Punta Cana is now OPEN and effective September 15, travelers entering the Dominican Republic will not be required to submit a negative PCR test. All arriving passengers will pass through a heat/temperature sensor upon arrival. If a passenger shows an elevated body temperature they are pulled for further investigation and may incur a rapid test. All travelers will also be granted a complimentary, temporary travel assistance plan that will include coverage for emergencies, telemedicine, lodging for prolonged stays and costs for changing flights in the event of an infection. This will be provided for all travelers through December 2020. 

WOW!!! So, Punta Cana is ready for you, let’s show them the love that they deserve!

Some of our favorite resorts are offering INCREDIBLE prices and incentives to invite you back! Hyatt Ziva & Zilara Cap Cana is a brand new show stopper property which opened in January 2020 and they are one of my top pics for family getaways (Ziva side), adult only escapes (Zilara side) as well as friend & family group getaways (access to both properties for adults)! They truly offer something for everyone and you will certainly be wow’d at either resort!

Looking for an extended stay? Reach out to me for special rates! Why work and learn from home when you can work, learn & PLAY from paradise!

And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, why not surprise them with an all inclusive paid trip to the Caribbean instead of another year at home watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!

Give me a call! Can’t wait to put some HAPPY on your calendar!

Debbie Boyd, Travel Happy Agency – 513-275-8086/ e-mail – debbie@travelhappyagency.com website: travelhappyagency.com

We are excited to reopen the Arts Center this month, with the presentation of two powerful exhibitions that address race, justice, and identity.

Protests this summer have lifted the voices of those seeking justice. Thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest systemic racism and police brutality, using artistic expression and the power of the printed word to rally the emotions of others to demand for racial equity. The inspiration for these exhibits are drawn from the headlines of current events; yet the issues are of historic proportion. The imagery confronts viewers with the injustices to which today’s artists bare witness.

The protest poster – a common form of political art – was the inspiration for UPRISING, an outdoor exhibition by ten Black artists exploring themes of racial justice, presented in partnership with Art Beyond Boundaries.

Curated by Jymi Bolden, the exhibit features large-scale printed works by Cincinnati-based artists Cherie Garces, Melvin Grier, Terence Hammonds, Gee Horton, Hannah “Jonesy” Jones, Jimi Jones, Cynthia Lockhart, Ricci Michaels, Thom Shaw (d. 2010), and Gilbert Young (Atlanta, GA).

Installed throughout the grounds of the Kennedy Heights Arts Center, the exhibition can be viewed as a drive-through experience, utilizing the circular driveway that wraps around the building, or guests can park and explore the exhibit on foot.

 Art prints and postcards of each of the images will be available for sale, with net proceeds split between the artist and the Ohio Justice and Policy Center.

If you’re looking for the best year-round indoor amusements in the Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout, Oakley and Madisonville, Norwood, Silverton, Deer Park, and Cincinnati areas (only 6 minutes from Downtown!), Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure park is the perfect place! With new adventures behind every corner, this is the ultimate indoor playground for your entire family. Take your kids’ birthday party to the next level, spend a day of fun with the family, or plan your next team building adventure here….and you’ll see why Urban Air is more than just a trampoline park.

Urban Air Trampoline Park has been voted BEST Gym In American for Kids by Shape Magazine, BEST Place To Take Energetic Kids and BEST Trampoline Parks.

Adventure park attractions include:

Sky Rider, Ropes Course, Climbing Walls, Ninja Course, ProZone Performance and Apex Trampolines, Drop Zone, Tubes Playground, Dodgeball, and even more!

You can purchase single day tickets, or go all out with the Endless Play Memberships. Starting at a low monthly price, you can come back every day for a FRACTION OF THE PRICE of a single visit. That is over $2300 of value or up to 85% savings! Because at Urban Air, they want to let ‘em fly as much as they want!

Safety protocols are in place to keep everyone healthy and safe. Time slots are available throughout the day with reservations.

Fun for all ages can be found at Urban Air Adventure and Trampoline Park!

Most of us have been confined to our houses or immediate vicinities for many months, possibly even cancelling trips elsewhere, but as you begin to feel more comfortable we encourage you to Experience Columbus for a not-far-from-home “staycation”! Feel safe knowing that more than 150 businesses in Columbus have signed the Live Forward Pledge, indicating they have made health and safety of their guests a priority upon operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of the city’s highest visitor touchpoints have leveled-up with third-party validation through the GBAC STAR™ Accreditation. You don’t have to travel far to feel far away, and we’ve rounded up a few great ideas you can consider. 

A new self-guided Short North Art Trail helps you explore and discover not only the great murals and public art in the area, but also the galleries and performance spaces, all without the crowds common during Gallery Hop.

Once downtown, you can easily access many of the city’s top attractions and cultural institutions. Eat your way around the world all within the walls of the North Market. Pay homage to our veterans past and present – across all eras of conflict and branches of service – at the one-of-a-kind National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Plus, be sure to get to the Columbus Museum of Art for the groundbreaking “Art After Stonewall” exhibit, which explores the impact of the LGBTQ civil rights movement on the art world and has been named among the top 10 most important exhibitions of the decade by Art News.

There are still plenty of opportunities to get outside and stay safely socially distanced with 253 acres of greenspace scattered throughout downtown. Grab a CoGo bike rental or take a walk along miles of mixed-use trails along the Scioto Mile that lead to the world’s largest outdoor climbing wall at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. Downtown is also the perfect starting point from which to explore Columbus’ unique neighborhoods, including the beautiful architecture of Victorian Village, the charming brick-lined streets of German Village or the up-and-coming Franklinton neighborhood.

Check out the “Experience Columbus” hotel packages page for staycation offers from the Moxy Columbus Short North, Graduate Columbus, Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph, Hilton Columbus Downtown, Drury Inn & Suites and Hotel LeVeque.

Our “Experience Columbus” getaway started with the Hilton Columbus Downtown…a very sleek hotel located in the PERFECT location for shopping, dining and exploring the Short North and surrounding areas. Room accommodations were great…super clean and sanitized, well-appointed, large room with modern touches. Safety is a HUGE priority…from checking in, to room access and dining in the hotel.

On to happy hour at Gallerie Bar and Bistro, located just above the lobby…for a fabulous Charcuterie Board, Calamari and Dirty Martini…ahhhhh. Vacation mode!

Wearing our face masks (MANDATORY in Columbus I’m thrilled to say!)

Next up…shopping! Many stores were open and awaiting customers to peruse the stocked shelves. Galleries were also open. Felt so good to be out and about!

On to The Guild House for dinner across the street from our hotel….our favorite Columbus restaurant by the famed Cameron Mitchell.

The Guild House is a unique rustic-modern dining room for sampling eclectic, globally inspired seasonal menus. I dined on the BEST scallop dish I’ve ever had (seriously beautiful and tasted FAB!), while my better half indulged in the lamb burger. OMG. On to the Torte for dessert…a Flourless chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, peanut butter mousse, vanilla tuille. Splurge, but worth it!

Back to the super comfy bed at the hotel! We awoke early and had breakfast at the hotel…then to the North Market… a 144-year-old vibrant public market made up of Ohio’s best independent merchants, farmers, and makers, where you can eat, drink, shop, and enjoy the best of what’s local, fresh, and authentic. We shopped strong at Penny’s Meats. They grind the freshest ground beef and pork daily. They also carry a wide selection of lamb and goat, plus so much more!

Don’t miss Block’s Bagels, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Market Blooms for flowers, and so much more!

We next ventured over to the Columbus Museum of Art (Included with the Roar & Explore pass, which offers a 20% savings on the city’s top attractions and is a great deal for visitors to make sure they hit all the top spots). The Columbus Museum of Art was the perfect escape on a rainy Saturday morning, filled with wonderful exhibits and a great museum store, all with our safety as a top priority. Again, MASK ON in Columbus!

Time for more shopping! We just couldn’t get enough…store after store, galleries, art murals in cute nooks…spend spend spend!

It was the perfect little getaway. We felt very safe in Columbus, and are already planning our next visit! Get out and go places…Mask On….and stay socially distanced while still experiencing other cities.

WE MUST KEEP RESTAURANTS, STORES AND HOTELS ALIVE!

Have fun and be safe!

– Patty Youkilis, Publisher

Come be a part of making a difference in children’s lives! The 7th Annual Laughter is the Best Medicine event takes place on Friday, September 25, 2020 from 6:30 – 11:00 pm at The Syndicate, 18 E. 5th St., Newport, KY  41071, presented by Window World of Cincinnati.

Laughter is the Best Medicine supports the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Support is crucial to St. Jude continuing its work without ever sending a family a bill. Laughter is the Best Medicine is an important part of fulfilling St. Jude’s mission: Finding Cures. Saving Children.

The event includes a sit-down dinner, open bar, live and silent auction, raffles, split-the-pot and a Comedy Show with a national headliner comedian, Ricky Glore. 

The venue is focused on safety with a hospital-grade HVAC, masks will be worn and are available, as is hand sanitizer throughout the site.

Decadence Productions, the premier event agency in Cincinnati, is producing this event. 

Single tickets, VIP tables and sponsorship packages are available. Visit www.windowworldcincinnati.com for tickets and more information.

As different destinations start opening up, calls are flooding in from folks who are desperate for a change of scenery. Whether you’re looking to travel this fall/winter or planning ahead to 2021 and beyond, our resort partners are welcoming guests back with open arms and safety protocols in place to make sure you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Two areas I’m selling the most are Cancun (and surrounding areas) & Los Cabos. Both destinations offering incredible promotions and some room categories that will blow you away!

Atelier Resort & Spa is one of my top picks located just north of Cancun in Playa Mujeres. My favorite room category here is the Inspira Master Suite. With 24 hour room service, indoor/outdoor rooftop living area and private pool, you’d never even have to leave your room! The beach here is wonderful and the staff will deliver meals to your oceanfront Bali bed. 

With the buy 4 nights get two free promo going on, now is a great time to book! 

Whale watching season in Los Cabos is from Dec – April, so now is a great time to lock in your travel dates to experience this momentous event! Nobu Los Cabos is one of my top picks for travelers who are looking for a 5 star luxury resort with an exceptional culinary experience. From the moment you arrive, you will be swept away by the serenity, beauty and simple yet elegant touches that Nobu offers. I highly recommend a Jr Suite Private Pool Oceanfront room for your stay! 

Contact me today for pricing and availability for your next getaway!

Debbie Boyd, Travel Happy Agency – 513-275-8086/ e-mail – debbie@travelhappyagency.com website: travelhappyagency.com