I don't think there is a better way to spend a weekend other than with good friends and a mini vacation which is exactly what Andrew and i did for the first weekend of October. Our friends, Eric and Rachel, are great and they make amazing hosts; this is our second time visiting them in six months.  Madison, WI is only about 6 hours from Omaha so we're able to make the trip for the weekend and still have plenty of time for fun! 

This trip, we basically ate our way through Madison. Eric cooked a phenomenal dish one night which consisted of homemade spaghetti and meatballs, yum!  The photo below really doesn't do it justice. 

Some of the standout food items of the weekend included: amazing sushi from Red, steel pan pizza from Lucille's, and fried cheese curds from The Great Dane. It's an obligation that you have to eat cheese curds while in Wisconsin, I ate them twice. 

On Saturday we visited the Wollersheim Winery.  We were able to tour their brand new distillery and do some spirit tasting (not my personal favorite).  The distillery was really neat but the tour guide was almost overly informative.  If you are a brandy drinker, they do have three different types you can try.  I also tried licorice absinthe...not my best idea. Let's just say I used the "pour bucket" quite a bit.  I wasn't trying to be rude but spirits aren't my thing.  The winery itself is absolutely beautiful!  It sits on the hillside across from the Wisconsin River about 20 minutes outside of Madison.  The winery originally opened in the 1840's but since the 1970's it's been owned and operated by the Wollersheim family.  It won "Small Winery of the Year" in 2015 from the San Diego International Wine Festival.  We chose to take the wine tour which gave us a bit more background on the property history and a different view of the grounds.  We were also permitted to go into the original wine cellar which was very neat!  I was surprised that my favorite of their wines were both whites and I'm usually a red wine drinker.  The Prairie Fume and the White Riesling both impressed me.  The Wollersheim Winery was a fun day trip for us! 
​

Sadly enough, our weekend had to come to an end and we hit the road back home. Thank goodness for audio books! Until next time Madison, Peace! 

When most people think of Branson, Missouri I'm going to guess they think: Silver Dollar City, outlet malls, shows and more shows!  However, if you are looking for something outside of the normal "Branson Box" start thinking about a visit to Adventure Ziplines of Branson where guests can sour high atop Branson getting a breathtaking view of the Ozark Mountains as well as the town!  The attraction is located only three blocks off of the famous Highway 76 strip on 501 N Wildwood Drive. 
I recently took a girls' trip to Branson and we were looking for something fun to do that was a little out of the ordinary.  Adventure Ziplines "hit the nail on the head."  We chose the earliest time possible since we were there in August and it was hot.  I'd suggest choosing your tour time based on what time of the year it is.  We arrived at the facility ten minutes early to sign a few waivers (standard procedure) and to go through the safety information.  After the guides spend some time going over the rules, you load up into an ATV and ride to the first line which is meant for practice because it's very short and close to the ground.  I've been ziplining several difference places and none of them had a practice line so I really appreciated this and so did my friend who had never done it before.  After you practice, you climb lots of stairs to start your adventure.  If you're out of shape, you might want to rethink if this experience is something you want to add to your "been there- done it" list.  You will be doing some climbing and a brief bit of walking but for the most part, you're flying through the air.  On the first few ziplines we all rode normally and got our bearings but by the end, we were going upside down, doing flips off the tower, and zooming in quick! This was such a fun experience for a girls' trip; I'd also recommend this for business groups, families, or even a date!
Adventure Ziplines of Branson really took care of us, made sure we were safe, and that we had fun!  I'd love to visit next time I'm back in Branson! 

Running a successful travel blog isn't easy but I'm giving it my best go! Most bloggers do not blog as a career (I wish I did!) so we must hold the role of photographer, writer, editor, web development, office therapist, coffee intern, etc. It took me too long to understand the importance of asking for help; although I can't afford to hire someone at this time, I have the best editor there is and she's free! I'd like everyone to meet my Mamaw (that's a word us southerns use to describe our Grandmothers).  Her name is Gordene and she's my editor.  She's the smartest woman I know and she loves to travel, just like me!  I thought it would be super fun for my readers (and me) to get perspective from someone who has been traveling over 3/4 of her life. I've compiled a list of questions for her to answer for us. I hope you enjoy! 

Ragan: How many states have you visited and do you have a favorite? 
Mamaw: I have visited 48 states. I would say because I know most about it, that the state I live in, Arkansas, is my favorite state. I like it because it is so diversified.  The scenery ranges from the flat lands in the delta to the mountains in the Ozarks. I'm lacking Indiana and Delaware. 

Ragan: How many countries have you visited?
Mamaw: Eight. 

Ragan: If you had to give up your passport and get another country's passport, what would you pick? Why? 
Mamaw: Because I speak the same language, I would get a British National passport.  I know I could communicate fluently. 

Ragan: If you couldn't ever travel again but could pick any city to be confined to, where would you pick?
Mamaw: Once my son asked me if I had to be put in a nursing home what city did I want him to put me in and I said, just leave me in El Dorado, which is where I live now. 
*I would like to point out that this answer really surprised me! 

Ragan: What was the first trip you took as an adult? 
Mamaw: In 1957, I took a trip out west and went to Salt Lake City, Utah where I visited the grounds of the Mormon tabernacle and heard a noon organ recital. 

Ragan: If you could be transported to one place at one time, what would it be and why? 
Mamaw: I would like to go to New York City in the late 1950s or the 1960s because at that time I feel that safety wasn't as great an issue as it is now.  NYC even in the 50s and 60s had a lot to offer!

Ragan: What is one thing that is too large or impractical to travel with that you wish you could bring with you when you travel? 
Mamaw: That question has almost stumped me because I've got what I take with me down to a "fine tooth comb."  A lot of times I wish for my friends to go but I can't afford to take them or they can't get off work or they're obligated to other things. 

Ragan: For you, what are the most and least livable cities you've visited?
Mamaw: The city that I have really thought that I would like to live in is San Diego, California, principally because of it's climate. The least would be McAllen, Texas. I found it to be undesirable because of crime and uncleanliness. 

Ragan: What is one food you could never eat in your home country again because you've tasted the original version in its country of origin? 
Mamaw: I've eaten some strange stuff.  I know what my husband would say, it would be pineapple right out of the field in Africa but I haven't been there.  It's difficult for me to select some fruit in the United States after eating fresh coconut, pineapple, and banana from Jamaica. 

Ragan: Tell me the one piece of advise you have for a beginner traveler? For a seasoned traveler? 
Mamaw: For a beginner traveler I would say, one of the most important pieces of advise I can give is to learn to pack minimally. For a seasoned traveler I would say, never pass up seeing something you really want to see thinking you can come back because it might not be in the cards for you to make that trip again. 

I hope you learned something from my Mamaw, I know I did! 

Savannah is the oldest city in the state of Georgia and one of my favorite cities in the United States.  While I was vacationing just an hour north of Savannah, a friend and I took a day trip into the city.  Each year Savannah attracts millions of visitors to it's historic cobblestone streets and there are so many reasons why!  We only had a few hours to spend in Savannah which means I had to choose wisely on how we spent our day.

If you've never been to Savannah before, let me clue you in on something: eating as much as you can is a must!  This town boasts some of the best food I have ever tasted! I originally wanted to try a place called Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room which is only open for lunch Monday-Friday. Its southern style cooking and seating which means that you share a table with strangers and platters of food are placed on the table.  The menu changes daily and it's a staple in downtown Savannah.  I had heard so many good reviews about this restaurant so my friend, Erin, and I got there right after Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room opened and found the line was already out the door and almost down an entire block.  I asked a lady at the front of the line how long she'd been waiting and she said at least one hour, which means she was there waiting well before the restaurant opened and she still hadn't been seated. I'm guessing the food is as good as everyone says; I wouldn't know as we didn't want to spend an hour or more waiting in line to eat.  I didn't have a plan B on food but you really can't go wrong in Savannah so I did what anyone would do, I got out my phone and Googled! We ended up walking and eating at Clary's Cafe.  Clary's Cafe is world famous; it serves breakfast all day but they also have a lunch menu as well.  The food was stellar and the service was great as well.  It had a very homey feel to it, I'd recommend this place to anyone and if you go, get the special of the day!  After you've had your fill of southern cooking, you'll need dessert.  You can't visit Savannah without getting a pecan praline.  I'd recommend purchasing these treats at River Street Sweets. They make their candies right in front of you and give out samples!  After you walk around on the downtown River Walk, you'll probably be tired, hot (depending on the time of year), and of course thirsty!  Be sure to stop in Wet Willie's to grab a libation.  You can enjoy people watching through their glass windows or you can leave with your drink and keep going.  It is legal to drink alcohol on the streets in Savannah but it's illegal to "double fist" so make sure you have just one drink in your hand.

You'll find beautiful homes, parks, and churches in the historic district.  Erin and I mainly walked around for a few hours just looking at the beautiful architecture of the city.  We visited plenty of parks but my favorite and probably the most well-known is Forsyth which is the largest park in the historical district of Savannah. There were people in the park playing instruments and the fountain is magnificent.  Both locals and tourists enjoy it's offerings.  We also visited The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and my oh my were we impressed! The church is free to enter and is absolutely breathtaking!  I was most impressed with the stained glass art. This Cathedral should absolutely be on your Savannah agenda! 
​
With only a few hours, we managed to pack quite a bit into our little day trip despite all of the walking and near heat exhaustion. 

I made a personal bucket list over two years ago when I started writing this blog.  I wanted to re-share that list as well as update it and make some additions.  This list includes some top travel destinations, personal wishes, and goals. Any of the items you see in bold, I have already completed. 
​

• Back pack Europe
• Visit the Greek Isles
• Be a Mom
• Learn how to do a stable headstand
• Grow a vegetable garden 
• Visit (not just drive through) every state in the USA 
• See Niagra Falls
• Swim with Dolphins
• Meet Kenny Chesney
• Skydive
• See the Grand Canyon
• Ski in Europe
• Drive through the country side of Ireland
• Play Black Jack in Las Vegas
• Visit Napa Valley
• Zip line in a tropical setting
• Live somewhere warm with wonderful views
• See a Cirque du Soleil show
• Go to a Lebron James game
• Read the entire Bible
• Walk in a fashion show
• Do something creative with wine corks
• Rescue as many dogs as possible (work in progress)
• Race fast cars at a speedway
• Participate in a Flash Mob
• Road Trip the Florida Keys
• Stay in a glass floor tiki hut in the French Polynesia
• Visit The Holy Land

​I've got a lot of work to do! What's on your bucket list?! 

My mom and step-dad just recently built their dream home in Mountain View, Arkansas. When we visit it's like having a vacation at home, how awesome is that?! I've been going to Mt. View my entire life to camp or stay in a family member's cabin there so I've done just about everything possible in this small river town which is in the Ozark mountain range.  It maintains a rich tradition of preserving folk music and is also known for the many outdoor recreation opportunities.

1. If you like fishing, then Mt. view is the place for you!  The town is nestled right next to the White River.  Fishing for trout is popular on this river; in fact, it's my favorite thing to do when I'm visiting my parents.  Lucky for me, my step-dad is a trout fishing guide and a darn good one at that! His guide service is called "Reel Fun Trout Adventures" and you can reach him at markjenn1964@gmail.com. Be sure to tell him I sent you! If trout fishing isn't your thing and you'd rather creek fish then you can head to the Sylamore Creek which is accessible via multiple camp grounds or boat.  It's a great creek to fly fish on.  Andrew, my husband, has fished it several times with his fly rod and has no problem catching fish here.
2. Blanchard Springs Caverns simply can't be described with words!  You must go see the caves if you're ever in Mt. view or the surrounding area.  I've taken the tours multiple times and it never gets old or disappoints.  Blanchard is not only about what is under the ground; it's surrounded by the Ozark National Forrest so there are plenty of things to do.  You can hike, camp, or kayak.  Kayaking from Blanchard Springs is my personal favorite!  It's about a 3.5 mile float down the North Sylamore. You will put in at Blanchard Springs Camp Ground and end your float at the Sylamore Creek Campground.  This is a float course mainly only known by locals but now you know too. 
3. Eat at JoJo's Catfish!!! The restaurant is located on the bank of the beautiful White River.  You can even stay at Jack's Resort which is directly beside the restaurant. JoJo and Jack were father and daughter and you will still find JoJo working at the resort and/or restaurant.  Mr. Jack has since passed.  The service at JoJo's is impeccable and their catfish is to-dye-for!  They make you feel like family and it's a do-not-miss place to eat! 
4. Pickin' and Grinnin'.... I bet you're wondering what in the heck this means?!  The definition of pickin' and grinnin' is "vigorous playing of folk or country music on a stringed musical instrument, especially the guitar or banjo, while smiling broadly." Mt. view is considered the "Folk Music Capitol of the World." Anyone who can play an instrument or just sing is welcome to pull up a chair and join in every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the local square. People from all over the world visit the town square to enjoy a sweet southern night, good music, and great people! 
5. Mt. View is on the Arkansas Antique Trail that's why I'd have to say antique shopping here is one of my top five favorite things to do. Especially on a rainy day when you can't enjoy what the outdoors has to offer, grab a coffee-to-go and get to shopping!  There are plenty of antique shops in the town but my favorites include: Rainbow Antique Mall, Main Street Antiques, and Mellon's Country Store (which has a little bit of everything from old to new). 

Mt. View is a town that's near to my heart now as that's where my parents call home.  It's really their personal piece of paradise.  The people there are all so friendly. If you're looking for a good summer adventure in Arkansas, Mt view is the place to go.  I hope you've enjoyed this post as I was very happy to write it. 

Our family had the best time floating down the North Sylamore Creek! 

Andrew had a work conference in Orlando, Florida and of course, I tagged along! Fortunately, two of my friends were in town because their husbands were attending the same conference; therefore, we all got to spend time together.  The three of us girls decided we wanted to go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which means we'd be going to Universal Studios- Islands of Adventure. Granted, I would have gone to Universal Studios alone but it was much more fun with friends! 
I'm a huge Harry Potter fan; I've read all of the books and some of them I've read multiple times.  I was so ecstatic to visit the theme park!  Walking through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was like being in the movies.  We rode all of the rides, tasted Butterbeer (get the frozen kind), and walked in all of the shops.  The architects that design those theme parks are truly artists.  I couldn't believe how well they captured exactly how J.K. Rowling describes these places in the books!  We took time to walk around and ride rides in the rest of the park but found ourselves starting and ending the day in Hogsmeade.  It was a magical day, I would have paid the park entrance fee just to go into Harry Potter World. 

My three favorite things about the day were: 

1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey- this ride is a one-of-a-kind experience.  The ride takes place in Hogwarts and the state-of-the-art technology makes you feel like you're actually soaring on your broom through the castle. 
2. Tasting Butterbeer- I was really nervous that I wouldn't like the Butterbeer or that I'd be disappointed but my oh my, I was not!  I opted to get the frozen Butterbeer (recommended by a friend- thanks Kesler) instead of the regular kind.  It was amazing and I could have drank 10 more!  Butterbeer tastes like a butterscotch cream soda if you're wondering. It's scrumptious! 
3. The architecture- There is no doubt a ton of work was put into making this theme park everything the fans could have wanted, desired and imagined.  It required a two-and-a-half-year construction period before the public could witness the recreation of Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is absolutely brilliant!

We chose not to buy the park-to-park pass so we weren't able to ride the Hogwarts Express over to Diagon Alley.  We did get a picture with the conductor and he never broke character once!  The entire experience was magnificent and I'm so glad I was finally able to visit!   

I'm constantly trying to visit new places; as many of you know, it's on my bucket list to visit all 50 states by the age of 50. Since the last time I updated this list, I've added two new states: Kansas and South Dakota. What states are on your bucket list or is it all of them?! 

Andrew and I have been wanting to travel to South Dakota ever since we moved to Nebraska and since we are so close we thought that it would be fun to make it a road trip adventure! Because Andrew's mom, Charlotte (all three of us pictured above), was on Spring Break, we invited her to join us and were please that she accepted! Although, we only had two days in The Black Hills, with my ninja planning skills operating at full capacity, we were able to make our adventures work!

We stayed in Hill City, SD which I would highly recommend.  It was the absolute perfect location!  South Dakota is a big state, as you know, and most of the things I'm going to mention were not close to each other.  Hill City proved to be the most central location to all of the large attractions.  We chose to visit South Dakota in the off season because we were told from May-August it's swarming with tourists!  It was so nice to be able to take our time doing whatever we wanted and not have to fight the crowds.  I'd highly recommend visiting in April or September if you're able.  From what I understand, April can be a hit of miss as there might still be snow.  We got really lucky because while we were there, it was mostly sunny and a comfortable temperature.

It was a bit chilly on our first day so we decided to do the activities that were for the most part, indoors.  Early that morning, we drove to Jewel Cavern in Custer, SD.  The cave is the third longest cave in the world with over 180 miles of mapped passage ways and more to be discovered.  We chose to do the Scenic Tour which provides an opportunity to visit different cave chambers and see many of the "decorations" the cave has to offer.  You will be walking up and down 723 stairs and a 1/2 mile in total so make sure you bring comfortable shoes and dress warmly.  The cave temperature is always 49 degrees Fahrenheit.  I've been inside several caves throughout my travels and this was by far the most diversified.  It had very different formations than what I was accustomed.  The tour is only $12 per person and totally worth it!  You could pick a cold and/or rainy day to do this tour as it's all obviously underground.  The next thing on our list for the day was Custer State Park.  This was by far my favorite activity that we did in South Dakota.  We chose to drive on the Wildlife Loop which travels through 18 miles of open grasslands and hills.  This is where you have a chance to see much of the park's wildlife.  You might see bison, pronghorn, whitetail and mule deer, elk, coyotes, burros, prairie dogs, eagles, hawks, and a variety of other birds.  The wildlife did not disappoint us; we got up close and personal with some of the animals.  The loop itself isn't long but we spent about two hours driving it because we stopped for so many pictures and to watch the animals roam.  This loop gives a whole new meaning to "where the buffalo roam..." After our drive through the park, we drove back to our rental cabin on The Needles highway which is also a must do in South Dakota!  The rock formations are insane and you might even see a mountain goat climbing to the top!  We were really lucky and were able to spot a lot of wildlife.  If you have binoculars, take them with you!

On our second day we traveled to Mt. Rushmore which is about 20 minutes from Hill City. I've heard mixed reviews about the mountain, some people loved it and some people weren't as impressed.  I'm going to say I was very impressed!!! We spent a total of four hours at the National Memorial.  First, I'd recommend stopping at the book store (right when you walk in, to your left) to grab a map, then walk through all of the state flags where you'll come to the first viewing point of this amazing sculpture.  Before you do anything else, you'll want to visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to view exhibits and a 15 minute film describing the reasons for and methods used in carving Mount Rushmore. I highly recommend that you allow sufficient time in the Visitors Center to read about the exhibits.  If you're there around the lunch hour, you should eat at the cafe, it's good food and allows you to spend more time on the mountain.  Once you have a full belly and some extra energy you'll want to walk the Presidential Trail which is about 0.6 miles long. This trail allows you to get up close and personal with the mountain sculpture and possibly see some area wildlife.  Are you noticing a wildlife trend?! If you visit May-September, then you'll get the chance to see the Sculptor's Studio, where Gutzon Borglum spent much of his time refining his scale model.  After our walk, we went back to the cafe and got a very large ice cream treat!  The entire experience at Mount Rushmore was amazing and I'd go back again and again as I'm sure I'd learn something new each time. We were on a high after this experience and wanted to continue the mountain sculpture theme.  Next on our list was The Crazy Horse Memorial.  This is a mountain monument under construction on private land in The Black Hills.  It's about 15 minutes from Mount Rushmore.  The sculpture depicts Crazy Horse, an Oglala Lakota warrior. I am positive that when this memorial is finished it will be absolutely stunning; however, it has been in progress since 1948 and is far from completion.  If ever completed, it will become the world's largest sculpture.  I hate to this but, I was not impressed.  It cost $28 per car to get onto the property and there isn't much to see once you are there.  If you're interested in Indian artifacts, then I'd say you should definitely stop by but if you only want to catch a glimpse of the sculpture, you can see it from the road and read all about it online. Before coming on the trip, I was told by numerous people that we had to stop here but I was seriously underwhelmed.  I think I was disappointed because the chances of this memorial to be finished in my lifetime are slim-to-none.  I will say, it's a site to behold as the memorial is massive and will truly be a masterpiece if ever completed. 

Our last adventure in South Dakota was to The Badlands.  We drove the 240 Loop Road which took us about an hour and a half.  The Badlands is a place everyone should see at least once in his/her lifetime! I've never seen anything like it before, you truly feel like you should be on Mars when you're driving through the park.  The Badlands draw visitors from around the world and the geological features are striking!  Because ancient mammals such as the saber-toothed cat once roamed here, it's also one of the world's richest fossil beds.  I can't explain the site here, it's something you need to experience for yourself.

Because we were driving to South Dakota from Omaha, Nebraska we were able to do a lot of extra stops on our road trip.  We stopped at two total tourist traps: The Corn Palace and Wall Drug. Both of these places are now on the list of "I've been there but won't go again." Neither place is a must do but if you're already driving through you might as well stop.  If you don't have the option to drive and you're flying from South Dakota I'd say you should stay in Hill City unless you're interested in good food and night life. Hill City has very few places to eat and nothing to do past 8 o'clock pm.  Our family was totally fine with that as we had a hot tub at our cabin and plenty of board games to keep us happy. Additionally, we were so tired by night fall that we had no energy to do anything.  If you're interested in staying for an extended period and you'd rather stay in a more happening place, I'd recommend Rapid City.  If you choose Rapid City you'll be driving anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to do any of the things I've mentioned.  Feel free to contact me about any questions from our trip or if you'd like the information about the cabin we stayed in.  Also, I'd love to hear your commends if you've been to South Dakota before and agree or disagree about any of the adventures listed! 

This winter my hubby and our friends, Rachel and Eric, and I wanted to seek warmer temperatures and escape the mid-west so we decided to go to Puerto Rico.  None of us had ever been to this island; therefore, we were very excited to embark on this adventure! Jointly, we decided that we were going to do equal parts of relaxing and exploring.  At the beginning of the week, we chose the excursions which were of interest: visiting the rain forest, snorkeling, and seeing the bio-luminescent bay.  Thankfully we were able to fit everything in! 

Yokahu Kayak Trips: This is a family owned company which provides multiple tour options, out of all the options, we wanted to do Bio-Bay kayaking. We got in our kayak in Fajardo, crossed a canal inside the nature reserve, and kayaked through the mangroves where we ended up in the "Big Lagoon!"  We chose the 6 pm trip which I believe is better than the later trip because you kayak through the mangroves to get to the bio-bay when it's daylight.  The mangroves are really neat and you can see a lot of wildlife!  We saw three foot long iguanas and jelly fish swimming by.  It was super creepy kayaking back through the mangroves after we left the bay to go back to where the kayaks dock.  It gives me chills just thinking about it!  I'll admit that I'm scared of the dark so kayaking through a dark ocean full of mangrove trees with three foot long iguanas wasn't my thing which explains why I'd go on the earlier tour so you can at least get the daylight version on your first pass through.  Once you get to the "Big Lagoon," you get to see the glittering water made by tiny bio-luminescent organisms called "pyrodiniums bahamenses."  They produce blue-green light every time you touch or move the water with your kayak! Unfortunately, the bio-luminescent was low on our trip because the water had been a bit cold which makes the organisms somewhat dormant but it was totally worth the money for the tour!  I would do this tour again and I consider it a must do while visiting Puerto Rico.  If you choose Yokahu Kayak Trips, you are guided by professional experienced tour guides who provide you with lots of cool information and a great time!

El Yunque National Forest: The El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the national forest system.  One morning, we visited and explored the rain forest where we enjoyed scenic views, waterfalls, and learned more about the ecological importance of conserving this area for the future.  If you're visiting the rain forest, I would suggest you pay the $4 to go to the learning center first.  There you will find a very friendly greeter that can tell you anything you need to know about the National Forest.  You can also take a picture of the forest map which we found to be very helpful. Upon further inspection of the map, we planned to do two different adventures: the Ykahu Observation Tower and La Mina Falls.  For the best panoramic views of the rain forest, the Ykahu Tower is a must do!  Visitors climb to the top of the tower via a spiral stair case and are able to take in the scenery.  Because the ocean, nearby towns, and the beautiful landscape of the rain forest can be seen from this vantage point, this is a great place for a photo opportunity. The climb to the top wasn't too bad, about 100 stairs in all. After your tower experience, you'll drive a short distance up the road to park before hiking to La Mina Falls.  I would recommend taking the La Mina trail to the waterfall.  The trail is about a mile long and is extremely beautiful.  I'd rate the trail difficulty as moderate; there are a few steep places so you'll want to make sure your knees are in good working order! The hike to the waterfall is so worth it!  The water cascades over a cliff into a crystal clear pool where I saw a few people swimming but I opted to just put my feet in as the water is chilly!  If you want to swim in the water, just remember you'll be hiking back wet as there are no changing rooms.  Not an ideal situation, I'll admit.  If you choose to go to the rain forest there is plenty to do whether you go for an entire day or just a few short hours.  There is no entrance fee for the national forest, only the visitor's center charges a fee. 

East Island Excursions: East Island Excursions provides all day snorkel tours aboard its fleet of catamarans.  You can visit a variety of islands and deserted cays off the east coast of Puerto Rico including Icacos, Palominitos, Culebra, Culebrita, Vieques, and St. Thomas, USVI. Our group selected the Icacos tour simply because it was the most cost friendly and you got the most time off the boat with this tour because of the proximity of this island to port.  You'll depart at Puerto Del Rey Marina around 10 am and set sail for the small deserted island of Icacos.  You can snorkel here, walk on the beach, swim in the crystal clear water, or enjoy your time aboard the boat.  The snorkeling off Icacos is more for beginners as there isn't much to see but the water is calm and allows you to practice. I enjoyed relaxing on the boat as well as walking on the beach for this part of the trip. Lunch is served around noon and you don't want to miss this spread!  The crew lays out local pastries, you can build your own sandwiches, and you'll also have fresh fruit and pasta salad!  You're going to be hungry after your time in the sun and their lunch does not disappoint.  After lunch, the catamaran moves off the island to a nearby reef area for more snorkeling. The fish in this area seem to be trained; they know the boats pulling up will have food and the day that we went, the fish weren't disappointed! The crew has to toss out the remainder of the lunch and the fish love it!  The crew gave everyone a piece of bread and we were able to get in the water and the fish ate right out of our hands!  It was a really cool experience and my favorite thing about the day!  The reef at this stop is better than the first but it's very shallow here so beginner snorkelers/swimmers beware. Overall, the crew is very professional and you can't beat the bright blue water!  At one point during the trip, we could see where the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean met, that was so cool!  I would definitely do another excursion with East Island!

​I hope you found these reviews helpful.  Have you ever done these excursions and had a different experience? Are you going to Puerto Rico soon and have additional questions?! Comment below! ​