15. Conservatory and Botanical Garden

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden is a sight like no other. This seasonally rotating floral exhibit is one to rival the Chealse Flower Show. A fever dream of color creativity playing with light, water, size and scale all delicately done with thousands of botanical plants and flowers. (Free to see)

16. 1923 Hidden Prohibition Bar

The Mandalay Bay hides a swanky speakeasy behind a vintage bookshelf and some old whiskey barrels. Check out this hidden gem for some of the classiest drinks in town!

17. Fountain of the Gods

Inside the Forum Shops at the Caesar’s Palace is an unusually musical fountain. Every hour on the hour during the day, the statues come alive, see the Gods Venus, Apollo, Pluto and come to life in the ‘Fall Of Atlantis’ an animatronic fountain and light show complete with robotics, music and a voice track story line (Free to see).

18. Fiori di Como Glass Sculpture Ceiling in The Bellagio

In the front lobby of the Bellagio hang a masterpiece of glass and light. Dale Chihuly’s “Fiori di Como,” a stunning kalidescope canopy. The 2100-square-foot masterpiece of hand-blown glass flowers floats above an elaborate table arrangement of flower to welcome visitors. (Free to see)

19. Heart Attack Grill

Visitor wear hospital gowns to prepare for the inevitable ambulance ride after eating one of this burger restaurants best menu items: The Bypass Burger. Waitresses wearing nurse outfits serve you what could be your very last meal.

20. The STRAT Tower

Check out the tallest building in the state of Nevada. This Hotels has 2,427 rooms, and its tower is 1,149 feet tall. At the top visitors can peer out the two observation decks, visit the revolving restaurant, shop the mall, take in a comedy club performance and see a Fine Art Photography Gallery. But the best activity at the top is one of the thrill rides: The Big Shot, Insanity and X-Scream. If you’re feeling extra brave try the SkyJump, leap off a Guinness World Record bungee jump down a 829 foot drop at 40mph.

21. Nine Fine Irishmen

The entire stunning interior of the pub was imported from Ireland, even the floor. The story behind the pubs name starts in 1848, when nine nationalists: Thomas Francis Meagher, John Mitchel, Patrick O’Donoghue, Terence Bellew McManus, William O’Brien, Charles Gavan Duffy, John Dillon, Thomas D’Arcy McGee, and Richard O’Gorman fought for Ireland in attempts to gain independence from the British. It didn’t end so well for them but the pub has great beer and a good old story.

22. Tarapeze Acrobats 

Check you the Circus Circus Hotel for their daily free performances (listed times on a board in the plaza). See their trapeze Acrobat swing hight above the casino lights at the Carnival Midway on the second floor of the main plaza.

23. Container Park

Free movies, live music, a performance stage, treehouses, slides, shopping and food stalls galore, check out the open air container park in downtown Las Vegas.

24. Cirque du Soleil

If you’ve never seen a Cirque du Soleil’s show, now is your chance. Vegas has SIX options to see different acrobatic action packed performances: KÀ, O, Mystére, Mad Apple, Michael Jackson ONE, and The Beatles LOVE all lovingly performed by the amazing Cirque du Soleil cast.

25. Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den Secret Bar

Tucked behind a golden cat covered secret bookshelf inside FUHU CHA CHAN TENG restaurant is ‘Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den’ This dark bar is illuminated with candles, a neon pink cherry blossom tree and sultry monogramed drinks that will be your vice for the night! You can fid this hidden in Resorts World Las Vegas.

26. Hidden Ghost Donkey Bar 

You’d never know this wasn’t an Exit, This bar can be found inside the Cosmopolitan in the back of a restaurant and its like stepping into a piñata. This dimly lit tequila bar is covered in twinkle lights and Mexican decor. Try the wildly exotic and delicious Nachos with Huitlacoche (Google if you dare). Trust me there is not a better or more unusual dish in all of Las Vegas.

27. Cosmopolitan Chandelier Bar

This posh crystal-enveloped bar spans three floors and is sure to dazzle your eyes with glamor. There are an estimates 7 million crystals in the entire bar lid with thousands of LED Lights to set the prefect ambiance. During your visit check out their signature Verbena Cocktail a lemonade ode with a spicy twist.

28. Beauty & Essex Secret Bar

Tucked inside a pawn shop with a faux front is the stunning Beauty and Essex bar. This bar is also located in the Cosmopolitan. Rich leather tufting, candle light glow, gold frames and trick mirrors paired with velvet seating make for a fabulous dinning experience.

29. Ski Lodge Secret Bar

The third secret bar located in the Cosmopolitan is the Ski Lodge. With a cozy fireplace, shot ski, and a friendly cabin pub feel this bar makes for a fun contrast to the Las Vegas desert heat. Check out the behind the bar digital scene where it’s always snowing.

30. Night Club Scene

There are tons of dance clubs in Vegas. Each major hotel hosts a dance club offering expensive drinks and a night of sweat and memories. My three favorite clubs were: Tao, Omnia and Hakkasan. Check each venue for hours, DJs, free passes for ladies, and some offer free drinks.

Food Tour:

Cost: $-$$$

Funky Fact: There are over 50 all vegan restaurant in Portland

1 Secret Pizza Society

Cost: $$

What to try: The Batman Chalupa

2. Thunderbird

Cost: $$

What to try: The Marvin

3. Bollywood Theater

Cost: $$

What to try: Trio of chutneys, spiced garbanzo beans, or dal

4. Wolf and Bears

Food cart turned restaurant.

Closed during the Pandemic.

5. Petit Province

Cost: $-$$

What to try: Anything in the amazing bakery case.

6. Fresh Pot

Cost: $

What to try: Matcha Latte

7. Pine State Biscuit

Cost: $-$$

What to try: The Reggie

8. Doe Donuts

Cost: $ 3-5 per donut

What to try: Tiramisu Donut

9. Off the Griddle

Cost: $$

What to try: The Full Mess

10. Papa Haydns

Cost: $$$$

What to try: Any dessert with a coffee.

  11. Next Level Burger

Cost: $$

What to try: The BEYOND ANIMAL and a Cookie Dough Shake

Waterfall of Larch Mountain :

Hours: Dusk till dawn. Sometimes closed for snow or down trees.

Cost: Check for updates: Check here for updates/parking fees

Distance: 14.4 miles round trip

Sights: Views of the Multnomah, Wisendanger, Dutchman and Ecola falls 

Funky Fact: Larch Mountain is actually an extinct volcano!

The Devils Punch Bowl:

Address: Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, 122 1st St, Otter Rock, OR 97369

Hours: Dusk till Dawn

Cost: Free to wander.

Distance: 1.8 miles

Funky Fact: It’s a collapsed sea cave.

Food Tour:

Cost: $-$$$

Funky Fact: There are over 50 all vegan restaurant in Portland

1 The Pumpkin Boat Races

These take place on day 2 of the event, Sunday. They are usually held at noon and 2:00pm.

2. Seed Extraction and Giant Pumpkin Carving

This takes place starting at 8:00 am the day of the race to ensure pumpkin freshness! It’s done by a team of carving experts, visitors can watch the orange goop fill up trash cans.

3. Giant Pumpkin Weigh off!

May the biggest pumpkin squash the completion. Pumpkins are towed in one by one on pallets using a forklift, a pumpkin harness is wrapped around it to move the pumpkins to the giant scale. The largetst pumpkins weigh from 1,700-2000lbs.

4. Children’s Costume Contest

Costume contests are held throughout the day of the event.

5. Photo-ops and Face painting

All around the lake are fun activities to entertain visitors between the races.

6. Pumpkin Chess and Checkers

Boards are located around the lake for a quick game.

7. Pumpkin Golfing

Children only put-put golfing into the lake. Golfers try and aim for floating pumpkin buckets to win a prize.

8. Pumpkin Bowling

The boy scouts run the pumpkin bowling alley lines with hat and lopsided bowling balls

9. Halloween Decor

The lake and surrounding business decorate with skeletons and haunted decor.

10. Giant Pumpkin Seed Sale

For visitors feeling inspired to grow their own giant pumpkin, seed are for sale at stalls and online. These seeds are dried and saved from previous years giants. The weight and year of the parent is on each pouch.

11. The Giant Pumpkin Contest Winner

2022 was a dry summer for growing, but this years winner weighed in at 1,728.5 lb.

In addition to the above events, there is also a 5K Run, Medallion Hunt, Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers’ Terminator weigh-off and New Seasons Market Giant Tomato Weigh-Off and Tualatin High School Marching Band Performance. Check out the Tualatin West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta’s website for more information. Hope to see you there next year!

Thors Well & the Spouting Horn:

Address: 2311-2399 Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR 97439

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Cost: Free to hike.

Distance: 0.6-mile loop trail  (17 min. walk)

Funky Fact: The Spouting horn at Cook’s Chasm is called an ocean geyser, created as the ocean waves shoot into a under rock cave, then are forced out the top, like a blow hole.