Love is in the Air
We hope everyone had a happy Valentine’s Day. While love is certainly a beautiful thing, we like to keep things moving along around here, especially when there is more fun to be had. So, with Valentine’s Day a distant memory and summer vacation on the horizon, we thought we would shift the focus. Instead of who we love, let’s focus on where we love to go. When we say, “love is in the air,” we are talking about the friendly skies. We find that some of the best places that we have traveled to have been on the suggestion of a friend, and our staff at Prime was more than happy to share some favorite vacation hot spots. I hope that our fond memories SPARK the inspiration for the trip of a lifetime.
Cathy Marxen
While I love to explore new places, there are certain places that I have visited that will never leave my soul. Hanalei Bay on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai is that place. The area is magical, with volcanoes, waterfalls, and a daily supply of rainbows. I had the pleasure of paddle boarding while I was there. My paddle boarding experience was truly surreal, as the backdrop to the river was a waterfall cascading down the side of a volcano. I will be back someday!
Nathan Olmscheid
Although I have been all over the world, most of which was pre-kids (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Greece, Netherlands, Jamaica, and Mexico), my favorite place was our latest family trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The constant 82 temps with a slight breeze hit the sweet spot for me. Both the ocean views and the mountain views were spectacular. On top of that, the locals that we met were full of energy, full of life, and reminded my family of what is important in life.
Shauna Smart
My husband and I honeymooned on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos and it remains one of my all-time favorite trips. The area wasn’t overrun with tourists and they keep their buildings less than three stories, which is a nice change from all the high-rise condos and hotels in other locations. Of course, the beaches and water were amazing!
MacKenzie Kush
I went to Colorado last year for spring break to visit one of my good friends. We went on a few hiking adventures to Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, and Horsetooth Mountain. I have been to the Denver area as well, and I keep adding new places to my list that I want to visit for my next trip back. Just looking out your window with a cup of coffee and taking in the mountain view and the abundance of outdoor activities are what I love about Colorado!
Sara Biren
I’ve traveled a fair amount, but more than any other place, I love the North Shore of Lake Superior. There’s no place that’s as calming and inspiring to me as those rocky shores, and it feels like coming home. I love the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks or gently trickling over the beach. I love the magnitude of the lake itself, its vastness, with no end in sight. I love the grandeur of the cliffs and the waterfalls and the forest. I love exploring and searching for agates and finding a quiet spot to write. I also really love a slice of Strawberry-Rhubarb at Betty’s Pies in Two Harbors.
Julie Shay
We have traveled to Mazatlán, Mexico three out of the last four years and have always stayed at the same resort – El Cid Castillo Beach. For the price and location, this place can’t be beat! Good food, great staff, heated swimming pools, right on the Pacific Ocean, amazing sunsets, and within walking distance of shopping and restaurants. Mazatlán is a very fun city with open-air taxis that will drive you to your destination for less than $10 or give you a 2-hour city tour for $30 (each taxi can hold four passengers). And, with the current exchange rate, everything is extremely affordable!
Nicole Moreland
I have been to a lot of places and it is hard to pick just one. However, there is one place that absolutely took my breath away – the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. The key is to go at night, when it is all lit up, and somewhat quiet. That moment is one I will never forget. It is truly something to see!
Taylor Brown
Oahu Island in Hawaii was amazing! It was definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. We hiked the Diamond Head crater during our trip, and the scenic views were well worth the hour it took to get to the top!
Allison Benson
My favorite place to travel to is Lake Vermillion, MN. The past two summers, we have spent a week at a cabin on an island. Being on an island is super relaxing, and it helps keep the trip electronics-free. The only way to get to the island is by boat or jet ski, so it’s a nice getaway to spend time with friends and family. Minnesota summers are the best time of the year.
Do you have a place out in the world somewhere that holds a special place in your heart? If so, we would love to hear about it.