Dear Friends,
I've had enough.
This time of year, I know, I know I always say this, but this year is the absolute worst. It's March and it's still snowing and grey. It's depressing.
My friend shared a story about the famous Mai-Kai resort in south Florida being remodeled and hoping to open in June of 2023. It's been on my mind ever since. I'm obsessed with a Polynesian evening of fire, entertainment, fun and absolutely no snow!
It's just what I need. Except, it's March and I'm in Washington state. C'mon it can't be the only Polynesian type place in the world. Time to do some research for a Polynesian Road Trip.
I've had enough.
This time of year, I know, I know I always say this, but this year is the absolute worst. It's March and it's still snowing and grey. It's depressing.
My friend shared a story about the famous Mai-Kai resort in south Florida being remodeled and hoping to open in June of 2023. It's been on my mind ever since. I'm obsessed with a Polynesian evening of fire, entertainment, fun and absolutely no snow!
It's just what I need. Except, it's March and I'm in Washington state. C'mon it can't be the only Polynesian type place in the world. Time to do some research for a Polynesian Road Trip.
I found two places near me.
The first 0ne is The Sip 'N Dip in Great Falls, Montana.
The second is Hale Pele in Portland, Oregon.
It's time to compare and contrast as my 9th grade English teacher would say.
Both are the same in driving time.
Great Falls, Montana: 5 hours 47 minutes
Portland, Oregon: 5 hours 32 minutes
As the crow flies.
Let's start with the Sip 'N Dip. It's home to the Montana Mermaids. Look, Montana is known for rodeos, ranches, big sky, but Mermaids? This definitely makes it enticing. Montana Mermaids? They're definitely a fish out of water. This is a road trip worth pursuing.
Great Falls is a wonderful city. I've been there to watch the PBR national rodeo championships. It's a pretty cool town. It also has the C.M. Russel museum. He's the Father of Art of the West.
There's a lot of fun things to do in the town and it's beautiful. All of Montana is beautiful. It's expansive, it's the Wild West. It's Big Sky country.
Here's where it gets interesting. The Sip 'N Dip is located in the Ohaire Motor Inn. That's wild. Now, I'm going to stereotype this place never having seen it. A Motor Inn?
I feel like this is a place where you put on a wig, change your appearance with clothes and make up and become anyone you want. You could be a spy, a reporter, an astronaut. Practice your second languages and accents, be from another place. Hell, be from outer space, you're partying with Montana Mermaids.
Who knows you could be on your fifth shot and the international man of mystery bellies up to the bar. He turns to you, winks and gives his spiel.
He's there to recruit you for his next mission. Are you current on your deep sea diving certification? When was the last time you jumped out of an airplane? How are your driving skills? There may be a trip down the Autobahn highway. He'll annoy you with so many questions you will chug another Pina Colada then ask Larry the cable guy to dance. He knows the Macarena.
Oh, the possibilities. You must be careful because after massive of consumption of rum drinks with frilly umbrellas you will show your true colors.
Okay, I know, I know it's a story line for television, movies and books. Has anyone ever actually done this? I'd love to hear your story if you have. I really would. Write me at washingtonwhitten at yahoo dot com and tell me of your escapades.
This place definitely will get a visit from me. I think this is the perfect place place for a girls trip. Who's in?
The first 0ne is The Sip 'N Dip in Great Falls, Montana.
The second is Hale Pele in Portland, Oregon.
It's time to compare and contrast as my 9th grade English teacher would say.
Both are the same in driving time.
Great Falls, Montana: 5 hours 47 minutes
Portland, Oregon: 5 hours 32 minutes
As the crow flies.
Let's start with the Sip 'N Dip. It's home to the Montana Mermaids. Look, Montana is known for rodeos, ranches, big sky, but Mermaids? This definitely makes it enticing. Montana Mermaids? They're definitely a fish out of water. This is a road trip worth pursuing.
Great Falls is a wonderful city. I've been there to watch the PBR national rodeo championships. It's a pretty cool town. It also has the C.M. Russel museum. He's the Father of Art of the West.
There's a lot of fun things to do in the town and it's beautiful. All of Montana is beautiful. It's expansive, it's the Wild West. It's Big Sky country.
Here's where it gets interesting. The Sip 'N Dip is located in the Ohaire Motor Inn. That's wild. Now, I'm going to stereotype this place never having seen it. A Motor Inn?
I feel like this is a place where you put on a wig, change your appearance with clothes and make up and become anyone you want. You could be a spy, a reporter, an astronaut. Practice your second languages and accents, be from another place. Hell, be from outer space, you're partying with Montana Mermaids.
Who knows you could be on your fifth shot and the international man of mystery bellies up to the bar. He turns to you, winks and gives his spiel.
He's there to recruit you for his next mission. Are you current on your deep sea diving certification? When was the last time you jumped out of an airplane? How are your driving skills? There may be a trip down the Autobahn highway. He'll annoy you with so many questions you will chug another Pina Colada then ask Larry the cable guy to dance. He knows the Macarena.
Oh, the possibilities. You must be careful because after massive of consumption of rum drinks with frilly umbrellas you will show your true colors.
Okay, I know, I know it's a story line for television, movies and books. Has anyone ever actually done this? I'd love to hear your story if you have. I really would. Write me at washingtonwhitten at yahoo dot com and tell me of your escapades.
This place definitely will get a visit from me. I think this is the perfect place place for a girls trip. Who's in?
Photo by Christian Fridell: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-holding-forward-a-glass-of-iced-pinkish-colored-cocktail-with-a-straw-3417441/
Hale Pele in Portland will probably be the one I go to first. I've never been to Portland. Sure, I've driven through it to head to the coast. but never hung out there.
Besides, this is more of what I'm looking for. It's a tropical atomostphere, kitschy, a total touristy kind of thing. Just what the doctor ordered after a long grey winter. Fire, rum, dancers and an escape. Yes, please.
Besides, this is more of what I'm looking for. It's a tropical atomostphere, kitschy, a total touristy kind of thing. Just what the doctor ordered after a long grey winter. Fire, rum, dancers and an escape. Yes, please.
I love being a tourist. It's fun. Worlds largest frying pan, yup, I've seen it. Southern most point in the U. S. of A. Been there.
I love tourist traps, historical sights, ghost tours you name it. There's something magical about these trips. I also love finding out of the way places, meeting locals, and immersing myself in the region, but for a get out of winter blues trip, I need flashy. Fire, maybe neon.
Besides, Powell's book store is in Portland. I'm not sure if it is technically the world's largest bookstore, but it will be the biggest I've ever been in. It's on my live it list.
It's been settled. Hale Pele it is.
Hale Pele means House of the Volcano Goddess. The establishment comes with a warning. According to their website......
"But be warned, no true Tiki experience is complete without a little danger: listen for the distant thunderstorms growing closer and the fiery volcanic explosions... many surprises await you deep within Hale Pele. "
Danger. Dude, it says danger. We must to go.
Here's the deal. We all need some flaming vitality infused in our souls by the end of winter. Unless you actually live on a Polynesian island.
I'll let you know when I hit the road. Perhaps you will meet me there. If you're too far away, believe me there is something like this near you. At the very least go anywhere, or stay home and have a tropical drink. We will toast each others good health, good fortune and good times.
What do you say?
In the meantime, I'm going outside to shovel snow.
Wish I were kidding.
Warmest regards,
Kelly
I love tourist traps, historical sights, ghost tours you name it. There's something magical about these trips. I also love finding out of the way places, meeting locals, and immersing myself in the region, but for a get out of winter blues trip, I need flashy. Fire, maybe neon.
Besides, Powell's book store is in Portland. I'm not sure if it is technically the world's largest bookstore, but it will be the biggest I've ever been in. It's on my live it list.
It's been settled. Hale Pele it is.
Hale Pele means House of the Volcano Goddess. The establishment comes with a warning. According to their website......
"But be warned, no true Tiki experience is complete without a little danger: listen for the distant thunderstorms growing closer and the fiery volcanic explosions... many surprises await you deep within Hale Pele. "
Danger. Dude, it says danger. We must to go.
Here's the deal. We all need some flaming vitality infused in our souls by the end of winter. Unless you actually live on a Polynesian island.
I'll let you know when I hit the road. Perhaps you will meet me there. If you're too far away, believe me there is something like this near you. At the very least go anywhere, or stay home and have a tropical drink. We will toast each others good health, good fortune and good times.
What do you say?
In the meantime, I'm going outside to shovel snow.
Wish I were kidding.
Warmest regards,
Kelly
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