Florence, Italy

by Stan Loomis on March 14, 2014
Stan Loomis and his wife in Florence

Stan Loomis poses with his wife during their trip to Florence, Italy.

Not too long ago, Stan Loomis and his wife took a trip to Florence, Italy, where they did quite a bit of sightseeing.

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence attracts a surplus of tourists annually. In addition, Forbes ranked Tuscany as one of the most beautiful cities in the world due to its architectural and artistic legacy.

Stan Loomis and his wife efficiently explored Florence with a ‘Hop-on Hop-off Tour.’

Aboard a double decker bus, the duo was able to hop off the bus as many times as they wanted to enjoy a full day of sightseeing at places such as the Cathedral, Piazzale Michelangelo, San Marco, and Santa Croce.

The Palazzo Vecchio was one of the most memorable destinations. This fortress was designed between 1298 and 1314 and offers architecture that is unsurpassed. In addition to the sheer size, Michelangelo’s sculpture, Genio della Vittoria, and the battle scenes painted from the floor to the ceiling add to the building’s grandeur. On the terrace, Stan Loomis enjoyed viewing the panorama of Piazza della Signoria and the breathtaking city skyline beyond.

One of the Loomis’ favorite museums was the Uffizi Gallery. Here, they were able to gaze at a collection of Renaissance artwork from artists such as Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. The couple adored famous paintings and sculptures before heading to the rooftop café, where they enjoyed lunch and a beautiful view of the city.

A cooking class in the heart of Florence provided a unique, memorable experience for Stan Loomis and his wife to cherish. With the assistance of a famous local chef, the class made homemade pasta, bruschetta, and a main course, while sampling other local foods and wines.

Bubbling over with priceless art and museums, it was impossible for Stan Loomis and his wife to see all of Florence in one trip. They hope to return someday soon to delight in more of the world-class galleries, baristas, and skilled local bakers.

 

Learn more about Stan Loomis and his travels by reading his travel blog or viewing the photos he has shared from his travels on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/stanloomis/

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Rome

by Stan Loomis on March 10, 2014
Stan Loomis in Rome with family

Stan Loomis and his family enjoy dinner at Tartufo dei tre Scalin.

Rome, often referred to as “The Eternal City,” is the birthplace of Western civilization. Monuments, museums, ancient ruins, and local cuisine have earned Rome the 11th spot on the list of most visited cities in the world.

Recently, Stan Loomis and his family visited this history-rich capital of Italy.

 

Art

As one of the world’s greatest art cities, breathtaking masterpieces, architecture, and sculptures provide artistic splendor that the entire Loomis family enjoyed. The family’s favorite gallery in Rome was the Museo e Galleria Borghese. Paintings and sculptures from famous artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, and Caravaggio provide an art collection that is unsurpassed. The gallery’s superb mosaics and intricate design work add to the grandeur of the experience.

Historical Landmarks

Rome is home to many historical landmarks that leave Stan Loomis and other tourists in awe.

The family visited the famous Colosseum, one of the most thrilling ancient wonders. This top tourist attraction draws more than five million visitors annually and dates all the way back to 80 AD, when crowds would gather to watch gruesome gladiatorial games.

Architecture

Rome’s churches date back to the 4th century and are plentiful throughout Rome. Furthermore, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica highlight the pope’s presence in the city. Stan Loomis and his family also reveled in the Sistine Chapel, the sight of Michelangelo’s most famous works, including “Genesis,” and “Last Judgment.”

Cuisine

A trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without gorging on traditional Roman foods and wines. The city caters to locals as well as tourists. Some of the restaurants on Stan Loomis’ itinerary included Colline Emiliane, one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. The family enjoyed homemade pastas, desserts, and other Italian delicacies.  Another restaurant favorite included Tartufo dei tre Scalini, where the Loomises were able to get a family picture that serves as a reminder of their remarkable trip.

Learn more about Stan Loomis and his travels by viewing his Weebly page or ask him a question about his vacation destinations on Quora: http://www.quora.com/Stan-Loomis

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France

by Stan Loomis on February 28, 2014
Stan Loomis in France

Stan Loomis and his wife took in an outdoor art exhibition while vacationing in France.

Stan Loomis and his wife took a trip to France not long ago.

While abroad, they toured Paris and Marseille-Provence and enjoyed the sights, art galleries, and cuisine at each locale.

Paris

Paris is one of the most enchanting cities in France; its grandeur attracting visitors from around the world. Items that made the Loomis’ itinerary included:

  • Eiffel Tower: This major landmark was a must, acting as the defining monument of the city.

  • Musee du Louvre: More than 35,000 works of art are on display at this monumental building. The collection ranges from Islamic, Greek, Etruscan, Assyrian, and Coptic Art.

  • Palais Garnier: The couple enjoyed a night out at the city’s original opera house.

  • Musee Rodin: Here, Stan Loomis and his wife appreciated the art collection of Auguste Rodin.

Marseille-Provence

In southeastern France, Marseille-Provence has a rich history that makes it a popular destination for tourists. Shops, music, multicultural urbanites, and famous world cuisines have made this bustling port city the second largest in France. Some of Stan Loomis’ favorite things to do in Marseille include:

 

  • Perched Villages of the Luberon Day Trip: This walking tour guides a small group of explorers to Oppede le Vieux, a village carved into rock; Menerbes, an old fortress that has experienced many wars; and Roussillon, a village that sits on breathtaking red cliffs.

  • Jardin du Pharo: Located at the edge of the peninsula, this park provided a perfect spot for the Loomises  to picnic and watch the sunset.

  • Espace Julien: Here, people can listen to a variety of live music, including hip-hop, reggae, rock, alternative, and more.

  • Le Café des Epices: This fan favorite offers the best French food around, including various sea foods and the catch of the day.

 

Stan Loomis and his wife enjoyed their trip to France so much that they are considering returning in the near future to tour the rest of Europe as well.

Learn more about the places Stan Loomis has visited by reading his bio on Expertfile or visiting his Weebly page: http://stanloomis.weebly.com/‎

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Miami, Florida

by Stan Loomis on February 24, 2014
Stan Loomis in Miami with his wife

Stan Loomis takes in the Miami nightlife with his wife.

In August of 2006, Stan Loomis and his wife took a trip to Miami, Florida.

Traveling by motorcycle, the duo’s adventure was indeed memorable. On their way to the most populous metropolis in the United States, Stan Loomis enjoyed taking in the vast cityscape, as well as the beautiful beaches.

As one of the leading cities in finance, culture, entertainment, media, commerce, international trade, and the arts, Miami provided no shortage of things for the Loomis’ to do. They took advantage of the warm climate by spending some time at South Beach, where the gulf stream and warm ocean current keep the waters at a comfortable swimming temperature year round.

Stan Loomis and his wife also enjoyed the fact that Miami is the cleanest city in the United States.

Its good air quality, clean drinking water, recycling programs, and more ranked Miami “America’s Cleanest City” according to Forbes.

The couple also enjoyed entertainment and performing arts at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, which is the second-largest arts center in the United States after New York City’s Lincoln Center. As a major music production hotspot, Miami attracts many music festivals as well, such as the Ultra Music Festival. Stan Loomis, who holds a deep passion for music, took his wife to one of the many nightclubs to experience the dance scene. The most well known Miami nightclubs include Mansion, Space, Ink, Cameo, and Parkwest.

In terms of cuisine, the Loomises had an array of options to choose from, as the Miami cuisine is reflective of its diverse population.  Stan Loomis added “Floribbean” cuisine to his list of foods to try. This mix of Caribbean, Latin American, and American cuisine is unique to South Florida and widely sought out in Miami. The couple ended their trip with a relaxing seafood dinner alongside Miami Bay, where they appreciated some quality time as the sun set.

Learn more about Stan Loomis and his travels by visiting his about.me page or reading his bio on Expertfile: http://www.expertfile.com/experts/stan.loomis‎

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St. John USVI

by Stan Loomis on February 14, 2014
St. John USVI

Stan Loomis took a memorable trip with his family to St. John, one of the US Virgin Islands.

Known for its attractive beaches, St. John is a top tourist destination for vacationers like Stan Loomis and his family.

St. John is an island in the Caribbean that is only accessible by boat. When the family chartered their yacht to the island, they found it rich with beauty and entertainment.

The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the three main islands: St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Compared to the other islands, St. John is much less commercialized. While the adjacent islands are considered overdeveloped by some, St. John’s natural beauty remains well-preserved.  As one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world, St. John boasts top quality beaches. Furthermore, the island has been nicknamed the “Beverly Hills of the Caribbean” due to its high level of affluent tourists.

During their stay, Stan Loomis and his family took in the sights, including the most picturesque beach on the island, Trunk Bay.

Along the island’s north shore, the well-kept, public beach has received recognition from several publications for its beauty. Conde Nast Traveler magazine even recognized Trunk Bay in their issue of “Ten Best Beaches in the World.” In addition to their beauty, the reefs also offer world famous snorkeling. Stan Loomis and his family enjoyed identifying various marine life in the crystal clear waters.

The peak of tourist season is lengthy, running from October through June and marks the beginning of The St. John Festival.  The month long celebration culminates throughout June and includes:

  • Concerts– Live night concerts take place on a giant concert stage, where people can dance and enjoy authentic island food and drinks.
  • Parades– The elaborate parade begins with island dance music, resulting in a dance party in the streets. The Caribbean tradition then gives way to hours of baton twirlers, steel drum bands, stilt walkers, and much more.
  • Fireworks– Brilliant fireworks are shown over the beautiful Cruz Bay, where people can view them from either land or boat. Stan Loomis ended the trip on a high note, enjoying the show with the whole family aboard their yacht.

Learn more about Stan Loomis and the destinations he has visited with his family by reading his Blogspot blog or by viewing his bio on about.me: http://about.me/stanloomis

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Anaheim

by Stan Loomis on February 4, 2014
Kids in Anaheim

Stan Loomis took his kids to Pirate’s Dinner Adventure.

When his kids were little, Stan Loomis took them on a memorable trip to Anaheim.

Most of their trip was spent visiting theme parks but they also recall a memorable dinner at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure.

The family enjoyed watching stunt performers, actors, and singers while aboard a replicated 18th century ship. Six additional ships sit in the audience, each accompanied by a pirate mascot. Stan Loomis and the kids enjoyed the dinner show and hoped they would be one of the audience members chosen to play a role. Although they weren’t picked, they still had a great time! After the show, the family was able to select one of two dinner options, both of which were very appealing.

One of the best theme parks Stan Loomis and the kids visited was Disneyland & Disney’s California Adventure.

Some of the thrill rides that kept the family on their toes include Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, and the family favorite, Splash Mountain. This flume ride consisted of several dips and even a five story waterfall!  Unknowingly, Stan Loomis sat in the front and was soaked during the plummet.  Luckily, the California sun dried him off in no time!

At dusk, the family made their way to a spectacular night show called “World of Color.” Here, scenes from Disney and Pixar films play across a giant 19,000 square-foot screen. To add to the excitement, 1,200 fountains shoot water hundreds of feet into the air, accompanied by music, fog, fire, and lasers. The 28 minute show is held on a water screen in Paradise Bay and is a show to remember for all ages as it combines both past and contemporary Disney films.  Stan Loomis even bought his kids Mickey Mouse ears that flash and change colors to correspond with the beat of the World of Color show.

Although the kids have strong recollections about the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, and visiting the various theme parks, Stan Loomis was just happy for a chance to spend quality time with his children.

Learn more about Stan Loomis by connecting with him on LinkedIn or read more of his travel blogs on WordPress: http://stanloomis.wordpress.com/

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Cedar Point

by Stan Loomis on January 23, 2014
Cedar Point

Stan Loomis took this picture of his kids when they went to Cedar Point in Ohio.

Stan Loomis took his family to Cedar Point, which is the second oldest amusement park in the United States, opening its doors in 1870.

Located in Sandusky, Ohio, it features 72 rides. The park also has a record 16 roller coasters, four of which are taller than 200 feet. Cedar Point is the most visited amusement park in the United States, reeling in over three million visitors in 2012.

Stan Loomis booked a cabin at Lighthouse Point that was equipped with a pool, spa, and much more.  The family was able to quickly drop off their bags and hop on a shuttle leading directly to the park.  Millennium Force, Top Thrill Dragster, and Raptor were some of their favorite roller coasters, while the Lolli Swings and The Giant Wheel were their favorite family rides. In addition to the world renowned roller coasters and the family rides, the Loomises attended several shows. Their favorite was a 25 minute show titled All Wheels Extreme. This show took place in the Extreme Sports Stadium and involved stunts from bikers and gymnasts.

The next day, Stan Loomis and his family went to Soak City, a water park affiliated with Cedar Point.

Again, the park was accessible from their cabin via shuttle.  They also purchased ‘Fast Lane’, which permitted them to bypass the wait line.  This allowed the Loomis family to experience much more of the park.  They went on a slew of different water slides, including the Zoom Flume. The whole family piled in an inner tube before they were sent down a chute with all sorts of twists, turns, and dips.  Stan Loomis even challenged his wife to a race down Dragster H2O, which features dips and plateaus on a Mat Racer. The Loomis children especially enjoyed themselves at the park and look forward to going back in the near future to experience new additions to the park.

Follow Stan Loomis on Twitter to read about his other travels, or learn about one of his other hobbies, reading, on his Shelfari profile: http://www.shelfari.com/stanloomis

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San Francisco, California

by Stan Loomis on January 13, 2014
Stan Loomis in San Francisco

Stan Loomis and his wife set aside plenty of time for sightseeing while in San Francisco.

During a recent vacation, Stan Loomis and his wife Naomi, were able to partake in a wine tour through Napa and Sonoma; a San Francisco dinner dance cruise; and a whale watching tour.

Today, San Francisco, California, is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. As the leading cultural center of Northern California, the city offers a slew of activities for tourists.

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour

This full day trip from San Francisco to Napa and Sonoma Valley provided a luxurious tour of the wine region before stopping at three large-scale wineries: Nicholson Ranch Winery, the Madonna Estate, and Sutter Home.  At each winery, Stan Loomis walked through the vineyards and learned about the winemaking process. With free wine tastings available, they were able to sample several different types before finding their new favorite!

San Francisco Dinner Dance Cruise

On the dinner dance cruise, Stan Loomis enjoyed fine dining, entertainment, and scenic views.  Dressed to impress, the couple had a delicious 4 course dinner while watching the sun set over the San Francisco Bay. The Loomises delighted in views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and more. After dinner, Naomi coaxed Stan to the dance floor where they danced to a variety of music played by a live band. This romantic evening was truly a night to remember.

Whale Watching

The San Francisco Whale Watching Tour offered a once in a lifetime opportunity for Stan Loomis and his wife to see whales breach while also enjoying sights of cultural landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge.

The captain guarantees sightings of humpback whales, blue whales, or killer whales, depending on the season and he did not disappoint! The rich waters known for their diverse marine life kept the Loomis’ camera ready and on the edge of their seats.

Learn more about Stan Loomis and his favorite vacation destinations on his WordPress blog, or read about his professional accomplishments on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stanloomis

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Vail, Colorado

by Stan Loomis on January 7, 2014
Vail

Stan Loomis and his wife posed before heading out to the slopes.

This winter, Stan Loomis traded in the motorcycle for a set of skis and headed up to the chilly peaks of Vail, Colorado.

Vail, a premier destination for skiers and outdoor sport enthusiasts, offered something for everyone in the Loomis family to enjoy, including:

Vail Mountain

Vail Mountain features upward of 5,200 acres of trails for both downhill and cross country skiing and is the second largest ski mountain in North America. With a wide range of runs, the mountain provides nothing short of a high quality ski experience whether you are hitting the slopes as a beginner or an expert.  The expansive mountain provides such grandeur; hiking, biking, snowmobiling or simply gazing at the breathtaking scenery are options for any time of year. ‘After skiing,’ or what the locals refer to as ‘apres-ski, is a tradition in ski culture, in which skiers stop at bars, grab a bite to eat, and socialize after their last run. The restaurants and bars are plentiful and within walking distance!

Adventure Ridge

Unable to squeeze everything into your daily itinerary? No problem! Play well into the night at Adventure Ridge- a must for all ages.  This snow park provides tubing, snowmobiling (for kids too!), ski bikes, and a bungee trampoline. Afterward, cozy up to a cup of hot chocolate at the family favorite, ‘Bistro Fourteen,’ while you watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.

Gerald Ford Amphitheater

Warmer weather impending, Stan Loomis and family intend on returning to Vail to attend the number one ranked attraction, the Gerald Ford Amphitheater.  This beautiful outdoor venue provides a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains while also offering top notch entertainment, including dance and music festivals.  Enjoy a picnic lunch on the grassy hillside with food and beverages from facility concessions- or bring your own!  The Gerald Ford Amphitheater can be a fun time out with the kids, or a romantic, carefree date for two.

Learn more about Stan Loomis by following him on GoodReads, or view other travel blogs here: http://stan-loomis.blogspot.com

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Napa Valley

by Stan Loomis on December 19, 2013
Stan in Wine Country

Stan Loomis took a trip to Napa Valley with his wife to take part in wine tastings.

Napa, California is the 100th largest city in California, first settled in the 1830s before officially becoming a city in 1872. By the dawn of the 20th century, Napa became the primary economic and business center for the Napa Valley area. Much of the banking, commercial, retail, and light industry growth took place within the city of Napa while the surrounding areas developed an interest in agriculture and wine. Today, Napa Valley is one of the world’s premier travel destinations.

The area’s breathtaking views are available year-round, with rolling hills dotting the landscape full of year-round vineyards and wineries. Napa Valley’s wineries in particular attract millions of wine aficionados each year, including Stan Loomis.

Napa Valley is one of nine San Francisco bay area counties most known for its wine industry. The area gained international respect in 1976 when Napa Valley winery Chateau Montelena won the “Judgment of Paris”, a blind taste test comparing California wines and French wines. Napa Valley is currently home to more than 400 wineries.

Stan Loomis traveled to Napa, California with his wife to enjoy wine tasting through the area’s wineries.

Of the nearly 400 wineries located within the area, 95% are family-owned and operated. The Napa Valley region is home to more world-acclaimed wineries than any other region in North America. As an avid wine taster and motorcycle rider, Stan Loomis enjoyed exploring the countryside with his wife and toured many of the region’s wineries while participating in wine tastings.

While the wineries in Napa Valley entice many a traveler, the area’s climate and natural scenery also make it an ideal getaway. Lodging options include quite bed-and-breakfasts, large hotels and resorts, and everything in between. Tourists are also able to take in many of the spas and mud baths in between wine tastings and trips to world-renowned restaurants such as the French Laundry.

 

Learn more about Stan Loomis and his travels by following him on Tumblr, or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stanloomis

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