The Safari in Central Illinois

It had been a couple of years since I visited AikmanWildlife Adventure in Arcola, Illinois, less than an hour from where I live. The first time, I was impressed and excited. I had never seen anything like this in a small town that’s basically in the middle of nowhere.

 

I had been anticipating having the same feeling when I returned recently, but I found it was even stronger as there was much more to experience as this adventure is like no other I’ve seen anywhere in the U.S.

James Aikman, whose family owns Aikman Wildlife, met me inside the shop, which  is also home to some of the smaller creatures, like Jax the McCaw, a lemur,  an iquana, and a sloth (for which they are planning encounters.

 

The dream for a park like this came from James and he and his wife, Kelsey, purchased the former Rockhome Gardens property in 2015. It is fittingly run with mostly members of their large family.

Just a walk around the property brings you next to free roaming peacocks, servals, spotted hyenas, wolf pups, and an aviary for  waterfowl. We went through a barn where some of the newer animals, many of who are rescues, are preparing to move to the petting zoo or drive through. We saw some pygmy goats who were on their way. This property is 40 acres and half of that is drive through. Five have not yet been developed.

 

There are many things to do at Aikman Wildlife, but my absolute favorite is the Off-Road Adventure, which you can get with the Behind the Scenes Adventure or on its own. It is what makes this place so unique.

 

You will feel like you are on a safari in an open-air jeep as the animals come right into the vehicle and you have a chance to hand feed them. This includes zebras,  donkeys, camels, bison, and more large creatures. They are friendly, especially when the prospect of food is there. It was something I repeated with Jim on this visit I took with my daughter.

 

If you aren’t quite so adventurous, don’t worry, Aikman Wildlife has many other options for your day that includes walking tours and wagon rides and walk-throughs.

Save some time for the Museum of Prehistoric Life. This wasn’t around on my previous trip and it’s an experience the whole family will enjoy. I love the fact that it’s all about hands- on. Touching the statues of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures is encouraged. All of them were 3-D  printed.

 

We also went to a building that was not there on my last visit, the Serengeti. This is the new venue center which is especially popular for weddings. Although the converted barn can have a reception for 200, you can have a ceremony in many different spots throughout the park.

The other thing that is new to me is the  Wildlife Manor, where they have opened the first of their cabins. You can sleep surrounded by animals right outside the building. The cabin sleeps up to six guests and can be booked through Airbnb.

 

Aikman Wildlife Adventure is located in Arcola, Illinois, in the middle of Amish country. Details on their offerings,  as well as the ability to purchase tickets in advance, is available on their website.

TWA Hotel Brings Back Lots of Memories

The first time I was in the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport in New York was when I was 11 years old. After years of taking road trips down south or cross country each year, we were taking our first flight. It was to Florida, and we were leaving out of this modern terminal on a jet plane.

It looked just as I remembered when I arrived at the TWA Hotel in the same spot as the old terminal. I had left the Viana Hotel in Westbury to spend  24 hours here before my flight home to Champaign the next day. 

From the moment I wheeled in on my scooter, I was transformed back into the 70s, with music from that period playing throughout the building, as well as photographs, memorabilia, and even cars. All was in bright colors, predominantly the TWA red.

 

Check-in to the TWA hotel was familiar at the counters previously used to check in to your flight. The ones that were not being used for that were spots for quick service food, forming a bit of a food hall with favorite New York comfort food such as Mister Softee Ice Cream and Feltman’s of Coney Island Hot Dogs.

 

I had a Deluxe Accessible Room, which overlooked an actual runway. It was designed to match the period and the airline, with things like a little amenity bag like you used to get on long flights, and a rotary phone. There was also luxurious robes and a very comfortable king bed.

 

I was really hungry and, even though it was cold and rainy, I headed up to the Rooftop Bar. There was a heated pool there from which you could watch the planes take off. I wasn’t that brave, but I stepped inside the bar and café, where I enjoyed a spiked hot chocolate and a delicious turkey sandwich with cranberry and brie.

 

It was time for me to put my feet up and get a little work done for  a few hours. There were blackout shades, and the rooms were very soundproof so the planes taking off did not disturb me.

My cousin, Marissa, who spent time with me in Chelsea, came to meet me for dinner at Paris Café by Jean Georges. It was far from airport food as we feasted on Shaved Broccoli & Kale Salad, Burrata, Tagliatelle Mushroom Bolognese, and Sesame Crusted Salmon, with carrot cake for  dessert.

 

I slept well in the quiet room with the shades down. In the morning, I met one of my oldest--in how long I’ve known her, not age—friends for breakfast at the Paris Café. Donna and I had gotten our journalism degrees and worked on the college newspaper at CW Post, now known as Long Island University, Post Campus.

 

She is now also a travel writer and we try to see each other at least once a year. We had a long overdue catch up and a delicious meal. I had banana pancakes and scrambled eggs, and Donna had an omelet (you can choose what you want in it, including smoked salmon). The coversation and the food was all great. 

There was time before my flight to explore more. I couldn’t help but smile as I made my way through the 70s, including a Sweet ‘N Glow Salon, Twister Room, displays of flight attendant uniforms through the years, and that famous TWA plane, Connie.

 

I opted to take an Uber to the  American Airlines  terminal as I had luggage, and it wasn’t that close. It was too much for me in the scooter. Most  people can walk and/or take the train that runs through JFK. There is also a direct door from the TWA Hotel to the Jet Blue Terminal.

It was a wonderful trip to New York, visiting family and friends, and discovering unfamiliar places. I thank the ILoveNY team for helping me with the latter and look forward to working with them again.

I was hosted for some of this trip, but views are my own.

14 Things I Love Now That Would Make Great Gifts

 

Tis the season when we are searching for the perfect gifts we will be remembered for giving. There are no guarantees, but I always like to get something a bit out of the ordinary. I’ve received a lot of items lately. Some have been given to me and others I have bought myself. They wouldn’t be on the list if I didn’t really like them.

The holiday gift ideas below are in no particular order, but I’ve linked to the best deal I found. (Maybe good enough to also pick up some for yourself.) I do receive a small commission on some of these.

 

1.        Lectrofan

Anyone who has a Yorkie knows that they can hear a fly a half mile away! I had the bedroom noise under control during the summer with a hepa filter fan. I replaced that with the (quiet) humidifier. After a few nights of Teddy waking up with every outside sound, I received the Lectrofan. It has many white noise and fan options. I set it to duplicate the sound of the fan we had. I’m sleeping better too. They have a micro version that also acts as a Bluetooth speaker.

 
2.        Harry’s Famous Sauce

I spent years perfecting my sauce and never use jarred, but I was intrigued by Harry’s Famous Sauce. Harry Hamlin had me at “Rosemary Red Wine.” I poured some over pasta and, while I enjoyed it, “cacciatore’ immediately came to mind—simple and delicious in the crockpot, with the sauce, mushrooms, carrots, and chicken thighs.

 
3.        Heated Wearable Shawl

I have been dealing with a lot of arm and shoulder pain since my fall in April. I’m always looking for ways to ease the pain. This heated shawl covers my arms in gentle warmth. It’s also going to be great for all the winter nights to come.

 

4.        Ayla & Co. Vacuum

This handheld portable car vacuum is light weight, but strong enough to clean your car easily. It has a rechargeable USB cord and a replaceable filter to make it easy to use.

 
5.        Mettalusso

This vegan brand is for pets and people. I loved the way the Pet Wipes and Waterless Mousse Shampoo made Teddy’s hair clean, smooth, and fresh, without a strong odor. I tried the Serum Primer and noticed more smoothing and tightness in my face in a few days.

 
6.        European Deli

If you want to go back to memories of European markets like I do, or pay homage to a family member or friend’s heritage, you’ll find a huge selection of products to choose from the European Deli website.

 
7.        Skechers Slip Ins

I was skeptical about the new “slip in” shoes, but they really do work. You can put them on perfectly without ever bending down. I love the feel of these, and they also have a lot of support.

 
8.        Audible Membership

I really enjoy listening to books on Audible, especially autobiographies read by the authors. You can gift an Audible membership that has thousands of free books to read, and a complimentary bestseller every month.

 
9.        XXI Martinis

With everything you have to do this holiday season, why waste time mixing martinis? XXI Martinis are perfectly mixed and just need chilling. While they are all good, the Espresso is so outstanding a friend who doesn’t like coffee couldn’t  wait  to go buy a bottle.
 
10.   Sausalito Liquor Company Unsinkable Chocolate liqueur

You can do whatever you want with this chocolate liqueur, but I liked it just on the rocks and in coffee. It’s got the deepest, richest chocolate taste of any liqueur I’ve ever had.
 
11.   Ricardo Avalon Luggage

As much as I have loved my Samantha Brown luggage (some pieces I’ll probably keep forever) for many years, I needed something lighter weight. Ricardo offered me a set of their Avalon luggage and it is perfect. They are so light and functional, with pieces that fit my wheelchair. There are great deals on them at Macy’s now.
 
12.   Travelambo Multi card Bifold Wallet

I finally found a wallet that can hold lots of cards without taking up lots of room in my bag. This is a fantastic gift that comes in a ton of colors and is currently only $11.04.
 
13.   Furzapper

This is the perfect stocking stuffer for everyone. They can slip right into your pocket and be used to remove lint, fur, hair, and more from clothing and furniture.
 
14.   Alter Eco Dark Chocolates

These are also a must for stocking stuffers and hostess gifts. These rich, dark chocolates are made with the planet in mind, with compostable packaging and organic ingredients.
 

 

Cradle of Aviation in New York

I had been enjoying some down time with friends and family in New York. That wasn’t going to change on day four, but I added in some discovery as I took my daughter and son-in-law to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

Even though I had lived 15 minutes from this museum for 20 years, I had never been there. It had been in the back of my mind, and when I would occasionally pass it, I would remind myself. It just never happened.

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This Long Island trip was planned to include checking out new places, and with this museum close to the Viana Hotel and Spa where I was staying, I decided to include it. The ILoveNY team helped me make the arrangements.

I had breakfast at the hotel before Sam and Matt picked me up for the museum. I was happy to see immediately that it was extremely wheelchair accessible.

 

 

We were met at the entrance by Joe Pobliner. I soon learned he was a wonderful expert on Long Island’s history in aviation and everything the Cradle of Aviation has to offer. There is even more than I had ever imagined.

The location of the museum has a lot of meaning. Charles Lindbergh’s first solo trans-Atlantic flight started at Roosevelt Field, right next to where the museum is. Long Island is also known for its Mitchel Field Military Base and military engineering powerhouses, such as Grumman.

 

Charles Lindbergh and his history of flying is just part of what this museum offers. In relics, replicas, movies, writings, and photographs, you will see aviation beginning with balloons in 19th century France, and continuing to modern day Space X.

Mitchell Field was used for soldiers all over to learn how to fly. There is a copy of the Avenger Fighter Plane that Grumman released to fight against the Japanese planes, as well as those used in Korea and Vietnam.

 

The museum is definitely worthwhile for all ages. We saw kids enjoying some of the hands-on experiences, as well as marveling at the planes and spaceships. As three adults, we also found endless things to see and read, and Joe Pobliner’s anecdotes were captivating.

There was a Pan Am Museum next to the Cradle of Aviation, but it’s being reimagined and the contents were moved here. It was fascinating looking at the history of that famous airline, including the 707, which was the first jetliner created by Boeing.

 

Before we left, we saw the lunar module Grumman made for Apollo, the first trip to the moon. It is one of three. The other two are at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC,  and the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. There is also the parachute used in the 1972 Apollo 17 mission.

I strongly suggest planning a trip here if you are in New York. Allow a few hours to properly explore the Cradle of Aviation. Educational programs are also available at the museum. Visit their website for details.

 

After the museum, we went back to the Viana Hotel & Spa for dinner at the Marco Polo Restaurant. It was my third night having dinner there and I was still excited about it. Everything eaten there had been so good. It was definitely a restaurant I wanted to be back to.

On this night, our dinner at this Asian-Italian eatery included Ginger Chicken Milanese with wonton noodles, Crab Cake, Pan Seared Tuna with wasabi potatoes, and Egg Roll Sampler (chicken parmigiana, Philly cheese steak & Mongolian mozzarella sticks).

 

After dinner, I said goodbye and headed to my room at Viana Hotel & Spa for the last time. I was leaving the next day for a very special location I had looked forward to checking out for a long time. It ironically also had an aviation theme.

 

 

I was hosted for some of this part of the trip, but opinions are my own.

Viana Spa and Dinner with Friends

I don’t get a lot of relaxing days when I am traveling, but my first full day at the Viana Hotel & Spa in Westbury, New York, was a perfect one.

 

The best way to start a day is without an alarm clock and that’s what I did. I took my time putting on something comfortable and went down to the Marco Polo restaurant for breakfast. The buffet had a nice assortment of items, and there was a spot to get custom omelets, which I did, as well as pancakes and French toast.

It was comforting to be in a place that is wheelchair accessible on all floors. There were wide open hallways and, even though there were stairs in the lobby to go up to the restaurant or down to the spa, you could also take the elevator to both.

After breakfast, I caught up with emails and then went downstairs to wait for my daughter. We had a spa date at this Long Island hotel I was looking forward to.

 

Viana Hotel has a full-service spa that includes massages, treatments, nail, and hair services. There is also a small indoor pool and whirlpool, as well as a sauna and fitness center. We had plenty of time to hang out in the water and dry off in the sauna before our appointments.

My daughter went for a Swedish Massage, while I decided to go more to the holistic with the Reiki (they also have reflexology). Reiki is said to help promote energy movement in the body, boosting the immune system and lowering stress. I did have any miraculous cures, but I felt more relaxed and balanced. Sam also enjoyed her massage.

We waited in the comfortable lobby for my friends, Lynn, and Gail. The three of us have known each other since our five-year-old girls played on the same soccer team. I see them whenever I come to New York and Lynn has traveled with me often.

Sam left and we went to the Marco Polo restaurant for dinner. After such a wonderful meal the previous night, I was excited to go back. There was plenty left to try on their very unusual Asian-Italian menu.

 

We started with the dumplings and salads. I recommended the Korean BBQ Ribs and Lynn agreed they were delicious, but Gail and I went for dishes that really reflected the restaurant. It was Penne Ala Sake for Gail, a take on penne ala vodka that substituted the Japanese spirit. I did the Lo Mein Bolognese, which, in addition to the Asian noodle, changed up the dish with a bit of unique flavoring in a normally Italian sauce.

We rounded off the meal with some traditional desserts (cheesecake and red velvet cake), which were as satisfying as the rest of the dinner.

 

It was a wonderful day catching up and relaxing at Viana Hotel & Spa and I was ready to get back to my room. I had a more active one planned for the next day, to a place I lived 10 minutes from for nearly 20 years, but never made it to.

 

I was hosted for some of this part of the trip, but opinions are my own.