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Craig

@bigdaddykreativ

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🌎 Society of American Travel Writers
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ADERO Scottsdale Resort is a stunning desert retreat nestled in the McDowell Mountains, offering breathtaking views of Arizona’s rugged Sonoran Desert landscape. 🌵

The resort combines contemporary luxury with the natural beauty of the surroundings, featuring spacious accommodations with private balconies, inviting swimming pools, and a relaxing spa. 🏨 With scenic hiking trails nearby and its location within a certified Dark Sky Community, ADERO is also an ideal spot for outdoor adventures and incredible stargazing after sunset. ✨

It’s a memorable Arizona escape where relaxation, natural beauty, and a touch of luxury come together. 🌟

#aderoscottsdaleresort #scottsdale #arizona by @bigdaddykreativ

During my visit to Meinelschmidt Distillery, I enjoyed getting a closer look at where the magic happens. 🏭

The tour included access to the production area, where I was able to see the distilling equipment and learn more about the journey from raw ingredients to finished spirits. 🌾 One of the highlights was seeing the still up close, an impressive piece of equipment that plays a central role in the process. ⚙️ It was fascinating to hear about the craftsmanship involved and gain insight into the work taking place behind the scenes each day. 💙

Experiences like this always make me appreciate the dedication and skill that go into creating locally crafted spirits. 🥃

#meineldistillery #happyinhagerstown #MDinFocus #VisitMaryland by @bigdaddykreativ

Exploring Fort Frederick State Park with a group of fellow travel writers made for a fun and engaging afternoon in Maryland. 🏰

As we wandered through the historic grounds, conversations naturally shifted between history, photography, storytelling, and our shared passion for discovering interesting places. 📜 The fort's impressive stone walls provided a striking backdrop for photos and sparked plenty of discussion about the site's role in American history. 🪖 I always enjoy experiencing destinations with other writers because everyone notices different details and perspectives. 📖

Between the fascinating history, beautiful surroundings, and great company, Fort Frederick was a memorable stop on our journey through Hagerstown. 📷

#FortFrederick #marylanddnr #happyinhagerstown #MDinFocus #VisitMaryland by @bigdaddykreativ

One of the most fascinating stops on my visit to North Tonawanda was the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. 🎠

Walking through the museum and seeing the collection of wood carving tools used to create the intricate pieces of a carousel gave me a whole new appreciation for the craftsmanship behind these colourful rides. 🪵 It was incredible to see how something as simple as a block of wood can be transformed into beautifully detailed horses and other carousel figures through patience, skill and plenty of handwork. 🐴 The tools themselves were fascinating, especially knowing they played a role in bringing these magical carousel parts to life. 🔨

For me, seeing that connection between the raw wood, the tools and the finished creations was one of the highlights of the visit! 📷

#Herschell #HerschellCarrousel #NiagaraFallsUSA #VisitBuffalo #BuffaloNY by @bigdaddykreativ

As someone who can never resist a good crab dish, I was eager to try the Lump Crab & Artichoke Dip at Rye Street Tavern in Baltimore, Maryland. 🦀

Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, the dip showcased sweet lump crab paired perfectly with tender artichokes. 💚 Served alongside slices of baguette, it was ideal for sharing, although I was more than happy to keep reaching for another bite myself. 🥖 A squeeze of fresh lemon added a bright citrus note that elevated the dish and balanced the richness beautifully. 🍋

It was a delicious way to start the meal and a great reminder of why Baltimore is such a fantastic destination for seafood lovers. ⚓

#ryestreettavern #visitbaltimore #MDinFocus #VisitMaryland by @bigdaddykreativ

After a day spent exploring Hagerstown and the surrounding area, I appreciated having a comfortable place to unwind at Tru by Hilton. 🏨

I found myself spending some time in the lobby, where the comfortable seating provided the perfect spot to relax, check messages, and recharge before heading out again. 📱 The space felt bright, inviting, and designed to encourage guests to linger rather than simply pass through. 🛋️ There was a casual, welcoming atmosphere that made it easy to settle in and enjoy a few quiet moments during my stay. 🧳

Sometimes it is the simple touches that make a hotel memorable, and the lobby at Tru by Hilton certainly left a positive impression. 😊

#trubyhilton #happyinhagerstown #MDinFocus #VisitMaryland by @bigdaddykreativ

A visit to Visitation Hotel Frederick offered more than just an opportunity to admire a beautifully restored historic property. ✨

I was also impressed by the hotel's culinary offerings, particularly at Wye Oak Tavern. 🍽️ The restaurant celebrates the flavours of the Mid-Atlantic with a menu featuring dry-aged steaks, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and locally sourced game. 🦞 Every detail reflects a commitment to quality and regional ingredients, making it a destination in its own right. 😋

Combined with the hotel's elegant atmosphere and rich history, it creates an experience that feels distinctly Frederick. 🏛️

#VisitationHotel #FrederickMaryland #MDinFocus #VisitMaryland by @bigdaddykreativ

Of course, I couldn’t visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory without getting a selfie with that gigantic baseball bat! 🤳

Standing next to it makes you realize just how enormous it really is, and trying to fit the entire thing into one photo was half the fun! 😂 I snapped a few shots before heading inside, and the giant bat turned out to be the perfect backdrop for a classic Louisville travel photo. 📷

It’s one of those wonderfully quirky roadside-style moments that instantly captures where you are and gives you a fun memory to take home. ⚾️

#louisvilleslugger #louisville #kentucky by @bigdaddykreativ

Walking through the Blue Wonders section at the National Aquarium in Baltimore felt like entering an entirely different world. 🐠

Surrounded by shades of blue and massive aquatic habitats, I found myself completely immersed in the beauty of life beneath the ocean's surface. 😍 Graceful fish glided effortlessly through the water while larger marine creatures captured the attention of everyone nearby. 🦈 The exhibit created a calm, almost mesmerizing atmosphere that encouraged me to slow down and simply take it all in. 💙

It was one of those experiences where every turn revealed something fascinating, making it easy to linger longer than planned. 🐠

#nationalaquarium #visitbaltimore #MDinFocus #VisitMaryland by @bigdaddykreativ

Walking through the Muhammad Ali Center, I was amazed by the sheer number of displays dedicated to Muhammad Ali’s incredible life and boxing career. 🥊

The exhibits take you through his journey from a young fighter in Louisville to one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, with photographs, memorabilia, videos, and personal stories bringing each chapter to life. 👊 I loved seeing the moments from his legendary career alongside displays that showed the personality, determination, and confidence behind the champion. 🥇

There was so much to take in that I found myself stopping frequently to look at the details and appreciate just how extraordinary his journey was. 🌎

#muhammadalicenter #louisville #kentucky by @bigdaddykreativ

One of the highlights of my time in South Florida during IPW was taking a thrilling airboat ride at Sawgrass Recreation Park in the Florida Everglades. 🚤

Skimming across the water at high speed while surrounded by vast wetlands was an incredible experience that combined adventure with some truly spectacular scenery. 🌿 There is no place on Earth quite like the Florida Everglades, and seeing this unique ecosystem from an airboat gave me a whole new appreciation for its beauty and scale. 🌾

From the wide-open landscapes to the chance of spotting native wildlife, every minute of the ride was memorable. 🦅

#airboat #Everglades #VisitLauderdale #IPW2026 by @bigdaddykreativ

One of the most striking pieces I encountered at the American Visionary Art Museum was the mirror-winged "Black Icarus" by Andrew Logan, suspended within the circular staircase of the Zanvyl Krieger Main Building. 🪞🪽

The artwork immediately drew my attention as light reflected off countless mirror fragments, creating a dazzling display from every angle. 🪞 Logan is known for transforming everyday materials into extraordinary creations, often incorporating mirrors, fabric remnants, and realistically sculpted heads and bodies into his work. 🎨 As I made my way down the staircase, I found myself stopping repeatedly to admire how the piece seemed to change with each step. 🌟

It was a captivating focal point and a perfect example of the museum's wonderfully imaginative spirit. ✨

#theavam #artmuseum #visitbaltimore #MDinFocus #VisitMaryland by @bigdaddykreativ