Watkins Glen State Park–19 Waterfalls you need to see in the Finger Lakes, NY

Watkins Glen State Park New York TBEX @DownshiftingPRO

What will surprise you the most is how you access this beautiful state park in the Finger Lakes region of New York state.  You don’t drive down a winding country road or veer off a highway in the middle of nowhere. It’s located in the middle of town, across the street from the County Sherriff’s office!  This is not the only thing that will surprise you about this waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.

Waterfalls you need to see in the Finger Lakes

Cavern Cascade in Watkins Glen Waterfalls in Finger Lakes of New York @DownshiftingPRO_2018 - Waterfalls you need to see in the Finger Lakes
Cavern Cascades in Watkins Glen State Park

You arrive at a brand new Welcome centre and then you will begin climbing 832 steps to see 19 waterfalls. Your journey will take you through a 500 foot elevation via stairs, through stone tunnels, behind at least two waterfalls while crossing both stone and suspension bridges.

Consider this a moderate hike, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Take frequent breaks as you gawk at the natural beauty of Watkins Glens State Park. Take your camera too as there are plenty of pictures to capture.

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Good Eats in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Alabama – Go Because of the Seafood #TBEXhuntsville

Good Eats in Gulf Shores Orange Beach @DownshiftingPRO 1
GOOD EATS ALABAMA @DownshiftingPRO

It was not one of my finest moments but it was likely one of the most honest moments I’ve ever had. We were a group of travel bloggers and freelance writers perusing the menu of one of the finest restaurant in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.  I spotted what I had been searching for all week: fresh oysters.  I’d learned to appreciate raw oysters at a young age (and to shun cooked oysters).  Something about the oyster liquor alone or with a kiss of lemon juice, has become for me, a sublime experience.  The temptation to have a full dozen of these beauties was more than I could handle.  “Will you be sharing those?” someone asked as they eyed the huge platter of iced oysters.  “No,” I said calmly but assertively.  There was an audible lull in the conversation. “No, really, I wasn’t planning to.” I wanted every one of these beauties all to myself.  One doesn’t come to the coast without savouring exceptional seafood and this region, located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, did not disappoint. This is the ultimate guide to good eats in Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Update: I have recently returned to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and was able to savoury new dishes and visit newly opened restaurants. All the updated reviews will be highlighted in BLUE. Enjoy more Good Eats in the Gulf Shores!

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What Amazing things to see and do in the Corning Museum of Glass – 15 Reasons to go!

What to do in The Corning Museum of Glass DownshiftingPRO thumb

Spend a day or two at the Corning Museum of Glass

“You really like fire. You’re kind of addicted to it.” Cat Burn’s mother said to her, “so you’re either going to jail for it or you could learn to play with it.”  And that’s exactly what we were doing as we created a cobalt blue pumpkin in The Studio. Glassblowing (making seasonal pumpkins, snowmen or Easter eggs) or creating beads through flamework are only a few of the things to see and do at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York.  Located in the Finger Lakes region it is approximately 4 hours from Toronto and 4.5 hours from New York City.  Both educational and entertaining, it is the perfect weekend getaway for families, couples or art lovers.

Tagliapietra Lino Italian b. 1934 Artist The Corning Museum of Glass DownshiftingPRO
Endeavor – Tagliapietra, Lino (Italian, b. 1934), Artist

Opened in 1951, this museum complex incorporates numerous galleries, an indoor and outdoor amphitheatre, an outdoor kiln, and lastly, a large studio and teaching facility. Home to the largest collection of glass, it holds over 50,000 objects covering a span of 3,500 years of glass history.  The Museum has grown into a collecting, exhibiting, teaching, and research facility located just steps away from the global headquarters of Corning Inc.  If you can dream it, it has been made into glass.

This world-class museum has pieces from ancient Egypt to current day.  With over 460,000 visitors a year, an average visit lasts 4.5 hours long, with 20-25% of visitors attending the Studio for glass blowing classes to create beautiful items.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking you will get through this museum in a few hours.  With an admission pass good for two days, plan accordingly and be sure and take advantage to play with a little bit of fire to create a beautiful keepsake then take it home the next day!

Tiffany Stainglass window overlooking the Hudson Cornint Museum of Glass @DownshiftingPRO
Window with Hudson River Landscape – Corning Museum of Glass – @DownshiftingPRO

There are a variety of galleries to visit from the Crystal City Gallery – to learn about cut glass – to my personal favourite –  the Contemporary + Design gallery.  Set against crisp white walls, there is no better way to see these glass pieces!

This museum is the perfect intergenerational travel destination.  With workshops for children, along with seasonal activities and glass making/breaking demonstrations.

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What to do at the Quebec Winter Carnival

Quebec Carnival with DownshiftingPRO
Quebec Carnival with @DownshiftingPRO

What to do at the Quebec Winter Carnival

Would you drive 11 hours to go to a winter carnival?  We did!  Last year, we spent a few days in the beautiful city of Quebec to celebrate the best winter carnival in the world.  Full of music, outdoor activities, night parades and a giant outdoor slide, you must make a trip to Quebec City at least once in your life.  The last time I was here for Carnaval I was in University and it was much, much colder with more of a never-ending party.  It was also very different, the current rendition is all about a great family experience and making it memorable for all. Get ready for this year’s REFRESHING! Carnival as this year’s edition will run February 8 –17, 2019.  There is much to see and no reason to stay home.  Be sure and take in these great events. 

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15 things to do in North Macedonia–located on the Balkan Peninsula

15 Things to do in Macedonia CosmicAce Guest Post 2 1

15 Things to do in Macedonia CosmicAce Guest Post 2 1

In 2019, I have decided to take a leap of faith and create a space where other travel bloggers, freelance writers and storytellers contribute their travel stories to DownshiftingPRO.com.  In the last four years, I have encountered some wonderful kindred spirits that love to travel and write about it.

The first installation comes from Ace… a seasoned traveller who has returned to his native country of North Macedonia to try and entice others to visit and fall in love with small country nestled in the Balkan Peninsula! His images are enticing and his suggestions of 15 Things to do in North Macedonia will likely entice you too.  From Byzantine buildings and Roman ruins and rugged peaks to glacial lakes, there are many things of interest and adventure to be found in North Macedonia.

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What’s New for Ski Season in Vermont #SkiVermont

A Year in Review 2017 Best1

UPDATE 2021: The ski season in Vermont will look very different in 2021. With COVID-19 restrictions in effect throughout Vermont, there are specific guidelines that must be adhered to in all areas. Below is a summary from the SKI VERMONT website. At the bottom of this post, I will have a list of of individual ski mountain guidelines. Please ‘know before you go’ if you are in Vermont.
Important note: Anyone returning or traveling to Vermont must follow Vermont’s mandatory quarantine policy. Vermonters returning from an out-of-state trip must complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative test.

Ski Season in Vermont - Covid- restrictions in Vermont
Plan for a safe Ski season in Vermont

Obviously, for my Canadian and International readers, travel to the US is restricted for recreational purposes. Use this guide for future travel plans. #DreamNowTravelLater. There is no reason you cannot plan for a future ski season in Vermont.

A Year in Review 2017 Best1

Like Santa’s workshop, ski areas in Vermont have been very, very busy off-season.  From revamping their facilities, terrain and ticket/pass options to off-slope activities and amenities. Since my epic get-back-on-skis-after-decades-off-them trip last year, I can hardly wait to get back! There have been some significant changes to Mount Snow, Killington and Stratton.   I wanted to share some of the highlights of changes on those mountains and also on the others for the upcoming ski season in Vermont.

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