Mother’s Day got me thinking about a vacation we took a long time ago. Jennifer and I took the kids to Sedgwick County Zoo in Witchita, Kansas for a Mother’s Day treat. It was a Mother’s Day treat because Jennifer loves animals. We were staying in Wichita for a week and a half and let me just say, the zoo was the highlight of our trip. Wichita has many museums and botanical gardens which are definitely nice to visit but the Sedgwick County Zoo outshines them all. The zoo has a great selection of animals that appeal to the kids and the zoo was not at all crowded when we were there. The zookeepers were extremely friendly and urged us to get close to the animals for pictures. We got up close and personal with the lions (too close if you ask Murray Huberfeld) and have some great photographs to remember this memorable trip.
Murray Huberfeld in Wichita, Kansas
Happy Mother’s Day from Murray Huberfeld!
Happy Mother’s Day to all readers of the Murray Huberfeld Travel Blog!
Murray Huberfeld Visits Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
As a proud American citizen, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary than with a trip to historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I had always wanted to visit Independence Hall and get a good look at the Liberty Bell and this proved to be an opportune time to do so. Fortunately, Jennifer shares an interest in American history, so this proved to be a good idea for a trip. The only issue was if Philadelphia would be romantic enough for a wedding anniversary. This took some creative thinking on my part. I made sure to book dinners at some really nice places. When I made my reservation each day, I told the maître d’ that we were celebrating our wedding anniversary. As a result, each restaurant we ate at treated us like royalty. Also, I called ahead and when we showed up at our hotel, there was a big sign hanging at the front desk that said: “Happy Anniversary Jennifer and Murray Huberfeld”.
Murray Huberfeld in Detroit, Michigan
Our visit to Detroit, Michigan is quite an interesting story. On out way back to America from Canada, where we had been visiting my grandfather, Murray Huberfeld Sr., we decided to stop over and see the sights in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit is wonderful city and I had been really looking forward to visiting Comerica Park – home of the legendary Detroit Tigers. We got on the Ambassador Bridge which connects Windsor, Ontario with Detroit, Michigan and headed to our hotel. Once we arrived and settled in, our real vacation got underway. On the way out, we stopped at the concierge and asked about any other interesting stops we should make. We were given a whole stack of brochures and off we went. We stopped at the MGM Grand Detroit Casino, Joe Louis Arena, Detroit Opera House and Motown Historical Museum. We also spent an entire day exploring the Detroit RiverFront and Greektown. Instead of Detroit being a short stop on our itinerary, it turned into a whole vacation within itself!
Murray Huberfeld in Denver, Colorado
Have you ever planned an entire vacation only to have the whole trip rained out? So is the story of our vacation in Denver, Colorado. For a while we had been planning a vacation to Denver. We planned on visiting some of Denver’s greatest attraction including Coors Field, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and of course, climbing Mount Evans. (This would have been a Murray Huberfeld first, climbing up a mountain.) However, all this planning was a total waste. Upon our arrival in Denver, we learned that the museum was closed and there was a downpour in the forecast. Needless to say, we were devastated. We made the best of it by using all the hotel facilities but that seemed to be what everyone else was doing as well. We also made use of our time by asking hotel staff and others staying with us what we should do when we make up this trip and come back to Denver. The moral of the story is: Always call ahead and check that tourist spots are open and keep an eye on the ever changing weather!
Murray Huberfeld in Anchorage, Alaska
I’ve been on quite a few vacations and have traveled to many destinations. Throughout these trips, I have participated in many activities, hikes and parades unique to specific geographical areas in the United States and abroad. From all the Murray Huberfeld adventures that I (and my family) have experienced and archived, nothing comes close to the experience that is the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska. We came across this gem while vacationing in Anchorage, Alaska with some cousins of ours. Anchorage, Alaska is a great place to vacation if you like cold weather. The pristine beauty and mixture of native wildlife cannot be compared to any other destination I’ve visited. There are many airlines that you can use to make the trip, but for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, be sure to book in early March.
Murray Huberfeld in Boston, Massachusetts
Once in a while, when things have settled down in the Huberfeld household, we head out to Boston, Massachusetts. It’s always a direct flight to Logan Airport and a taxi straight to the Boston Harbor Hotel. Jennifer went to college in Boston and knows the area like the back of her hand. Every year or two her class’ alumni association throws a marvelous reunion. We never miss this event. In all honesty, it is the only party that has everything Murray Huberfeld could possibly want. There is fantastic food, great friends and a wonderful location for travel. The seafood display they put together is a work of art worthy of a museum. They also bring in tons of fresh beer straight from the Samuel Adams Brewery. I mean seriously, what more could you ask for? Besides, I always walk away from the party full of information regarding stocks and other confusing financial instruments. Of course we don’t go to Boston just for the party. We also always stop at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and Fenway Park. Boston is just one of those place that is different every time you visit.
Murray Huberfeld in Scranton, PA
So it’s time for a new posting, and since I’ve just about recovered from my St. Patrick’s Day hangover, this week will feature a belated St. Patrick’s Day post. I’ve been to many St. Patrick’s day parades throughout the years. Jennifer is one-quarter Irish, so this holiday is an official Huberfeld holiday – observed to the fullest extent by Murray Huberfeld and family. (Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with parades, eating fantastic food and drinking like there is no tomorrow!) We have been to a few memorable parades but the best one I’ve attended was in Scranton, Pennsylvania. I think the most important concept when attending a parade is to find somewhere where lots of people attend but the parade is in a smaller-type city. In the big cities, most people don’t get involved and people will even avoid the festivities. In Scranton, it seems like the whole city gets involved. Only one issue came up and it always makes me smile when I think of this trip. On our way to Scranton, we found out our hotel reservation had been lost and our room wasn’t booked. Being that I’m a frequent traveler, the hotel chain did the right thing and re-booked us at no cost for our entire stay. That’s what I call the luck of the Irish!
A Murray Huberfeld Wedding in Hawaii
Someone recently asked me where I thought the best travel destination for a wedding and honeymoon would be. My answer was simple. A Murray Huberfeld Wedding would be in Hawaii and for a few good reasons. Being a no-frills type of guy, when planning a wedding, I would pick a destination that has the potential for both the perfect wedding and honeymoon. You don’t want to make a wedding in an exotic locale and then fly off somewhere else for a honeymoon. Hawaii is perfect in this respect. Also, having been to Hawaii, I can assure you that the climate and the people will be the least of your concerns when planning your big day. The people are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the sun can be counted on to be shining brightly as you walk down the aisle. Also, Hawaii has no shortage of gorgeous resorts for any style wedding whether it be a classy or casual affair. So, if you ask Murray Huberfeld for the perfect wedding and honeymoon destination, the answer is a no-brainier – just be sure to invite me!
Murray Huberfeld in Niagara Falls
People always seem to ask me about the same few vacation spots. This country is a chock-full of amazing travel destinations but people always focus on the same two or three. Niagara Falls, NY is one of those places that people can’t seem to get enough of – and for good reason. Although Niagara Falls is a Murray Huberfeld favorite, I do have some words of advice (and caution) for those of you thinking of making the trip. Firstly, don’t just stay on the American side of the falls. If you’ve made the trip, you definitely want to venture to the Canadian side as well. The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is much nicer in my opinion. Secondly, bring along as many changes of clothes as you can possibly carry. We went on the Maid of the Mist and although we had the ponchos they gave us, we got soaked through and through. The name is misleading, is isn’t just mist – it can be a downpour! There is a gorgeous park (Queen Victoria Park) on the Canadian side as well as casinos, restaurants and other touristy attractions. If you ask me, Niagara Falls isn’t really a long-term vacation spot, once you’ve seen the falls, you’ve experienced the best of what Niagara Falls has to offer.
