[James Matthew Najera]

General Discussion Thread 04.16.2025​

Hey GrayViners!

I was thinking back on some old trips recently (you know how one memory leads to another…), and I thought it’d be fun to swap stories: What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited?

It could be a big, once-in-a-lifetime trip—or a little spot you stumbled on by accident that just stuck with you.

For me? I once lived on an island that many consider to have one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I was there for over a year, and got the chance to have the beach by myself!

Now I want to hear yours! Where’s that one place you always talk about or still think about?

Drop your answer below—bonus points if you tell us why it left a mark.

Can’t wait to read your stories!

Cheers!
Blue

 

[angib55]

While we were in Charleston SC, l saw that they had a tree called the Angel Tree. lt is believed to be more than 300 years old. Stands over 65 ft tall. There was a picture of more than 20 people standing around the base of the tree. The tree limbs hang on the ground because of their weight. lt had such a surreal feeling to see it. lt is majestic. lt is also far from the city and roads so there is a truly tranquil feeling to stand in its glory

 

[Cat18720]

Staycation in Pennsylvania we stumbled on The Kinzua Bridge and Dam. Beautiful spot in the fall. Also did you know Pennsylvania has wild elk? Great trip

 

[NIBOR0]

We took the kids to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, AK. It totally runs on donations and we got to stay in the tree house next to a huge lion enclosure. I got peed on by a Liger right away lol. Needless to say, don't expect to get much sleep as the lions roar all night long.

 

[MKob]

I've travel quite a bit and, hands down, the best vacation was Camp Kapama in South Africa. It was incredible to experience animals in their natural habitat, knowledgeable staff, and a luxury "tent" that was better than many hotels.

 

[Magenta]

Speaking of islands, our visit to Rapa Nui with friends was exciting. Walking among the giant statues was unforgettable. We just happened to be there on Easter Sunday which was an extra.

 

[Fergie1979]

St. Augustine, FL, my husband & I went there for our Anniversaries every 5 years starting with our 25th Anniversary!! We also went for the beautiful Nights of Lights several times. Some of my best memories!!!!

 

[Kit]

Some friends and I went to the island of Malta several years ago, to explore the Goddess sites, not the military ones. We stayed in a funky stone house with a little courtyard. We walked a lot. It was a very special trip!

 

[kiki]

In art and sculpture: The Cathedral of Burgos in Northern Spain. The island of Bonaire in the Caribbean has beautiful clear water.

 

[GaryBlake]

Most definitely the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, the Terrace Houses, the Great Theatre, and the House of the Virgin Mary, in Turkiye.

 

[raulgarciaballesta@gmail.]

Being very young and an architect, I attended a conference in Washington DC and took the opportunity to travel by car to my idyllic house by the waterfall where every detail, every color, every tree and every drop of water made me feel that the magic of design is in achieving several different things that happen in the same place, at the same time but only with the inspiring creativity of an American genius like Frank Lloyd Wright.

 

[Quiltercbrown]

Enroute to the Grand Canyon, we stayed at Palo Duro in Texas. It is the second largest Canyon in the US. They have camping down in the canyon. It was an awesome experience and a typical western landscape to enjoy.

 

[Hazeleyes]

When I vacationed in Mantauk, LI I took a wrong turn and saw a sign for a place to see. It was LongHouse Reserve. It was a property consisting of sixteen acre garden with established lawns, ornamental borders, plant collections and outdoor sculpture, planned by the internationally recognized textile designer, Jack Lenor Larsen (1927-2020). LongHouse Reserve had so much to see and enjoy. I love art and sculptures and thanks to my niece can see more contrasts with construction and architecture of lots of things. Great place to check out.

 

[Gayle B.]

We both served in the Air Force stationed in North Dakota for 20 years. While there we took many trips. We were in South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North and South Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia, Illinois and Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey and Nevada, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio. I’m sure there are some others but I can’t think of any more right now. Also in 2 Provinces in Canada. We were in Manitoba and Saskatchewan!

The most beautiful and amazing thing we’ve ever seen is The Grand Canyon! It was awesome on so many levels and for different reasons. Man, that was memorable and more words of praise than anything else we’ve ever seen!

 

[James Matthew Najera]

While we were in Charleston SC, l saw that they had a tree called the Angel Tree. lt is believed to be more than 300 years old. Stands over 65 ft tall. There was a picture of more than 20 people standing around the base of the tree. The tree limbs hang on the ground because of their weight. lt had such a surreal feeling to see it. lt is majestic. lt is also far from the city and roads so there is a truly tranquil feeling to stand in its glory

Wow, what a beautiful description—I could practically feel the quiet just reading it.
There’s something humbling about standing near something that’s been alive for centuries, isn't there? Thanks so much for sharing that—it sounds like a moment that really stays with you.

 

[James Matthew Najera]

Staycation in Pennsylvania we stumbled on The Kinzua Bridge and Dam. Beautiful spot in the fall. Also did you know Pennsylvania has wild elk? Great trip

That sounds incredible! I’ve actually heard of the Kinzua Bridge but had no idea it looked so stunning in the fall—definitely adding it to the list. And wild elk in Pennsylvania?? That’s news to me and makes the whole trip sound even more magical. Thanks for sharing that one!

 

[James Matthew Najera]

We took the kids to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, AK. It totally runs on donations and we got to stay in the tree house next to a huge lion enclosure. I got peed on by a Liger right away lol. Needless to say, don't expect to get much sleep as the lions roar all night long.

Okay, first of all—a Liger?! That’s already wild enough, but getting peed on? You’ve officially earned honorary safari status

That treehouse stay sounds unforgettable though—what a cool experience for the kids (minus the midnight lion chorus). I’ve heard great things about Turpentine Creek but didn’t realize you could stay that close. Definitely adding it to my list—just might pack a rain poncho next time!

 

[James Matthew Najera]

I've travel quite a bit and, hands down, the best vacation was Camp Kapama in South Africa. It was incredible to experience animals in their natural habitat, knowledgeable staff, and a luxury "tent" that was better than many hotels.

That sounds amazing! A luxury tent and wild animals? Now that’s the kind of glamping I can get behind. Camp Kapama just shot to the top of my bucket list—thanks for sharing!

 

[James Matthew Najera]

Speaking of islands, our visit to Rapa Nui with friends was exciting. Walking among the giant statues was unforgettable. We just happened to be there on Easter Sunday which was an extra.

No way—that sounds amazing! Easter on Easter Island?? That’s the kind of accidental perfection you can’t plan. Those moai must’ve made quite the audience!

 

[James Matthew Najera]

St. Augustine, FL, my husband & I went there for our Anniversaries every 5 years starting with our 25th Anniversary!! We also went for the beautiful Nights of Lights several times. Some of my best memories!!!!

That sounds magical! St. Augustine already has so much charm, but celebrating anniversaries there AND catching the Nights of Lights? Total romance-movie-like! Love that it's been a part of your story