A Beautiful Resort - Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida

For many years, my husband and I went to Islamorada in the Florida Keys for vacation.  It was our special vacation destination.  During those years, we passed the construction of the guitar tower, which can be seen from the highway, being built at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Hollywood, Florida.  We were intrigued by the construction of the guitar tower because it took quite a few years to build.  I always wanted to stop there and check it out after it was completed, but we were so focused on getting down to Islamorada to start our vacation, we never  stopped.

Since I was down in Fort Lauderdale at the CruiseWorld convention, I decided to take a visit to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino since it is about 10 - 15 minutes away from the Hilton Garden Inn where I stayed in Fort Lauderdale.  I was certainly glad I went because I was truly amazed!

I live in southern New Jersey, near Atlantic City, which has casinos and gambling.  There is a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, which is not comparable to the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida, Once I stepped into the lobby area of the resort, I couldn't believe my eyes!  The property is beautiful, exquisite,  impressive and massive.  I immediately felt like I was in Vegas!

The lobby area had a center waterfall with different color lights and imagery.  The walls in the lobby area had water falls and live plants.  It was a beautiful design.

The entire property was massive.  I was not used to that because I feel the Hard Rock in Atlantic City is not on that scale.  

The outdoor pool was very nice and big.  The pool wrapped around the upper walkway and it had many lounge chairs and cabanas to offer.  When I went to the pool area, it was closed, so I was able to take pictures from the upper walkway that led to a restaurant.  

The best part of my visit was seeing the guitar tower light up and sync with the music.  It made me smile and I was truly amazed.  I went to the Hard Rock Cafe and had a beer for my hubby and it made me happy.

If you are ever in the Fort Lauderdale area, I would highly recommend stopping in at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.  Explore the resort, get a bite to eat, go shopping, gamble, visit the sports bar and watch a game.  You will truly feel like you are in Vegas!

All pictures included in this blog post are the property of Kim Mattina

Hiking the Mighty 5!

 

In November 2024, I decided to travel solo to Utah to explore Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks — and it was the best decision I ever made!

The Mighty 5 is a collection of five national parks in southern Utah: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Each of these parks offers a unique landscape and a distinct experience, all shaped by time, erosion, and rivers. Keep in mind that these parks are quite far from one another, but they’re all within driving distance. I began and ended my adventure in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The first park I stopped at was Zion National Park.  This park offers colorful cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the Virgin River, which has carved one of the most famous slot canyons, called The Narrows, where you can walk upstream in the canyon.  Although I did not go to The Narrows, it is a popular hike that many people like to experience it. 

Another highlight of Zion National Park is Angels Landing — a steep and challenging hike that’s not recommended for beginners. A permit is required to hike this trail. Before reaching Angels Landing, you must first hike to Scout Lookout. I did hike this trail, and it was both strenuous and steep, with an elevation gain of about 1,100 to 1,200 feet. It took me roughly three hours to complete the 4-mile round trip from where I started. It was absolutely worth it, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. This was one of many highlights of my trip.

The next park I visited was Arches National Park, which is described as “a landscape of contrasting colors, land forms, and textures unlike any other. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.” (National Park Service, Arches National Park)

I hiked the 3.2-mile round-trip trail to Delicate Arch, pictured above, which has an elevation change of 538 feet. Delicate Arch is a 52-foot-tall freestanding natural arch and one of Utah’s most iconic landmarks. I remember it being very windy and cold, but braving those conditions was absolutely worth it! This was a moment I’ll always feel proud of.

Another area I hiked in Arches was Double Arch, pictured above — two massive arches connected at one corner. The surrounding rock forms a natural amphitheater that amplifies every sound, creating a truly unique experience. It was simply beautiful. This hike was short and easy, mostly along a flat, paved trail.

The next day, I was off to Capitol Reef National Park, where you’ll find cliffs, canyons, domes, and natural bridges. The bright blue sky, warm sunshine, golden leaves on the trees, and stunning scenery made for a perfect day. I hiked to Hickman Bridge, pictured above, which is a 125-foot-tall natural bridge. The formation spans 133 feet, making it one of the largest rock spans in the park.

From there, I traveled through Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument on my way to Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon quickly became one of my favorite parks. Bryce is famous for its hoodoos — irregular columns of rock shaped by erosion. While hoodoos can be found on every continent, Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration of them anywhere on Earth. Pictures can’t capture the park’s full beauty. The elevation at Bryce ranges from 8,000 to 9,000 feet. The picture above was taken at sunrise when the air temperature was 13°F, with a wind chill of 11°F. It was freezing, but absolutely worth braving the cold to witness the sunrise over the canyon.

Afterward, I traveled to Canyonlands National Park, where countless canyons and buttes have been carved by the Colorado River. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves (National Park Service, Canyonlands National Park). This park is absolutely amazing, and I can’t wait to go back and explore more!

First, I hiked to Mesa Arch, pictured above, where the natural arch frames a view of the La Sal Mountains, Buck Canyon, Washer Woman Arch and Monster Tower.  This trail is about .5 mile and it was flat and very easy.

From there, I hiked the Grand View Point Overlook, which sits at an elevation of 6,080 feet. The trail is about two miles round trip and is considered an easy hike. It’s located at the southernmost end of the Island in the Sky scenic drive and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the canyons, the White Rim Road, and distant mountains. Words can’t describe the view, and no number of photos could ever capture the true beauty of this area.

In conclusion, there is so much natural beauty to explore in America. The 63 national parks in the United States are a true gift from Mother Nature, and I highly recommend visiting them. Exploring as many national parks as possible is on my bucket list, and I’m sure each one is just as stunning as the next.

A wise man once said, "work to live, don't live to work!"  Get out and explore — you won’t regret it!  

Work Cited 

“Arches National Park (U.S. National Park Service).” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

“Canyonlands National Park (U.S. National Park Service).” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/cany//index.htm. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

All pictures shown are the property of Kimberly Mattina.

From Boston to the Bay of Fundy: Your Dream Cruise Awaits with Norwegian Cruise Line

                        Boston's Public Garden

This summer, I enjoyed a 7-day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line on the Norwegian Getaway, sailing from New York to New England and Canada. It was my first time visiting this region, and it was absolutely beautiful.

My balcony stateroom was spacious, and I loved watching the sunsets from the port side of the ship. One of the highlights of my trip was being invited to a VIP party, where I had the chance to meet Captain Luigi Gentile along with other officers. It was truly amazing to speak with them—an experience I will never forget.

One of the stops on the itinerary was Boston, a city rich with history. I joined a guided walking tour along the Freedom Trail, visited Cheers, explored historic buildings and burial grounds, strolled through Boston Common and the Public Garden, and even took a city tour on a hop-on/hop-off bus. The information shared throughout the tours was priceless—I learned so much about the American Revolution and other historic sites in and around Boston. It was an incredibly interesting and memorable experience.

The next stop on the itinerary was Bar Harbor, Maine—a small town full of charm, with Acadia National Park as its crown jewel. Covering approximately 47,000 acres, Acadia is a breathtaking mix of rugged coastline, mountains, and forest. About 35,332 acres are owned by the National Park Service, while another 12,416 acres—originally donated by John D. Rockefeller Jr.—are also preserved and managed by the park. The scenery was absolutely stunning.

One of my life goals is to visit as many National Parks as possible, and Acadia far exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed it so much that I already want to return and explore more. While in port, I took two tours: the first was a small group drive along Park Loop Road, a 27-mile scenic route with several stops to take in the views. The second was an ocean walk hike, which allowed me to follow the rugged coastline on foot. Both experiences gave me a deeper appreciation of the park’s natural beauty.

                                 View from atop of Cadillac Mountain

                                 View from atop of Cadillac Mountain

                                  Jordan Pond

On the driving tour, we stopped at Cadillac Mountain and had time to explore the area. Standing at 1,530 feet, it is the highest peak in Acadia National Park and on Mount Desert Island. In fact, it’s also the tallest point along the eastern seaboard of the United States and the first place in the country to see the sunrise between October 7 and March 6.

During the ocean hike, the scenery felt both beautiful and peaceful. The brilliant blues of the sky and ocean, the lush greens of the trees and plant life, and the rugged granite formations combined to create a truly magnificent landscape.

                                    Acadia National Park - Ocean hike

                                    Acadia National Park - Ocean hike

My next stop was Nova Scotia, Canada, where I joined a tour to Newfoundland to hike the Fundy Trail and see the Bay of Fundy. The experience was excellent! Exploring the Bay of Fundy—where the tidal difference reaches about 60 feet and the water temperature hovers around 31°F—was absolutely mind-blowing. This remarkable area, home to the world’s highest tides, is truly a one-of-a-kind landscape.

This is Long Beach where instead of sand, it is full of river bed rocks.  There is no swimming allowed at this beach and the water had a reddish tint from the cliffs. This landscape is so unique!

There are a few caves along the beach which were carved by the Bay of Fundy.  I was able to walk to the caves because it was low tide, but when the tide comes in, this area is filled with water.  

The final stop on the itinerary was Halifax, Canada, where I joined a tour to Peggy’s Cove. Located about 70 minutes from the port, the distance didn’t allow much time to fully explore, but it was still worth the visit. Peggy’s Cove is a tiny, active fishing village with a population of only about 40 people, and it is home to the iconic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend visiting this region. Since it was my first time exploring these destinations, I was amazed by their beauty and history, and I already plan to return—especially to Bar Harbor, Maine, to spend more time in the town and Acadia National Park. Although I wish I had more time in each port, I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience such remarkable places and to come away with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for their history and natural beauty.

If you are interested in an this vacation or another destination, please feel free to contact me.  I would be happy to help you create memories that will last a lifetime!  

A wise man once said, "work to live, don't live to work!"

A Trip of a Lifetime, Alaska!

 

What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think of Alaska?
Let me guess—probably cold, snow, glaciers, mountains, igloos, the Iditarod, or the Northern Lights. But if you’ve ever visited Alaska, your list of words to describe this beautiful state might be very different. Words like Denali National Park, Indigenous Peoples, vast, nature, wildlife, The Last Frontier, peaceful, beauty, freedom, survival, or strength may come to mind. These are just a few of the words I would use to describe Alaska.

In the summer of 2024, I went on an 11-day Fairbanks Denali Express Northbound land-cruise tour with Norwegian Cruise Line. Simply put, I cruised for seven days, departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, and disembarked in Whittier, Alaska, where I continued inland to Fairbanks by motor coach.

Before visiting Alaska, I honestly didn’t know much about this great state. My main goal was to see Denali National Park (Mount McKinley)—but wow, I was in for a real surprise!

My trip began in Vancouver, a beautiful city with so much to offer. I rented a bike and explored Stanley Park, a 400-hectare (988-acre) urban oasis filled with scenic trails, beaches, the iconic Seawall, the Vancouver Aquarium, coastal views, totem poles, and natural beauty everywhere you turn. It far exceeded my expectations—especially the Seawall, with its stunning views of Burrard Inlet and the Lions Gate Bridge. Simply gorgeous! And the best part? The park is free to visit!

After exploring Vancouver, I was off on my Alaskan cruise adventure. The ship stopped in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point, then cruised past the breathtaking Hubbard Glacier before reaching Whittier, where I boarded a motor coach to Fairbanks. Along the way, I experienced so much—but here are a few highlights worth mentioning:

• Ketchikan – I explored the historic Creek Street and even tried a unique treat: a salmon donut.

• Juneau – I took an unforgettable helicopter ride and hiked across the massive Taku Glacier.

• Skagway – I traveled to Glacier Point past Haines, Alaska, where I spotted sea lions, waterfalls, and towering mountain scenery.  Then joined a canoe and hiking tour to Mendenhall Glacier.

• Icy Strait Point – I rode the Sky Peak Gondola to the small fishing village of Hoonah, where many residents grow their own gardens and live off the land.

Along the way, I was lucky enough to:

• Witness whales breaching and swimming in the wild.

• Spot countless bald eagles (a real treat for me since I love eagles!).

• Watch salmon swimming upstream.

• Hear the thunderous cracking of the Hubbard Glacier.

And of course, one of the biggest highlights was exploring Denali National Park, a landscape shaped by glaciers. Fun fact: the peak of Denali is only visible about 20% of the year, and it stands at a staggering 20,310 feet—the tallest mountain in North America.

This trip taught me so much about the land, the people, and the culture of Alaska.

I could go on and on about my once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alaska. I haven’t even mentioned the Alaska Railroad—a luxurious ride through the wilderness up to Fairbanks—the Steamboat Landing experience on the Chena River with its fascinating stops along the way, the visit to the Alyeska Pipeline, or the fun and flavorful Salmon Bake.

As I’ve been telling my clients, every American should visit Alaska at least once in their lifetime. Now I truly understand why it’s called The Last Frontier. It’s a journey I will never forget.

As my husband always said: “Work to live, don’t live to work.” This trip—and every trip I take—is dedicated to him. I believe.

If you are interested in an Alaska vacation or another destination, please feel free to contact me.  I would be happy to help you create memories that will last a lifetime!

A World of Possibilities Awaits with Norwegian Cruise Line

 

                                                           Norwegian Getaway - July 2025

Since my husband passed away, I decided to get out of my comfort zone and travel.  I dedicate every trip to him and I am on a mission to explore and see the world for both of us.  

                                                        Norwegian Pride of America - August 2023

                                                             Taken from my hotel room at the Hilton Hawaii Village in Waikiki

In the summer of 2023, I wanted to go to Hawaii and that meant going on my first vacation by myself.  At that time, I was determined to go there and dedicate that trip to my husband.  So my travel agent, at that time, recommended a cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line.  After doing some research about cruising, the ship, and the shore excursions, I told her to book my the cruise.  I traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and boarded my first cruise on Norwegian's Pride of America, where I took a 7 day Hawaii: Inter-island cruise. It was an amazing trip with no regrets! I explored so many places and the experiences I had, I will never forget.  

I remembered I had so many emotions. I was feeling proud about traveling that far solo, but then I felt scared and overwhelmed, not to mention the heavy grief I felt too.  But when the trip was over, I was so happy that I was able to conquer my fear.  From that point on, many of my vacations consist of cruising.  Currently, I have been on four cruises, all with Norwegian Cruise Line and I would highly recommend them hands down.  

Norwegian Epic - March 2024

7 Day Caribbean Cruise

Norwegian Jewel - August 2024

7 Day - 11 Day Fairbanks Denali Express - NB Cruisetour

A few reasons why I like to cruise:

1. Cruising has given me confidence, and a sense of independence.
2. I feel safe on a cruise, which is extremely important especially traveling solo.  
3. Cruising allows me to explore multiple areas/ports.  
• Plus, when you reserve an excursion through NCL, they do not leave port until every excursion has returned.
4. There is so much to do on the ship such as entertainment, games, comedy, casino, music, spa, fitness, pools, hot tubs and more.  It does not get boring.  Some ships even have a rock climbing, zip lining, ropes course, go carts, mini-golf, arcades, aqua coaster, and a basketball court, just to name a few things.  
5. Formal or casual wear, I can dress up or dress down as desired.
6. The staterooms are clean and accommodating.
7. The food and drinks are delicious.
8. Embarkment, disembarkment, security, transfers to and from the port, and handling all of the luggage are very easy.
9. The cost of a cruise is more affordable.

A few reasons why I like Norwegian Cruise Line:

1. I find that the ships are easy and very manageable to navigate.  
2. The crew on every ship I have been on has been extremely friendly, helpful and dedicated to making my vacation a priority.
3. I am enrolled in the Latitudes Rewards program which provides you with extra perks during your vacation.
4. It is a great value!
5. There are many itineraries to choose from.
6. NCL is convenient because many cruises leave from a port near where I live.
7. NCL exceeds my expectations on every cruise and I am very comfortable with their product.

As a travel agent, I promote NCL and I will continue to promote them because I feel confident in the services they provide.  

On my latest cruise, I received the VIP treatment.  I was invited to attend the Captain's VIP Cocktail Party hosted by Captain Ingar Kjellin.  I met the Captain and other Officers of the Norwegian Getaway.  Plus, I received priority embarkment and disembarkment, I received a $50 credit, and I received a special treat in my stateroom, which were chocolate covered strawberries and a 12 pack of water.

I will be cruising again very soon on a 7 Day Canada and New England round trip from New York to  Boston, Bar Harbor, Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia on the Norwegian Getaway again.  Stay tuned for more updates about this itinerary.  

If you want to browse through any NCL itineraries, click this link to visit my NCL Website.

If you are looking to plan a vacation, feel free to contact me.  I would be happy to help you create memories that last a lifetime!

As a wise man once said, "work to live, don't live to work."

 

Bermuda is a Hidden Gem!

 

Tobacco Bay Beach

There are not enough words to describe the beauty of Bermuda.  Simply WOW! I can't believe I am just discovering this hidden gem!  This was my first time visiting this British island and I would highly recommend it to anyone.  This small island offers beautiful beaches, caves, gardens and nature reserves, luxurious golf courses, water sports, history and culture, shopping and Bermudian cuisine. It is a great vacation for singles, couples, families, weddings and honeymooners.

I traveled to Bermuda by taking a 7 day round trip cruise from Manhattan to Bermuda using Norwegian Cruise Line. While I was in Bermuda, I bought a two day bus pass which can be used all day on the buses and ferries to get around the island.  The Bermudians are very friendly and helpful people  The bus drivers helped me get around the island very easily.  The buses and ferries are clean and safe and I would recommend it.  You can also get around the island by renting a scooter or mini car, but they drive on the opposite side of the road (from the U.S.), and I didn't feel comfortable doing that.

From the Naval Dockyard I took a ferry to St. George to visit Tobacco Bay Beach and Fort St. Catherine.  The ferry took about 45 minutes.  Once I arrived in St. George, I went to Tobacco Bay Beach, which offers a bar, outside restaurant, bathrooms and changing room.  You can rent snorkeling equipment, a lounge chair and umbrella if you want. All the beaches in Bermuda are free.  

Fort St. Catherine in St. George, Bermuda

Afterwards I walked to Fort St. Catherine and went inside the museum and took the tour of the fort.  It was built in 1614 and it was renovated at least 5 times.  The fort is on the northern tip of the island and was used to defend against the Spanish and the Americans.

Horseshoe Bay Beach

The next day, I visited Horseshoe Bay Beach which is in the Southampton Parish area of Bermuda.  Most of the people on this beach stayed near the entrance.  I would highly recommend walking down the beach past the crowd to explore the boulders and rock formations.  You can still swim in these areas too, it is just not as crowded.  This area has a restaurant, restrooms and changing rooms, and you can also rent lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Hamilton, Bermuda

Visit Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda.  Lots of history in this city.  Just be sure you walk across the streets at the crosswalks since there is a lot of city traffic in this area.  Hamilton has many retail stores and restaurants on and/or near Front Street.  The official point of the Bermuda Triangle is in Hamilton.   The other two points of the Bermuda Triangle are Miami and Puerto Rico.  

Hamilton, Bermuda

There are a lot of historic buildings in this area such as Fort Hamilton, which was closed, The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, the Old State House, St. Theresa's Cathedral, Bermuda Historical Society Museum, Bermuda National Gallery, Sessions House, and the Old Rectory, which unfortunately I did not have time to see.  One icon that is on Front Street for police to direct traffic is The Birdcage.

Clocktower Mall at the Naval Dockyard, Bermuda

The Naval Dockyard is a major cruise ship port in Bermuda.  It offers a ton of things to do.  You can take a walking tour of the grounds and learn the history of the dockyard, walk to Snorkel Beach, rent wave runners, catch a taxi, bus or ferry, go shopping in the Clocktower Mall, or get a bite to eat.  Regardless, there are a lot of things to do in this area. 

I was in Bermuda for 3 days and did so much. These are just a few things I wanted to share with you.  However,  I would highly recommend visiting Bermuda and exploring for yourself.  I know I will be going back in the future. 

If you have any questions or if you need assistance with planning a vacation, feel free to contact me.  I would be happy to help you create the priceless memories of a lifetime.  A wise man once said, "work to live, don't live to work!"

Some Quick Facts about Bermuda

Bermuda is approximately 21 miles long, 1.75 miles wide, at its widest, has 3 main roads, South Road, Middle Road, and North Shore Road, about 650 miles east of North Carolina, is on Atlantic Daylight Time Zone, (1 hour ahead of EST), and it takes about 1.5 hours to drive by car or scooter from one end of the island to the other end. It is a small island but it offers so much.  It is rich in history with its many forts and Naval Dockyard, offers many water activities, and not to mention its beautiful beaches all around the island.