Wanderlust Checklist

Over the years, I've kept a mental list of places I've wanted to visit; finding out about each of them through something I've read, heard from a friend, or seen on TV or in the movies. The beauty of my job is that I can incorporate something fabulous into the normal course of a regular workday.

The list probably would have been longer, but since my memory is shot (Goldfish, remember?) I will list the first five that came to mind:

THE BILTMORE ESTATE in Asheville, North Carolina.

This one I'll be visiting this weekend and I know from just reading the website (more than once!) that I'll be going back; I'm already thinking of planning my next trip to catch the Christmas celebration.

The WICKANINNISH INN located in Tofino, British Columbia, Canada.

My last visit to Victoria Island was in January of 2006 and it was a beautiful place. This Inn, overlooking the jagged cliffs on the coast of Canada might just be a perfect place to celebrate Eddie's birthday in the new year; you know, since it's all rugged and remote and stuff. Very manly.

THE GRAND HOTEL on Mackinac Island in Michigan.

Ever since seeing the movie, Somewhere In Time, I've wanted to visit this place. I have a friend who recently visited the island and said it was beautiful, but I want to sit on that 660 foot porch and see for myself! Beyond fantasy. Beyond obsession. Beyond time itself... he will find her.

THE FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

Banff is beautiful; especially in the winter. I don't ski, but I can certainly sip a Hot Toddy while drinking in the splendor of the snow capped mountains of the Canadian Rockies.

BOLDT CASTLE on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay, New York.

A castle on a Heart shaped island? How can any woman not want to visit this one??

My plan is to visit all of these within the next year. I will certainly be adding others to the list and as I visit each of them, you will hear about it here. Come back next week to read about the Biltmore Estate!