<![CDATA[Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

<![CDATA[Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - United States]]> https://www.fodors.com/community/ en Mon, 11 May 2026 15:28:14 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.fodors.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - United States]]> https://www.fodors.com/community/ Luggage Storage in or Near Capitol Hill Seattle https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/luggage-storage-in-or-near-capitol-hill-seattle-1735533/ Mon, 11 May 2026 01:31:48 GMT Anyone know of a nearby Capitol Hill luggage storage place for a couple hours. We are staying in Capitol Hill coming from the airport. I am... Anyone know of a nearby Capitol Hill luggage storage place for a couple hours. We are staying in Capitol
Hill coming from the airport. I am searching for one and having trouble finding one near by. Any help is appreciated. TIA ]]> United States yestravel https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/luggage-storage-in-or-near-capitol-hill-seattle-1735533/ <![CDATA[Trip Report Strolling A Bloomin' Beautiful Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara Botanic Garden]]> https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/strolling-a-bloomin-beautiful-botanic-garden-santa-barbara-botanic-garden-1735488/ Wed, 06 May 2026 15:13:32 GMT Over the past few years, Tracy, Garbo and I have made a few trips up the coast to explore the trails and native plants at the *Santa Barbara Botanic... Over the past few years, Tracy, Garbo and I have made a few trips up the coast to explore the trails and native plants at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. As it celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, and since we believe spring is the best time to visit for the abundance of colorful flowers, we thought we’d take you on a stroll through the gardens. If you have the opportunity, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a peaceful oasis to enjoy nature and all its beauty while getting in those 10,000 steps. It’s fun for kids and dogs, too! Just ask Garbo.

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/san...ra-california/

In an effort to find something older than myself (an increasingly difficult task), we have on several occasions driven up the coast to enjoy the beauty of Santa Barbara Botanical Garden. In 2025 the gardens celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Established in 1926, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in California. Nestled in the hills above Santa Barbara with astounding views on a clear day of the Channel Islands, this 78-acre garden features California native plants and has a conservation program with the goal that “no native plant goes extinct.”

The Garden displays more than 900 California native plants. Conservation efforts include the Pritzlaff Conservation Center created in 2016 which has a seed bank containing nearly three million seeds, 305 of which are rare species, as well as the Clifton Smith Herbarium home to “one of the largest collections of lichens in the U.S.”

Our favorite thing about the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is that well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome every day! The always well-behaved Garbo, Tracy and I (sometimes well-behaved) enjoy meandering the paved paths among the garden spaces, including a meadow and redwood forest.

The courtyard under the shade of a gigantic oak tree shelters a gift shop and a garden nursery with a large selection of California native plants, many of which have traveled home with us to our garden. There are 15 varieties of oak trees in the garden.

The more than five miles of trails are well marked. When you walk toward the trail where you can view the Channel Islands, you do have to cross a road, so for people like myself they have put up a warning sign.

The gorgeous meadow with a view of Arlington Peak is a great way to start our walk. We believe the best time to visit is in spring when the vibrant orange California poppies and deep blue and violet penstemons are popping. Yes, Tracy tells me what these flowers are named, although I would have gotten the poppies.

We checked out the lacy foliage and golden yellow flowers of the Dune Tansy (Tracy says we need these for her garden).

Tracy has planted many of these pale pink coral bells (Heuchera) in the garden. which are hummingbird favorites at our house.

The pollinators love the silver and lavender of this Salvia Leucophylla, which is very aromatic when you brush by it.

The silvery-green foliage and lilac-blue flowers of the Salvia Clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman' is also fragrant.

The Blaksley Boulder is a massive sandstone rock and historic landmark, named in honor of founding supporter Anna Dorinda Blaksley Bliss, who was the donor who helped establish the garden. She named it after her dad. The giant rock originates from Pleistocene-era (12,000 years ago) debris flows from the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains. The boulder was part of the original landscape design. It was a landmark when the gardens opened in 1926..

Keep an eye out for gigantic spider webs!

Turtles sun themselves in the pond next to the meadow.

This sundial is one of four donated to the botanic garden in the 1920s.

Garbo enjoys a rest now and then on one of the benches scattered about the garden. So does her father (when she lets me).

Garbo leads the way down the Stone Staircase to the Wooded Dell, home to towering coast redwoods. Fortunately for me, there are rails on the uneven steps.

The staircase is also referred to as the "Indian Steps,” because it is thought to be the trail taken by Native Americans who built the dam that is located farther in the garden.

Deep purple-blue Lupines, scarlet-pink Hummingbird Sage and the Purple Chinese Houses (so named because they resemble a pagoda) are abundant next to the stream in the Wooded Dell.

Raptor's Perch and Quail Grove are part of the garden's 4.5-acre "Backcountry" area, which is designed for self-directed, unstructured nature exploration for children. This space encourages activities like climbing on fallen trees, rock hopping, and building forts.

Here, Garbo poses in a makeshift teepee (she looks like she is asking if it is ok to be in here) …

Rests for a moment in a wooden chair …

… and climbs a rock then checks out the stunning Bird’s-eye Gilia (love the bright blue stamens).

The Wood Rat Theatre is an interactive art installation and playhouse located in the Backcountry section. The name is inspired by a woodrat's home, which is both shelter and a space filled with objects that inspire stories.

She has always wanted to be an actress… well, her name is Garbo.

It is one of several "Backcountry Casitas" installed in the garden as part of a competition. They are installed for a temporary period, typically six months to two years.

The “Hawk’s Nest” was designed as a playhouse and reading nook for kids.

The construction of Campbell Bridge began in 1941, destroyed by the 2009 Jesusita Fire and rebuilt in 2013. Spanning Mission Creek, it connects the east and west sides of the garden's trail system.

Tracy and Garbo decided to ford the creek a different place, while I wisely deferred as I did not know the botanical garden’s Medivac policy.

There are 15 varieties of oak trees.

We have not ventured out much in the backcountry area. The sign warning of ticks, snakes (which seem to pose more of a threat this year) and poison oak had us hightailing it back to civilization.

Reservations are required as attendance is limited by Santa Barbara County to 110,000 people per year. Admission prices vary, but dogs are free!

As we are members of both the South Coast Botanic Garden and Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden we can visit for free as these gardens are members of the American Horticultural Society (AHS) Reciprocal Admissions Program. https://ahsgardening.org/ahs-garden-network/

Note from Tracy: Although there are more than 400 gardens across the nation enrolled in the AHS program, be sure to check the AHS Garden Network map information to confirm the garden you wish to visit does not have a local-visitor exception. In California, if the gardens are within 90 miles of each other it does not work.

Yet another Garbo (and Tracy) recommended botanic garden! ]]> United States maitaitom https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/strolling-a-bloomin-beautiful-botanic-garden-santa-barbara-botanic-garden-1735488/ Eastern Shore of Lake Michigan https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/eastern-shore-of-lake-michigan-1735484/ Tue, 05 May 2026 20:45:07 GMT Planning a trip to South Bend and would like to include a couple of days on the shores of the Eastern/Southern shore of Lake Michigan. If you only... Planning a trip to South Bend and would like to include a couple of days on the shores of the Eastern/Southern shore of Lake Michigan. If you only had a couple of days, where do you recommend staying and visiting. We aren't able to do a lot of hiking as just had knee surgery. Can do some flat, easy hiking. Thank you in advance for any input. We know nothing about that area but there appears to be some beautiful options. ]]> United States ccool https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/eastern-shore-of-lake-michigan-1735484/ Help planning Kentucky and Tennessee roadtrip https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/help-planning-kentucky-and-tennessee-roadtrip-1735462/ Sun, 03 May 2026 19:48:26 GMT Hi. My husband and I are flying into Louisville Kentucky and then are planning to go into Indiana ( just for an afternoon) go to mammoth cave and... Hi. My husband and I are flying into Louisville Kentucky and then are planning to go into Indiana ( just for an afternoon) go to mammoth cave and continue onto Tennessee to see the Smokey mts.
I know there are some natl/ state parks near the border of the two states and we are planning to stop at some in the way.
I can’t figure out how to divide our time and what would be a logical order to see everything to minimise driving.
I would also like to minimise how many times we have to change where we stay. Could we stay in one plans in Kentucky before going down to Tennessee ? Planning to stay in gatlinburg or pigeon forge when we are there. We will be flying out if knoxville.
we have a total of half a day day we land then four more full days before we leave. We like waterfalls, hiking and wildlife especially beats!!! Thanks in advance.

]]> United States jul4 https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/help-planning-kentucky-and-tennessee-roadtrip-1735462/ US Passport online renewal timeline - in case it is helpful to anyone https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/us-passport-online-renewal-timeline-in-case-it-is-helpful-to-anyone-1735441/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:58:16 GMT I let my passport expire. I decided to renew it online. The online renewal was easy and right now (April) the renewal time was fast. Saturday -... I let my passport expire. I decided to renew it online. The online renewal was easy and right now (April) the renewal time was fast.

Saturday - April 11
1) Walgreens - for the photo. The guy took his time making sure the photo fit the specs (everything is online now). I know he took at least 15 minutes but probably closer to 30 minutes to take the photos (and retake) to make sure the photo was acceptable. He sent me the photos via email for quick upload for the renewal process - but also gave me printed photos to take to the courthouse if I were going that route.

Adding - it was also the best passport photo I've ever had.

2) I completed the online application on Saturday, April 11th.
The passport fee for the book was $130 and I chose USPS Express Delivery for $22.05.
Note - this was not expedited service in any way, just faster mailing.

3) the application was received on 4/13...

April 25 email
4) As noted in an email on April 25.
The email said the application was received on 4/13 and they were reviewing my application and supporting documents.

"You requested routine service when you applied. Routine service can take 4-6 weeks. Our processing times begin the day we receive your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you submit it."

Four to six weeks would be late May or after but based on others' experiences I expected it to be faster than that.

April 28th email (3 days later)
5) SHIPPED - notification that the passport book was shipped on 4/27. This is where the express shipping would go into effect. It was mailed from AZ.

The tracking number indicated it should arrive today (30th), then tomorrow. When I checked tonight the tracking info indicated it was delivered to my mailbox this afternoon. It was there!

April 30th = delivery

Total time - from Saturday the 11th for photo and online renewal to delivery today (via USPS Express Mail) on April 30th = less than 3 weeks.

Sharing in case this is helpful to anyone.

((*)) ]]> United States starrs https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/us-passport-online-renewal-timeline-in-case-it-is-helpful-to-anyone-1735441/ Most Remote Areas of Lower 48 https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/most-remote-areas-of-lower-48-a-1735400/ Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:52:35 GMT What is the most remote area of the continental US you have explored? I canoed the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota with a group for nearly 100... What is the most remote area of the continental US you have explored? I canoed the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota with a group for nearly 100 miles and I don't recall encountering another person. It was all water and pine trees. The Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness in northern Idaho with its 2.4 million acres is supposed to be near the top. ]]> United States PrairieHikerI https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/most-remote-areas-of-lower-48-a-1735400/ Chicago to Niagara Falls https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/chicago-to-niagara-falls-1735393/ Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:48:01 GMT Next month my family and I are planning a trip from Cairo to Chicago and from Chicago to Niagara Falls and back, we are planning to rent a car from... Next month my family and I are planning a trip from Cairo to Chicago and from Chicago to Niagara Falls and back, we are planning to rent a car from O’hare airport and back, I am asking about the best places to stopover for sightseeing, during this journey, we have 6 days to accomplish this, then we will continue our vacation by flying to Seattle , from Chicago, for another week.
please advise.
Thanks in advance.
]]> United States gohadoc https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/chicago-to-niagara-falls-1735393/ Trip Report My week in NYC https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/my-week-in-nyc-1735387/ Sat, 25 Apr 2026 02:20:27 GMT We were so lucky with sunny and clear weather during our visit to New York City in early April. It did get really chilly during the evenings. We... We were so lucky with sunny and clear weather during our visit to New York City in early April. It did get really chilly during the evenings. We used to come here almost every year but haven’t been back since the pandemic. I was very excited to see my favorite city.

The hotel we stayed at again was The Jewel which was located right across from Rockerfeller Center. We remembered our last stay that the rooms were small so we reserved a superior room and discovered the room is still small. LOL. The location was key.

The first thing I wanted to do was to go to Bryant Park because there were American Woodcocks birds who made a stop from their migration to stay longer. There was an article in the New York Times about these birds right before we came so as a birder I wanted to see them. It was easy to spot the crowd watching them when we got to the park. These birds have a funny walk.

Another surprise we discovered was you don’t need to purchase a Metro card for the subway as a credit card or Apple Pay can be swiped at the turnstile. If we were staying longer purchasing an ONY card could be an option.

We couldn’t believe the renovation the city had done to Penn Station when we went there one day. The station used to be dark and dingy but now it's been transformed to a brighter and modern station.

One of our favorite museums is the Frick and we couldn’t wait to see it since they have been closed for 5 years for renovation. Because we were meeting up with two friends we bought tickets in advance for the time entries. As always, a wonderful but intimate experience seeing the Frick Collections. Another surprise is that they did away with the audio sets and you can now scan the code on the program with your cellphone. I was fortunate I had my earphones in my purse. You could listen later if you didn’t bring them so keep your program.

We had dinner at Tao Uptown and it is one of our favorite places. It was nearby so we could walk there from the Frick. It is a fun place to share small plates. We ordered 8 dishes for 4 people and everything was so tasty.

My favorite place is Central Park and there is so much to see. It was beautiful with the cherry trees in bloom. It’s also a birders heaven to see a variety of birds. We used to do guided birders walk in our earlier visits but now we can do these on our own. Public restrooms is next to the Loeb Boathouse near Bethesda Fountain. There are other restrooms in Central Park but this one is the only one I can remember and easier to find.

American Woodcock

Betheda Fountain, Central Park

Boathouse Restaurant

Conservatory

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Belvedere Castle where you can find turtles below in pond.

Bryant Park

]]> United States portobelloB https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/my-week-in-nyc-1735387/ Trip Report Oregon Coast + Waterfalls, 5 nights https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/oregon-coast-waterfalls-5-nights-1735339/ Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:25:59 GMT Hi all- Happy to share this itinerary. I am really happy how it turned out! We went in early April, and it was sunny and 55-70 throughout our trip,... Hi all-
Happy to share this itinerary. I am really happy how it turned out! We went in early April, and it was sunny and 55-70 throughout our trip, though before we arrived it apparently rained for two weeks. If you like waterfalls, April is a great time to go.

We arrived in Portland Airport on a Sunday evening and drove to Cannon Beach. It's about 1:30 drive depending on traffic.

Cannon Beach: 3 nights, two full days.
Hallmark Hotel: We had an excellent experience. It's convenient to just about everything. In the mornings we drove to fresh market - one mile away - for $8 breakfast burritos (hearty and offset expensive lunches and dinners), but otherwise we didn't get in the car. We spent a lot of time at the tidepools, walking the town, beach, etc.

On Wednesday we drove south and stopped off on all of the scenic coastal markers. A couple of times we did mini hikes, but nothing too strenuous. This was more spontaneous so I don't have the day itinerary for stops, but there are a lot of good resources to find if you want to plan. We ended in Pacific City Wednesday afternoon and ran up the dune. We then drove inland 1.5 hours to Silverton, CO.

Silverton: 2 nights, one full day. It's a very cute town; One day is enough.

We arrived late Wednesday night and checked into the Silverton Inn & Suites. A huge room that had a kitchen, perfect location, friendly staff. Noting that the mattress was uncomfortable and the bedframe was very creaky, so inquire whether or not they've invested in upgrades. We enjoyed the vibe at Silver Falls Brewing Company and would recommend.

Thursday morning we hiked the 8-mile Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park. If you'd rather not do a long hike: enter by way of the South Falls - the two most powerful falls are early in the hike and you can see them and double back (and the first is almost immediate.) Thursday evening we went to Silverback Estate Winery for happy hour. Recommend!

Friday morning - pack to Portland airport for flight home.

Enjoy!

]]> United States RosebudAlley https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/oregon-coast-waterfalls-5-nights-1735339/ Portland, OR - Restaurant Recs https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/portland-or-restaurant-recs-1735338/ Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:32:28 GMT We will be in Portland, OR for the first time in 10 years. Looking to hear abut the great dining scene there. We like just about any kind of food. ... We will be in Portland, OR for the first time in 10 years. Looking to hear abut the great dining scene there. We like just about any kind of food. Food trucks to fine dining are good also. Any suggestions? ]]> United States yestravel https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/portland-or-restaurant-recs-1735338/ Trip Report Charming Capitola Hideaway - Shadowbrook https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/charming-capitola-hideaway-shadowbrook-1735337/ Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:34:19 GMT Earlier this year on a midweek jaunt to California’s central coast, our friends Kim and Mary suggested we dine with them at a historic Capitola... Earlier this year on a midweek jaunt to California’s central coast, our friends Kim and Mary suggested we dine with them at a historic Capitola restaurant that Kim visited as a kid (so you know it’s old). Shadowbrook Restaurant is definitely a “wow” experience thanks to its gorgeous setting nestled in the hills above Capitola, beautiful interior and fantastic food. As an added bonus, you can reach this restaurant via cable car or old-time Checker cab making Shadowbrook quite the culinary journey.

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/sha...t-capitola-ca/

While on a mid-week holiday to California’s central coast with friends Kim and Mary, they asked us if we wanted to have dinner at Shadowbrook in the tiny beachside town of Capitola, Having never heard of Capitola, I was intrigued.

Located about 45 minutes north of Carmel by the Sea (where we were staying), and a little over an hour south of San Francisco, Capitola takes one back in time. Upon arrival, Kim showed us the Venetian Court, a 102-year old complex of 46 colorful buildings where he and his family stayed when he was a kid.

For special occasions, he and his family would dine at nearby Shadowbrook, perched on a hillside overlooking Capitola and the river that flows through it to the ocean. The restaurant was originally constructed as a summer home in the 1920s. After falling into disrepair, it was restored in the mid 1940s, and opened as a restaurant in 1947. There’s an informative video on it history on the restaurant’s website.

To get to the multi-level restaurant you can navigate down the steep staircase or take the funicular (Cable car). If you are staying in a three-mile radius around the restaurant, there is complimentary shuttle service provided by a Checkered cab.

Opened in 1947, this Swiss chalet style building has been expanded and improved over the decades and it is definitely a “special occasion” restaurant not to be missed if you are in the area. Reservations are recommended and don’t even think about coming here in shorts and a tank top! The dress code policy is “Dress to Impress” which Kim and Mary forgot to tell us.

We arrived in the early evening and popped into the Rock Room bar for a pre-dinner libation.

The bartender was very personable and could definitely get a job at Octoberfest should this gig not work out.

The restaurant has several different dining rooms.

We dined in the Garden Room (most likely due to our more casual attire), but in our defense we had spent a busy day visiting the nearby Carmel Mission and Monterey Aquarium).

Tracy and I didn’t even need to look at the menu, as we had already decided on prime rib. We shared the Soup of the Day which was butternut squash with cinnamon crema. Wow! Warm rolls are delivered to the table directly from the onsite bakery via a wicker basket.

The slow-roasted prime rib is served with garlic-whipped potatoes, creamed spinach and horseradish cream. It was as good or better than my favorite prime rib from Lawrey’s Beverly Hills.

Kim and Mary shared a Caesar salad with parmesan crisps and extra anchovies. I am pretty sure Mary had been hankering for them after seeing a tank of anchovies swimming at the Aquarium.

Kim ordered the house spiced loin of lamb with roasted garlic, beurre rouge, mushroom bread pudding and honey-glazed carrots. Judging by his empty plate it was delicious.

Mary still had fish on her mind and dined on the perfectly grilled salmon with orange-infused Hollandaise sauce, roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, and a Divina tomato and basil in a tarragon vinaigrette.

As usual, we left no room for dessert, but we would want to return some day to try more items on the menu. We hopped on the cable car to take us to our car. As it says on their website: “It’s not about the cable car. It’s about where the cable car takes you.”

In case one has too many of those Old Fashioned cocktails, the man in the yellow Checkered cab is there at your service. This is definitely a perfect spot for a special dinner.

Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road
Capitola, CA 95010
831.475.1511
Dining Room
Monday - Friday 4 pm - 8:30 pm
Saturday 2 pm - 9:30 pm
Sunday 2 pm - 8:30 pm
On-Site Parking: Free
https://shadowbrook-capitola.com/
]]> United States maitaitom https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/charming-capitola-hideaway-shadowbrook-1735337/ Please help me: Joshua Tree or Sequoia NP? 2 days visit with 2 relatives in their 70s https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/please-help-me-joshua-tree-or-sequoia-np-2-days-visit-with-2-relatives-in-their-70s-1735282/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:58:15 GMT Hi, My wife (38) and I (46) are both very active and in good shape. We’ll be visiting Anaheim, CA during the first two weeks of May, and among our... Hi,

My wife (38) and I (46) are both very active and in good shape. We’ll be visiting Anaheim, CA during the first two weeks of May, and among our planned activities (work and travel), we’d like to take a 2-day road trip with two relatives who are in their 70s.

Our plan is to visit either Joshua Tree or Sequoia National Park. We would arrive early on Day 1, spend the day exploring the park, and then on Day 2 either continue exploring the park or visit nearby areas before heading back to Anaheim in the afternoon.

Since our relatives won’t be able to walk as much as we do, the idea is to leave them comfortably seated at rest areas or scenic spots while we take short walks nearby, then return to them, drive to another location, and repeat.

I’d really appreciate any opinions or suggestions. ]]> United States javierreyes4559 https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/please-help-me-joshua-tree-or-sequoia-np-2-days-visit-with-2-relatives-in-their-70s-1735282/ Historic Route 66 Turns 100 https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/historic-route-66-turns-100-a-1735248/ Sun, 12 Apr 2026 17:35:39 GMT Historic Route 66 turns 100 this year. I traveled on part of it in New Mexico, Arizona and California when a kid. Route 66, called "the most famous highway in the world," stretched 2,500 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. “U.S. Highway 66 — popularly known as Route 66 — holds a special place in American consciousness. Its name commonly evokes images of simpler times, mom-and-pop businesses, and the icons of a mobile nation on the road…Route 66 become a symbol of the American people's heritage of travel and their legacy of ...” (National Park Service website).
About 1/3 of the road is still in existence. Also, many original buildings such as gas stations, motels and curio shops are extant. Remember: "Get your kicks on Route 66"
https://apnews.com/projects/us-route...rks-100-years/ ]]> United States PrairieHikerI https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/historic-route-66-turns-100-a-1735248/