A Sonoran Desert Escape!

David recently attended the 2013 Cargo Network Services Conference at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, Arizona just south of Phoenix. The sprawling hotel/spa/casino/golf course complex is actually located on property owned by the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. It is fairly isolated from Phoenix, though easily accessible to nearby Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Sheraton Wild Horse Resort & Spa

There is plenty to do at the resort, and you can always get into Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and other suburbs quickly enough with the area's pretty efficient freeway system.

David and I have a history with, and fondness for, the Arizona desert. We met in Tucson more than 21 years ago before relocating to Ohio. Whenever we get the opportunity to return, it certainly brings back lots of memories. But with this trip, we got to add some entirely new ones.

Granted this was a work trip for David, and a busy one at that. And the stay was fairly short with a Saturday arrival and Tuesday departure. But that left plenty of time to take LOTS of pictures of this amazing resort in the Sonoran Desert, and I experienced my first ever "spa day."

Desert Interpretive Path at Sheraton Wild Horse Resort & Spa

I've been a loyal fan of sports massages from a masseur we discovered on a trip to Chicago a few years ago, but this spa thing was a whole different level. This was one of those "experiences" where there's a sort of hush as you walk through the door and everybody talks using their "indoor voices."

Entrance to Aji Spa

All joking aside, the Aji Spa was truly outstanding. The architecture blended in perfectly with the surrounding Sonoran desert. The Native American culture reflected in the design of the lobby and the artwork hanging on the walls really gave the place a special feeling.

Mosaic in the lobby at the Aji Spa

Native American Art at Aji Spa 

Sky Mural at Aji Spa

Everybody I encountered could not have been nicer. The spa included a small cafe/bar area (at which I didn't eat, so I can't really comment, but it looked cool), what looked like a pretty well stocked retail area, a common lounge/waiting area and separate lounges and locker room facilities for men and women.

Aji Spa Cafe

The men's area was first rate. It included a lounge, separated by doors from the locker room area, with television, sofas, etc. The locker room included every amenity you could ask for with private showers, a steam room, dry sauna, indoor and outdoor whirl pools and chairs outdoor for relaxing in the quiet desert sun. I assume the women's area contained the same.

Men's Private Lounge at Aji Spa 

Men's Private Outdoor Pool at Aji Spa 

I started my day with HEOSIG, or aromatherapy, that melted every muscle. Next was HO'DAI, or Gila River Rock Massage, that certainly transported me. After a break to relax (or snap a few pictures), I finished with my first-ever THAHTAT/NOHNHOV, or reflexology session. I was blown away!

I was welcome to relax and enjoy all of the spa's amenities. Or, if staying at the Wild Horse Pass Resort I could just wander back to my room. Or, take some more pictures.

A Cairn brings Spirit to the Desert

Lounge Chairs Surround the Pool at Aji Spa

Landscaped pool at Aji Spa

Replica of a Pima Roundhouse at Aji Spa

Lounge space at Aji Spa

One of the Wild Horse Pass Resort's "must experience" features is its Two-Mile Interpretive Trail. The resort has done an awesome job of  creating a well marked trail perfect for walkers or joggers, complete with markers to highlight the unique flora of the surrounding desert. It's a photographer's delight, but do note the warning signs. You are in the desert, after all.

Sonoran Desert at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort

Sonoran Desert at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort

Sonoran Desert at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort

Sonoran Desert at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort

Sonoran Desert at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort

My Cairn in the Sonoran Desert

In addition, the resort includes two 18-hole world-class golf courses, the Koli Equestrian Center , the Aji Spa Tennis Program and, of course, numerous incredible dining options including the Kai Restaurant, one of the most celebrated resort restaurant anywhere.

There is a huge pool just off the lobby with a very cool slide that magically attracts all the kids to one end. A convenient outdoor bar is ready to keep you hydrated and satisfied, and the staff is on-hand to help with any needs. This place is definitely here to pamper, but without being in the way!

Pool at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

So, if you're looking for a place in the desert to escape, whether it's for a quiet couple's getaway or a family vacation, this place has it all! Pack your sunscreen and head for the Sonoran desert!                  

A Trip to The Ohio State University's classic Oval

The Oval at The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University is an awesome community within a community. It fits perfectly within a vibrantly expanding Columbus, lending to the excitement of the nearby Short North, Arena District and Downtown Columbus, yet still maintaining its own uniqueness.

Arches across High Street at night in Columbus' Short North

Nationwide Arena, home to the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets

Downtown Columbus from the Scioto River

David and I have lived on the south edge of The Ohio State University campus for well over 15 years, and it has been a great place to watch the constant interaction of history, present and future continue to change right before our eyes.

Since I haven't done any "real traveling" lately due to, let's say "technical" reasons,  I decided to take a trip over to The Ohio State University campus in preparation for some upcoming adventures.

Glenn at OSU's Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

It was one of those absolute perfect spring days in Columbus. The sun was shining with a really light breeze in the air. The temperature topped eighty degrees fahrenheit and King and Neil avenues were active with cars, busses, bicycles and people. It felt good.

Although it's far from official, I always consider the King Avenue United Methodist Church as a sort of campus marker. When I'm giving guests directions to campus or just to the area in general, its prominence is a good starting point. And it's not far from here that you're actually "on" campus.

King Avenues United Methodist Church

The southwest corner of The Ohio State University seems to be dominated by most things medical (for which I am grateful). Following along Neil Avenue are some very cool sites including the official "The Ohio State University Medical Center" sign and The Ohio State University College of Nursing, home to most probably the greatest doctors, nurses, technicians, etc.,  ever. (Just my personal opinion.)

Walking around the small streets and alleyways, it's always exciting to see the beauty of what the architect imagined, surrounded by awesome landscaping and filled with brilliant people working and learning. If you think about it too much, it gives you chills.

And The Ohio State University campus has some incredible art! Remember, this is just one tiny corner...

Mirror Lake is a beautiful setting on the corner of campus, probably best known for a certain tradition that takes place around the OSU-Michigan football game. That aside, with a fountain in the center and surrounded by benches, it is the ideal location for photos throughout the year. You'll find eager photographers, bored (and even studious) students, melancholy graduates, avid travelers, and even a few geocachers around here all year long! 

Mirror Lake at The Ohio State University

Mirror Lake at The Ohio State University

Mirror Lake connects the OSU's famous Oval, anchored on the west end by the William Oxley Thompson Library. For many students (and alumni), the Oval is the heart and soul of OSU. It is a place to meet friends, throw a ball or a frisbee, catch some sun, a place to quickly try to escape the freezing cold and a place where some unforgettable speakers came because you were there. Kind of a big deal.

Steps up to The Ohio State University Oval

William Oxley Thomas Memorial Library

There's even an official Visitors section on The University's website. You can sign-up for guided tours, make reservations for group tours, download self-guided tours and more. They've got it all figured out!

Keep in mind, there's a wealth of incredible sites to see at The Ohio State University - for visitors from out of town and for locals alike. From world-class arts and culture to world-class athletics to world-class doctors and scientists, you're sure to find something to pique your interest. While Columbus is filled with fun and interesting things to see and do, you could truly have a heck of a time just hanging out at OSU!

Springtime at Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

It was a beautiful spring day in Ohio and we decided to take a drive down to southeast Ohio's Hocking Hills to visit friends who have a cabin down there. While the area is particularly popular during the fall with its spectacular foliage, it's an ideal place for day trips or weekend getaways any time of year with great photo opportunities popping up around every turn.

Circleville Memorial Hall

Scenic cemetery in southeast Ohio

This region of the state is characterized by rolling hills criss-crossed with winding roads and dotted with charming towns, family farms, state parks and nature preserves. It is a nature lover's paradise!

Winding roads in Ohio's Hocking Hills

Queer Creek in Ohio's Hocking Hills

In the tree-tops of Ohio's Hocking Hills

Our friends Michael and Darryl have a great cabin high up in the Hocking Hills and often we make it there and not much further. It's definitely one of those places where it's easy - and a lot of fun - to spend time soaking up the surroundings and doing absolutely nothing. But, we were determined to take them out to lunch at nearby Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls in Logan.

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

I had stayed at the Inn several years ago and it was fantastic. I knew they had done a lot of expanding and I was eager to check things out. Wow, was I impressed!

The Inn is surrounded on three sides by the Hocking Hills State Park and offers a number of great lodging options ranging from antique-filled inn rooms to private cabins. They also have an amazing restaurant that serves lunch and dinner to outside guests, as well as a spa offering some very tempting looking treatments.

The kitchen and dining area is located in the Inn's original 1840s log cabin, along with some cool common areas where guests and visitors can relax. Our lunch tasted great, service was wonderful and the ambience couldn't have been better.

Michael and Darryl at Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Relaxing in front of the fireplace 

The Inn also includes a very interesting area called The Gathering Place, ideal for business meetings and corporate retreats. There is meeting space for up to 50 people along with a more intimate 450-square-foot windowed breakout space and a 1,000-square-foot rooftop herb garden.

The Gathering Place 

With such amazing sunshine pouring in the windows, we had to tear ourselves away from the very cool features of the cabin and take a walk around. The landscaping at the Inn is stunning, blending in perfectly with the nature all around you.

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Whether you're looking for a day trip destination where you can enjoy Ohio's awesome scenery and have a wonderful meal, a place where you can get away for a few days and relax in quiet luxury or you're searching for the perfect place for your next corporate planning session, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls just may be the place for you.