TRAVEL DIARY: ST. GEORGE, UTAH AND DINNER AT THE CLIFFSIDE RESTAURANT

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

First off, Congratulations to Grace Hui for winning my Tani USA Giveaway, and a big thank you to everyone who entered! 

Next up on my road trip Travel Diary is St. George, Utah and our fantastic dinner at the Cliffside Restaurant overlooking the city, lovely Red Rocks and a gorgeous sunset.  Dining here is first class.  In fact, they won Best of State Utah for 2016 in dining, and I could tell why!

They have a great selection of wine and beer, but no full bar, which would make it almost perfection because I think the sophistication, food and views scream for a fancy cocktail or martini, but either way, still delightful and well worth it!  

Our waiter, Trevor, was fun, personable and very professional, which added to our lovely experience.  I highly recommend this spot for a sunset dinner, but due to the popularity, you may want to reserve a table or be prepared to go a little early and wait.  

Every table has access to the beautiful views, whether inside or outside, but the tables right next to the window, as ours was, really made for a truly spectacular view!

Have any of you been there?  Leave your thoughts and experience in the comments below.

Now, onto the pictures, which are full of a vibrant rainbow of colors.  I'm still in love with this spot on our road trip and hope to visit again soon.  Enjoy!

Entrance to the Cliffside Restaurant way up not he hill.

Loved the Edison bulb hanging lights inside.

Beautiful views from outside the Cliffside Restaurant before being seated for dinner.

Gorgeous, clear and vibrant view from our table at dinner.

Cliffside Restaurant menu.

Bottle of J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon wine with a view! ❤

Classic  Cesar Salad

Special of the Day: Calamari

Braised Short Rib Pot Roast

Seared Chicken Medallions

Steak Special of the Day: New York Strip

Vibrant pinks, purples and yellows as the sun was setting from outdoors.

Love how they have personalized Thank You stamps for each waiter, a lovely touch! :)

The Red Rocks just shine as the sun sets for the night.

ALL of the above images by Liesl Ehardt unless otherwise noted.

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TRAVEL DIARY: ASPEN, COLORADO - FAMILY FUN ON OUR FINAL DAY

Happy September, Blogland!

On our last full day in Aspen, we walked the couple miles into town and had a nice breakfast outside at Jour de Fête. Everyone there is so friendly, as I've found everywhere, and the Aspen police, who often eat there, always have a welcoming smile and are there to help in any way and even offer recommendations, such a joy!

All over Aspen, while here, I've seen some of the most vibrant and beautiful flowers, trees and landscaping and they keep it looking so gorgeous at all times, it really is impressive.  Plus, they have beautiful parks and playground where I had some quality time with my Niece Nugget.

After a walk around the outdoor Saturday Market and shops, we stopped at Ink!, a cute local coffee shop where I got a refreshing iced chai tea latte, which was perfect on a rather warm, yet beautiful, sunny day.

That evening, we took in another gorgeous sunset and took fun pictures and selfies in the magical, glowing orange and yellow light it reflects, while also enjoying it with my nephew from the hot tub in our house rental's backyard. 

Now, onto the pictures from another truly fantastic day in Aspen, I already miss it so much and will never forget my time here or the wonderful memories we shared as a family.  I'd love to be able to call it home one day soon! ❤

Breakfast outside at Jour de Fête, a wonderful, super friendly, yummy and affordable casual café.

The flowers and landscaping all over Aspen is impeccable, bright and full of life. 

Ink! Iced Chai Tea, a lovely local coffee shop. 

Sisters Sunset Selfie 

The lilies were in full bloom on our last night in Aspen and glowing magically off the sunset.

Family selfie at sunset, so fun!

Magical view from our Aspen home rental, which needed no filter and truly inspired me
with it's calm, natural beauty nightly.

Hot tub fun with my nephew at sunset. 

Hot tub with a view, I'll never forget this and would rent this home again in an instant. 

ALL of the above images by Liesl Ehardt unless otherwise noted.

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TRAVEL DIARY: ASPEN, COLORADO - LADIES LUNCH AND SUNSETS

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

While in Aspen, my mother, sisters and I had a ladies day in town. 

We had brunch at Main Street Bakery & Cafe where we sat outside and enjoyed a variety of eggs benedicts and smoked salmon before walking around town and the local, charming shops.

Plenty of wildlife will cross your path and deer and chipmunks like to visit almost daily.  We enjoyed them and much more on another gorgeous day.

That evening, my brother-in-law made his famous margaritas on the rocks and we had make-your-own homemade steak, pork and chicken fajitas with all the fixings and yummy sides.

Finally, we took in more of Aspen's magical evening light and sunsets and relaxed outdoors before playing games as a family. Picture time! :)

My younger sister, moi, my older sister and my mother. ❤

Magical lighting before sunset in Aspen every night.

ALL of the above images by Liesl Ehardt unless otherwise noted.

TRAVEL DIARY: ASPEN, COLORADO - ASPEN MOUNTAIN AND SUNDECK RESTAURANT

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

It was time to explore Aspen Mountain, which we did on a couple different days, so, you'll see me in 2 separate outfits and some pictures with bluer skies.

We walked into town and took the 15 - 20 minute gondola ride up to the top of it.  I'm afraid of heights, so, I'll admit while facing towards the bottom of the mountain as we went up was the wrong direction to choose...but family got a good laugh out of it all! ;)

Once at the top, they had a number of games and activities you could play. Including badminton, life size chess and checkers, bocce ball, croquet, frisbee, corn hole and more. Plus, there are a number of paths and hiking trails to explore and take in the beautiful views.

We had lunch at Sundeck, the restaurant located on the top of Aspen Mountain. It is cafeteria style, but I have to say, it has some of the freshest and best salads and food selections I've ever had or seen. 

Almost everything is made to order.  Therefore, it is hot and fresh and the flavors are much higher quality that you will get in almost any cafeteria style dining. Even the salmon was cooked rare inside, if you ordered it that way, and most fine dining restaurants in New York City don't get that right when I order it rare. 

Needless to say, I was impressed, highly recommend it, and, once again, everyone was so friendly and hospitable with no lack of smiles! :)

We had a lovely time and ended up going back up to explore and eat there again while we were there. Below are the pictures from a fun and yummy day. ❤

Just a little afraid of heights and being silly...hehe...with my awesome brother-in-law,

he is a true example of an incredible man, love him!

Keeping calm with my eldest nephew, he's so big now, but such an wonderful teenager,

and his dad, my brother-in-law.

I made it to the top of Aspen Mountain!

Flower Dress: Forever 21 = $28.90  /  Camel Hobo Bag: Charming Charlie = Gift ($39)  /  Sunglasses: Francesca's = $19.99 (buy 1 get 1 half off sale)  /  Gold Vertical Bars Necklace: Illusy on Etsy = $28

View at the overlook on the top of Aspen Mountain.

Cute Bird's Nest that kids can climb and go inside at the top.

Family et moi posing in the nests because that's how we roll! ;)

Black Maxi Dress: Forever 21 = $21.90  /  Black Strappy Bralette: Forever 21 = $4.80

Loved the red gondola's that would go overhead, quintessential Aspen, especially, during ski season.

Having so much fun playing a variety of games, like corn hole, badminton and batchie ball.

Exploring the different paths, trails and views.

There is something so lovely about clean air, beautiful trees and surroundings.

Had lunch at Sundeck Restaurant located on the top of Aspen Mountain.

Shared this divine seared ahi tuna atop an Asian salad lunch.

Also shared their fresh grilled and seasoned chicken on top of a Cesar salad and it was truly delish, too!

View heading back gown the mountain from the gondola.

These beautiful huskies lived near the house we rented and were truly adorable always sticking together.

My nephew had picked this on our adventures, and I think it added a lovely,
natural touch to the dining table.

Another pretty sunset over the mountains from the balcony. 

ALL of the above images by Liesl Ehardt unless otherwise noted.