Baraga, Michigan: Who Knew the Beauty that Lives in the UP?

I travel for work and get to go to many exciting cities.  On the other hand, I often find myself in towns I did not even know existed let alone would I have had them on my LIFE list (no bucket list here).  Every once in  a while, actually more often than not, these cities surprise me with great views, scenic pictures and amazing charm.  I am loving the process of learning about America and all of the hidden gems.

This post is in relation to my trip to Baraga, Michigan home to the Ojibwa Casino.  I had never heard of this nor did I know this small area housed the first Indian Gaming casino in America.  I was a little worried about this trip until I started exploring.  Included in this posts are pictures from this amazingly scenic area and some other areas nearby.

Baraga, Michigan on Lake Superior

Baraga, Michigan on Lake Superior

Baraga, Michigan on Lake Superior

Houghton, Michigan on Lake Superior

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Copper Harbor Lighthouse, Michigan

Me eating at Harbor Haus in Copper Harbor, Michigan.  The best caesar salad I have ever had!

Brockway Drive on the way back from Copper Harbor to Baraga, Michigan.

Brockway Drive on the way back from Copper Harbor to Baraga, Michigan.

Eagle Harbor, Michigan

Eagle Harbor, Michigan

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse in the UP of Michigan

Little did I know when I went to the airport to head to Ojibwa in Baraga, Michigan that there would be so many beautiful areas!  Nor had I realized that there was something called the UP - Upper Peninsula.  Apparently in Michigan the UP houses the U-pers, while south Michigan houses the "trolls" for being under the big bridge.

Las Vegas Hot Air Ballooning

I live in Vegas and have for a very long time.  I often miss the beauty that surrounds me everyday, being blinded by the lights and culture that every tourist comes to see.  One of my best friends decided she wanted to do Hot Air Balloon Riding for her birthday.

My friends and I have a pact that we try to make anything requested happen on their birthday.  And, as it happens, this BFF has an in with a Hot Air Balloon Company.  So, we made it happen.  Early, early one Saturday morning we met up to hot air balloon above Las Vegas. Not a huge adrenaline rush for me, but very tranquil and like nothing else.  A slow lift off into the air is quite different than any airplane ride you have had. 

If you do this, keep in mind that fire helps lift you off so dressing as warm as you think is not always necessary.  We were taking items off even as we drifted slowly over the Vegas Valley and I imagined myself as Dorothy had she not jumped out of the basket.  Below are pictures of this adventure.

Preparing the balloon for the ride very early in the morning.

Continuing to prepare for the Hot air Balloon Ride.

The Kaleidescope...a company and a beautiful balloon.

Fire it up!

She is coming to be...

Looking up from the basket.

Heading up!

Getting fired up!

Vegas Valley from a view in the morning not seen on TV.

People really live in houses and not hotels.

Another Ballooner

Taking her down...

One incredible adventure followed by a ceremony.  That is top secret!

Atlantic City in Photos

 A lot of people view Atlantic City as a city with a smell and a lot of jaywalkers.  While this much is true, there is a lot of charm that can be found in Atlantic City.  A lot of friendly people and interesting views. 

This post is dedicated to some of my travels to Atlantic City.



Capriccio Dining at Resorts, AC has incredible service, wonderful food and awesome ambiance.  One of my favorites.



Atlantic City from the Boardwalk.  This picture tells a tale of a charming city with a few things that may need fixing.  Or maybe it just adds to the charm.







Another view from the boardwalk includes these blooming flowers.  Charming in their imperfect elegance.

 


A reminder that AC is the inspiration for Monopoly.





Taken at the Pier Shops at Caesars.  A gentle reminder of history.



Another photo from the Pier Shops at Caesars.  There is a fountain show that has a bit of different character than the Bellagio fountain show in Las Vegas, but still fun.



Lucy the Elephant has a lot of history for AC (more specifically Brigantine).  A hotel at one time, a mascot, another view of history...this picture is actually a candy reproduction.



This was taken at the Boogie Nights opening at Tropicana AC.  A lot of fun and flavor!  Take a step back to the 70's and 80's.



Cape May Lighthouse.  Very cool area to hang out, but do NOT try to go up the lighthouse in high heels.



 

The Atlantic Ocean from the Boardwalk before nightfall.  Really quite calming.

 


View from a pier outside of Trump Taj Mahal pier.



One of the funway piers in action during the season.



I am pretty sure they were on America's Got Talent.  Fun show when hanging out on the boardwalk.  Totally unexpected.



Like Las Vegas, Atlantic City and the surrounding areas have a lot more to offer than what meets the eye.