trip Archives

Springs Break Staycation In travel 4Chion Lifestyle

Spring Break Staycation ~ Phoenix Arizona

By 4chionlifestyle | March 7, 2021

Spring Break Staycation time. As you manage work, schooling, and a new way of living a staycation can be a wonderful adventure. Arizona is home to great history, beauty, and top resorts in the world.

Taking a staycation with your children can be incorporated with their school work – history, geography, geology, and even math. Here is a great road trip for spring break or any weekend.

Staycation In A Pandemic travel 4Chion Lifestyle

Spring Break Hotel

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort Phoenix, AZ

A glorious resort in Phoenix nestle in the Tapatio Cliffs . This resort has comfort, COVID-19 protocols, and great entertainment. The comforts of home are here. A nice sitting room, and comfortable bedroom. The location is stunning for sunsets and sunrises. The several pools are accommodating for children and an adults only pool with a pool side bar.

Relaxing and enjoyment with spa, salon, and room service available. Take a moment to enjoy a desert and glass of wine on the patio or pool side. Experience the stunning outdoors with golfing, hiking, or the sun deck for evening sunrises. This location is prefect to venture and explore the great location around the state.

Spring Break Food

Staycations really need to have great food stops along the way.

Pappadeaux Phoenix, AZ

Southern food is comfort food. Pappadeaux is a generation to generation restaurant brings fresh seafood and Louisiana-style favorite to the plate. Attention to details and tradition brings the comfort food to your dinner plate. This is a great place to get family style for your picnic or party in your hotel room. Dinner this night is Shrimp Etouffee, green beans, fried crawfish with one of the 2.27 million baguettes they make each year. Curb side pick-up perfection, not one item missed. Dinner was delish.

Andreoli Pasta Italian Food 4Chion Lifestyle — Foodie Ellie enjoying her first Spring Break in Phoenix AZ

Andreoli Food Network Guy Fieri DDD 4Chion Lifestyle Foodie — Foodie Ellie enjoying her first Spring Break in Phoenix AZ

Andreoli Italian Resturaunt 4Chion Lifestyle

Andreoli Scottsdale, AZ

This is a home take on traditional Italian restaurant is popular with local. They have had many features including Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. This quant location serves as an Italian grocer and restaurant. You can cook your own or enjoy a home cooked meal.

They make everything from scratch including their own prosciutto, desserts, and homemade breads. The food is like walking into a great Italian home on Sunday. The food is a purest approach. If you are looking to mix and match your pasta this is not the location. They portion are fitting for one person not family style.

We enjoyed the Filetto Di Sogliola alla Mugnaia (fresh seafood), Gnocchi alla Corsara, and spaghetti with meat sauce. Dessert a must, the pasta is not over filling or heavy. We enjoyed chocolate mouse, coconut cake, and almond chocolate bark. The food is fresh and organic. The hand crafted pasta and food is by chef Giovanni Scorzo. He states on the web profile, “EAT the BEST FOOD IN THE WORLD and SHUT UP.”

The atmosphere is a true antique decor replicating any Italian grandmother’s living room. The family affair is felt within the staff as well.

Eclectic Cafe Tucson AZ

E clectic Cafe in Tucson is “Where quiche meets enchilada.” The concept is a fusion of a variety of cuisines. The meal today includes vegan gazpacho (great summer treat chilled with garden fresh vegetables, Sherry’s shrimp salad, and Chicken Quesadilla. Took home a loaf of their zucchini bread, fabulous toasted with eggs for breakfast.

Springs Break Staycation travel 4Chion Lifestyle — Mammoth Steak House and saloon

Mammoth Steak House and Saloon Lost Dutchman Gold Mine

This location is inside the The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine has great views of Superstition Mountains, food, and atmosphere. You can sit on the patio, at the bar, or inside. There is always a musician performing and has the real feel of the old town saloon. Enjoy a shot and a beer at the bar or a great meal.

Sweet Country Charm Payson AZ

https://4chionlifestyle.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=10740&action=edit — Sweet Country Charm Candy Shop

The smell of sweet permeates the parking lot. It is a quant cozy welcoming candy shop in Payson Arizona. This sweet shop is in the Swiss Village Shoppes. They have homemade fudge, gelato, locally roasted coffee, handmade organic chocolate truffles, popcorn bar, nostalgic candies, handmade gifts.

Spring Break Attractions

Tucson Mission San Xavier del Bac

This mission is apart of the wonderful history in Tucson. The missions are a big part of the culture and religion in the Southwest.

Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish Catholic mission, is 10 miles south of downtown. This mission on the Tohono O’odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation. This location began with Franciscan missionary Fr. Juan Bautista Velderrain beginning in 1783. This mission has been apart of the New Spain, Mexico, and the United States since construction began.

The mission presents shells as a symbol of pilgrimage. The Baroque architecture is traditional with marbling, faux doors, and other details. The mission represents the struggles that have been with the Southwest, living in harsh conditions, the changes in governments, fire, and earthquake.

Casa Grande Domes

This is fun spot to stop and see from your car. It is a no trespassing area that is very unsafe especially for young children. This location was the hopes and dreams of many that never came true. This location was for manufacturing of computers but was never completed. There is an eerie feeling here. You can hear the walls speak as if there was life there but really the life has been one of decay and destruction.

Road Trip Covid 19 4chion lifestyle Payson Road Trip — Road Trip to Payson AZ

Spring Break Payson Arizona

Payson Arizona is about 89 miles from downtown Phoenix to Payson on highway 87. It is a great drive from the Sonoran Desert to the top of the Mongolian Rim. The change in climate, altitude (from 1100 to 5000 ft.), and from big city to small town. This town offers a real homie feel and great location for adventure. A great lake and park for picnics, photos, and more. The beauty is pristine with four seasons of recreational activities.

Spring Break Apacheland Staycation 4chion lifestyle

Tonto National Forest Foodie Ellie 4Chion Lifestyle

Tonto National Forest Foodie Ellie 4Chion Lifestyle a

Spring Break Tonoto National Forest

This is a great day in the old west driving up Apache Trail, an old trade route. There is so much to see and experience here. There is the Elvis Church with some old scenery from old cowboy movies, and a small replica of in the area gold mining. The actual gold mining town The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. This location has great fun, shoot outs, and a train ride to the mine. It is the actual town prior to the mine flooding and the town shut down.

The road winds up to Tortilla Flat a small place with a gift shop and restaurant. This location was established as they built the Roosevelt Damn. The location has great water fun from boating, swimming, and kayaking. It is a breathtaking ride but well worth the journey.

Wonderspace Scottsdale AZ

Great interactive art at Wonderspace in Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. The art here is interactive, bigger than life, and digit. You experience a new reality from the artist creations. The art changes the frame of art to an endless pallet. The children enjoyed the exhibit. My favorite is a tie from Myrkvidr and Shigeto: Hovering.
The art on exhibit at this time is:

RAINBOW ROOMS ~ Pierre le Riche

Stimulates a dialogue about identity, exploring struggles of discrimination, acceptance, and masculinity

FUJI ~ Joanie Lemercier

Focuses on projection or light in space and is influence in our perception.

SEWING MACHINE ORCHESTRA ~ Martin Messier

12 antique sewing machines presents a 3 minute concert

PLUME ~ Ian Brill

This creation is an immersive, interactive dome of synchronized light and sound gestures.

HUMAN STUDY #1, 3RNP ~ Patrick Tresset

This exhibits allows the participant to have a portrait drawn by robots.

THANK YOU BAGS ~ Reed van Brunschot

This is displaced, daily life through transitional moment one in which a a given situation suddenly and unexpectedly changes.

MYRKVIÐR ~ Yasuhiro Chida

This is a circular hoop, not linear, rotates around in the piece to create the effect of immateriality.

KILLING TIME ~ Eric Mesplé

This combines Mesplé use of ferrofluid and metal work

OUR TOP 100 ~ Jody Servon

This is a community-built playlist consisting of songs and memories about songs shared by participants

AYAHUASCA KOSMIK JOURNEY ~ Atlas V

This is a journey is from a mind-altering visual-aural journey of an ayahuasca ceremony.

MICROMONUMENTAL MAPPING, THE ESSENCE OF CREATION ~ Limelight

Created by a group of artists who specialize in projection mapping and light art. This uses the Greek god Apollo images built into the Lille Opera House.

LIGHT LEAKS ~ Kyle McDonald and Jonas Jongejan

Created after McDonald noticed how environments that filled up his peripheral vision with light created a usually immersive mirrors.

A MIND SANG ~ Vier Nev

Short film on perception, rebirth, and transformation.

SHIGETO: HOVERING ~ Conor Grebel and 79Ancestors virtual reality

The virtual reality film inspired by how water came to earth.

A great place to visit and explore. There is so much more than just a desert in Phoenix, Arizona. What is your favorite location in the state of Arizona? Post your response here.

Connect With us here for your best lifestyle:

History, Food, and Sea ~ Wilmington North Carolina

By 4chionlifestyle | August 1, 2018

Wilmington North Carolina is history, fabulous food, sea, beaches, and boardwalks. The town is celebrating 275 years of rich history of food and life in America. One of the most southeastern cities in the US is a great escape for a beautiful vacation.

Explorations

Williamington NC Vacation 4Chion Lifestyle b — Battleship North Carolina Wilmington NC

Battleship North Carolina Wilmington NC

This ship begs visitors to come aboard. It is visible from downtown. In 1960 the ship commissioned to honor the men that served and keep the ship’s history.

Battleship North Carolina was the first to be constructed in sixteen years in New York in 1937. The history during wartime is 144 commissioned officers and 2,195 enlisted men, including about 100 Marines. This ship participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific and saving the carrier Enterprise. The ship earned 15 battle stars. They only lost ten men in action and 67 injuries.

Exploring the ship you get a sense of daily life and a feel for battle. It is cramped and you do have to go up and down stairs to see the ship so proper footwear is important. It makes you think about being out to sea for months on end with the same people, cramped quarters, and war around you. This is a must see when coming to town.

Cape Fear River Wilmington NC

Williamington NC Vacation 4Chion Lifestyle e — Cape Fear River Wilmington NC

This river is the connection to the Atlantic Ocean. This river brings ships from all over the world to Wilmington. There are many restaurants that have great views of the river and sunsets. It is a fun place to enjoy a good pub crawl, but most bars in the area do not have happy hours.

For centuries this port has brought Europeans to America. Cape Fear River was often used for fleeing slaves to escape slavery. Orange Street is where 22 slaves escaped to freedom by way of the Cape Fear River. Orange Street place designated in 2005 by the National Park Service as part of its National Underground Railroad Network (click link to read about the Levi home) to Freedom Program. The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program is to preserve and commemorate the history of the Underground Railroad.

There is plenty to see and do in Wilmington for families, history buffs, and couples from:

Boardwalks
Watersports
Aquarium
Tour historic forts
Wilmington railroad
Museum of the Bizarre

Food

Kilwins Chocolate Wilmington NC

Williamington Kilwins Chocolate NC Vacation 4Chion Lifestyle c — Kilwins Chocolate

This is a must stop when visiting Wilmington You can smell the sweetness down the street. This is just the start of the sensory experience provided. When entering the story your eyes are drawn to all the beautiful handcrafted chocolates and sweets. Located in the Historic Downtown. Ice cream is a popular treat in Wilmington. Kilwins makes bomb waffle cones, exceptional chocolates, and it is worth the wait.

They make their own ice cream from their original recipe with 40 premium, unique and delicious flavors including Mackinac Island Fudge. They use local farms for ingredients. The chocolate creations are amazing.

Mission BBQ Wilmington NC

Williamington NC Vacation 4Chion Lifestyle d — Mission BBQ Wilmington NC

Always looking for good BBQ traveling across the country. Each area has their own special BBQ. Wilmington’s Mission BBQ is American and traditional to the area. This place brings the flavors of the region to dinner. Enjoying collard greens made with tomatoes, mac-n-cheese, and green beans with bacon, brisket and NC Style pulled pork with the vinegar BBQ (this food tradition is from original settlers, African slaves on plantations and modern ones). This is an Eastern-style sauce that is vinegar and pepper, no tomatoes. Bar-b-que is serious here making it all the way to state Congress to declare the official bar-b-q.

Mission BBQ opened 09/11/11 ten years after 911. There is a tradition in the 52 restaurants stops at noon on Fridays to honor the military members and stars and stripes. The decor follows this continued theme with a patriotic dining room full of tributes to those who make our country great. There is really nothing more American than a barbeque.

The staff is exceptional and give a lot of insight to the food and history. The food is a delicious find.

@4ChionLifestyle

Photo credit and travel collaboration Raymond L. Forchion Jr.

Kilwins connect here

1050 Bay View Road

Petoskey, MI 49770

(888) 454-5946

Mission BBQ connect here

351 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403

910-338-2858

Connect with us on social media here:

Connect with our products used during the road trip:

Connect with Do Kiss and Tell here: (ad) Use 4Chion at check out for 20% off (limited tie offer)

Hashtags: #dkat #DontBeFlaky #TheLipScrubBrush #DoKissAndTell

Special offer for your road trip new cell phone case cover:

Click here to see a vast selection.

You get one free by using code GET100 (1 per customer) (limited time offer).

Follow the trip across America here:

NYC Taking on Midtown Manhattan ~ Travel

Chicago Food, Fun, and Relaxation ~ Road Trip

The Middle of the Midwest Champaign ~ Road Trip

Motor Raceway to USA Gymnastics ~ Midwest Road Trip

Over The Rocky Mountains We Go ~ Road Trip

The Journey to Zions and Beyond ~ Road Trip

Discovering The Great Outdoors of Arizona ~ Road Trip

NYC Taking on Midtown Manhattan ~ Travel

By 4chionlifestyle | July 23, 2018

Taking on Midtown Manhattan NYC is a wonderful whirlwind of fun explorations. The time here is brief but full of beautiful fashion, food, and fun.

Exploring Midtown NYC

Empire State Building NYC

The building that I had seen in films comes to life today. Entering the lobby I see the beauty of the original interior. This lobby is a historic landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The lobby’s recent restoration took 18 months to complete. It is an art deco design resembling the original design. The interior is marble, 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf with a large clock, gears, regional map, and a replication of the Empire State Building. There is a rush of people following through the lobby please stop a moment to look around at the details.

Moving through the process to get to the 86th floor you explore the history, the details about the building’s sustainability, and the 80th floor a Dare to Dream exhibit. This is a great experience. Walking the last few flights of stairs to the 86th floor was a lot of fun.

Reaching the 86th floor I am breathless, from climbing the stairs and looking over NYC. It is crowded and people are speaking many languages.

It is amazing to finally be here and see the vastness of the land, water, and buildings. You can see the city below and really don’t hear the commotion. The beauty above is amazing as you look up to see the rest of the building and the blue sky with clouds. It is an experience to not miss while in Midtown NYC.

Midtown NYC

Midtown is the history, fashion, and food of NYC. It is such a wonderful place to explore. The top tourist attraction is within walking distance. The LOVE statue is one of many found around the world. This was first created for print by Robert Indiana.

The love of community is found as I stroll the streets. The beautiful churches, Central Park, and shopping bring NYC home. The families pushing their strollers, skateboarders, and tourist head to Central Park. The park has statues, the Great Lawn (the world-famous lawn), and vendors. It is a wonderful place in the center of town.

There is so much in this area from Radio City Hall, Rockefeller Center, and fashion. It is like a fashion runway down Madison Ave. You find the top fashion designer shops with exceptional windows displaying the latest fashion. I venture in an Uber through Time Square. It is fun seeing the hustle and bustle that is Time Square from the car.

Afterwards exploring Midtown it is time for fashion. Uber takes me to FDC Young Designer Fashion show at The Paul Hotel. This is a quaint fashion event.

The evening concludes watching the full moon rise over the high rises. It is a wonderful experience to be on the rooftop of the hotel and just be still for 20 minutes. It is a perfect trip.

NYC Fashion Vacation Trip 4Chion Lifestyle Blog — NYC Fashion

Food NYC

Wild Ginger NYC

This quaint Asian Fusion restaurant is next door to my hotel, Pod 51, in Midtown New York. This is the first food stop in Manhattan. Thankful for this find after being delayed at the airport. The restaurant is full of large parties enjoying an order your favorite roll and share mine. I can hear them discussing what they like about each other’s choices. That is a fun way to enjoy a menu. The decor is transforming, and fitting for the theme. The menu is filled with a variety of traditional Asian and fusion dishes like Singapore thin rice noodles. Enjoyed steamed veggie dumplings, salmon roll, and mermaid roll. The sauce on the plate is sweet, sour, and a little heat. The food is fresh and elegant.

Milk Bar NYC

I am excited to try crack pie and coffee for breakfast. This is a planned find in NYC. Watching Chef’s Table on Netflix. I knew I needed to try Milk Bar. This is Christine Tosi’s bakery and is part of the Manhattan-based Momofuku restaurant.

This is my first stop in the morning. The little shop has great cookies, cakes, pies, and bagel bombs. I order an iced coffee, bagel bomb with spinach, and crack pie. The bagel bomb warm and filled with spinach and cheese. It is a nice bite for the start of touring NYC.

I save the crack pie for a little later, but it is delicious. The filling is something like a custard, but buttery. The oat crust is light and flaky. This is a must stop and see.

Pizza NYC Vacation Trip 4Chion Lifestyle Blog — Pizza NYC

$1 Pizza NYC

The little find during the day is Market Pizza. It is a small little shop off 6th ave. It is $2.99 for two slices of pizza and soda. This is a great place for a traditional New York pizza. It is good, friendly, and always ready. They have a variety of pizzas. There is a small communal area to sit and eat your pizza before heading back on my NYC adventure. Always fun to explore these great places.

Pescatore NYC

Walking Midtown after a day of exploring and the fashion event I am overwhelmed with the choices near the hotel. The restaurants’ selection vast and enticing aromas. This is the last stop for food in New York City. The dilemma is decided as rain begins to fall. I wonder into Pescatore. It is a traditional setting with the seasonal tulips on each table. My waiter is Bryan Royas. He is very informative about the menu and attentive.

It is a really amazing experience to see spaghetti Carbonaro prepared tableside. This dish is pancetta, onions, pecorino cheese & egg mixed in a Parmigiano wheel. The family sitting near me order this dish. There is something about seeing the food prepared tableside. The smells, sounds, and visual bring anticipation.

I enjoy pasta ripiena, warm bread, with Bousquet Mendoza Argentina Malbec, and dessert. The staff that brings me zeppoles with fruit dipped in brandy. The ripiena is homemade pasta sheet stuffed with fresh spinach, ricotta, topped with tomato sauce and crispy parmigiana.

The homemade pasta is delectable and the tomato sauce fresh. The dessert is light and sweet the vanilla, chocolate, and raspberry sauces. The raspberry sauce is my favorite brings a little tart to the sweet. The fruit with the brandy is scrumptious.

Loved the 48 hours in Midtown and look forward to returning. It is a wonderful exploration. What are your favorite places in Midtown? Post your answer and photo #4ChionStyle here.

@4ChionLifestyle

Connect with 4Chion Lifestyle for your best lifestyle here:

Follow the journey across the US here:

Motor Raceway to USA Gymnastics ~ Midwest Road Trip

Chicago Food, Fun, and Relaxation ~ Road Trip

Over The Rocky Mountains We Go ~ Road Trip

The Journey to Zions and Beyond ~ Road Trip

Discovering The Great Outdoors of Arizona ~ Road Trip

Special offer for your road trip new cell phone case cover:

Click here to see a vast selection.

You get one free by using code GET100 (1 per customer) (limited time offer). Ads by Case Fetish

PPBoyz of Beverly Hills Visit Ireland!

By 4chionlifestyle | January 29, 2018

Our fascinations with the green country began as a child with the breakfast cereal “Lucky Charms” and the commercials of the leprechaun chasing the pot o’ gold. It continued into adulthood with the blockbuster movies “PS, I Love You” and “Leap Year.” Ireland quickly rose to the top of our bucket list of a place we had to visit.

Ireland PP Boyz Travel 4Chion Lifestyle a — PP Boyz Visit Ireland

Our journey began with a quick stop in Dublin, so we could explore the old world charm of this capital city. We selected a hotel in the main area of Stephen’s Green, which placed us in the heart of the districts, renowned for shopping, fashion, art, culture, theater and of course we can not forget, the infamous pubs, each with its own eclectic personality. Our hotel and suite were immersed with charm and character neatly tucked away on the famed Grafton Street.

Ireland PP Boyz Travel 4Chion Lifestyle e — PP Boyz Visit Ireland

We spent the afternoon strolling in the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, an outdoor/indoor high-end shopping area, which is complete with every international fashion brand and an area with historic pubs, where locals and tourist venture out to find the perfect Guinness. We celebrated our arrival that night with a traditional Irish dinner at The Old Mill, in the cultural center, known as the infamous Temple Bar. This area is visited daily by millions of tourists and when you have made it here, you feel the pulse of Dublin. Our meal consisted of fish and chips and lamb shank, recommended by the chef, as our way to taste the real Ireland.

The next morning we awoke early to visit the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on our way out of Dublin and off to the Rock of Dunamase Castle. The sunrise was stunning and captured the essence of the cathedral, despite our small mishaps navigating our selfie stick.

The Rock of Dunamase are ruins that were highlighted in the movie “Leap Year” and so we wanted to explore their history. Located just outside Portlaoise and about a 3-hour drive from Dublin, is one of Ireland’s most inspiring spots, yet not often traveled to by tourists. The Rock of Dunamase consists of the ruins of what used to be Dunamase Castle. We hiked up to the top and took in the spectacular views of the lush green fields and the Slieve Bloom Mountains in the distance. If there’s anything that makes the Irish countryside even more beautiful, it is the jagged bits of the castle rising out of the ground. We visited the church at the foot of the castle ruins and then continued our journey onward.

Later that day, we arrived at our final destination for our trip to Ireland, Belleek Castle. Our first glimpse of the castle was driving into thousand-year-old guard gate, miles outside the entrance, which at one time in history surrounded the village. Upon entering the long drive to the front of the castle, we were transported to an enchanted forest that surrounds the magnificent grounds. Driving through the woods you can’t help but hear the mysterious sounds and imagine the years of soldiers, royal successions and loyal subjects that had one time traveled this same path to the imposing front lawn and entrance to Belleek Castle.

Upon our arrival, we were given the royal treatment, greeted with a red carpet and a champagne toast by our lovely host and hostess, Paul Doran and Maya Nicoleva , along with an itinerary of activities fit for a king.; actually two kings! As members of the staff at the castle organized our suite, we quickly changed into our hunting gear and were escorted to the bogs on the other side of the property with our personal hunting companion, the castle’s very own, Reece, a beautiful, German short-haired Pointer and Paul, who guided us through the many obstacles of the bog, and continued to help us hunt for woodcock and Snipe.

The next morning we ventured out early, driving through the lush, green countryside, on our way to Downpatrick Head. One of the most distinctive features of Ireland are the unique and breathtaking cliffs that protect the country from the sea, and at one time from the enemy propelled to attack. The elements of the wind and water have created their unique mark embedded in the ominous cliffs that surround the Island. In an instant, you are so high above the powerful waves crashing upon the cliffs below you that feel as if you are touching the sky.

@4ChionLifestyle

Written and contributed by Pol’ Atteu and Patrik Simpson

Connect here:

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat

PatrikSimpson

PolAtteu

SnowWhite90210

#PPBoyz

#gownandoutbh

Patrik Simpson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriksimpson

Twitter: http://twitter.com/patriksimpson

Facebook: http://facebook.com/patriksimpson

IMDB: http://www.imdb.me/patriksimpson

Pol’ Atteu

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polatteu/ – Polatteu

Twitter: https://twitter.com/polatteu – Pol Atteu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polatteu – Pol Atteu

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2757437/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 – Pol Atteu

The Key To Modern Travel ~ The Moxy

By 4chionlifestyle | September 27, 2017

My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful evening at The Moxy in Tempe Arizona. A great anniversary “staycation”. The first night we were at the hotel we enjoyed an evening of exceptional Italian food, drinks, company, and beautiful fashion. This night was ours to savor and enjoy. This boutique hotel brings a place for the modern travel that is relaxing, peaceful, and fun.

Grand Opening

The Moxy owned by Marriott managed by 24/7 opened the first Moxy in Milan Italy. The Tempe place opened with a traditional Italian dinner and fashion show. They now have 7 opened throughout the United States and Europe. The hotel concept is about an independent that wants to make the rules.

Moxy Hotel

When we arrived check-in takes place at the bar. The lobby looks a lot different from the first night. There is no runway, but a look and feel of entering your home. The check-in takes place at the bar. The staff is young and casually dressed. The room comes with a complimentary cocktail called “The Moxy.” This is a light refreshing lime-aide with a little kick.

The lobby fills with travelers listening to records, playing pool, enjoying books, computer, 1980 video games, board games, and more. There is a nice pool that is heated for cooler winters. It is like being at home. A long table to sit and enjoy your meal with new friends. Commissioned artwork fills the lobby. This selection took place through an online process.

We enter a room with casual styling. The decor is from Ikea and a LoveSack for relaxing. It is a decent sized room with an old-fashioned phone with a number of bedtime stories. The bathroom is close quarters, but a great shower with dual nozzles. You need extra towel or ironing they have an “ironing room” on each floor. Here you can get clean towels, linens, and iron a shirt. There was a very small patio and small is the keyword. You can stand on the patio, but that is all it is super small. There was a great place to hang my hat and scarf. The hotel room is exceptionally clean.

The decor was fun and spirited. All doors have “disturb” painted on them. The Do Not Disturb sign has a nice looking half-dressed man laying on a bed. The wall decor is thematic with great sayings on some pictures. The floors are wood with throw rugs. Loved this idea. Living in Phoenix there is very little need for the warmth of carpeting. The one downside in the room was the pillows.

There is a long mirror perfect for getting ready for the evening. I did make the evening fun by dressing as a 1950 wife. Styling for the evening included: a dress purchased through Amazon. This was a first for me purchasing clothing online. The dress was a knit black dress with a doll collar, hung just below the knee, and fit the theme for the evening very well, short black gloves with a pearl ring over the top, hair L’Oréal Techni Art Dual Styler, Jazzy eyeshadow, YBF lipstick, and Revlon powder. Completing the styling was my wedding veil and a set of pearls from my husband.

The ride down the elevator to the lobby included the ride a moment for a selfie. The elevator is equipped with selfie props and a couple of backdrops. Attach your photos with #AtTheMoxy and they show up on Instagram. This made for a wonderful memory and some fun photos.

Anniversary Dinner

The hotel restaurant is a self-service collection. You help yourself to a wide choice of beverages, snacks, and quick meals. The kick is you “do it yourself.” There are many great local restaurants in the are to enjoy. We enjoyed sushi at Kobe. This was the place our first date. We enjoyed a nice glass of wine. We sat in the bar area just like our first date.

Kobe 4chion lifestyle Photo Raymond L Forchion — Kobe

Moxy Bar

The evening closed out at the bar enjoying “The Moxy”Bacardi Cherry Rum infused cocktail with our traditional anniversary cake from Variations Bakery. It is a white cake (best sponge cake, banana filling, and whipped cream icing). The staff very helpful and they enjoyed our cake with us. The bar has a floating ceiling that comes from a reclaimed Kentucky horse barn/fence. It was great enjoying the bar after hearing the story from the architect who designed the hotel at the opening night party.

Moxy Amenities

As we checked out of the hotel we left our names on the large chalkboard wall in the back of the lobby. Each section of the lobby is themed for the entertainment surrounding the area. There is a large working area with MAC computers. Towards the front of the lobby a large choice of records and a record player. The best of the lobby for me was the bikes you can take out for biking. This is a great place for bike riding with Tempe Town Lake and the college campus nearby. My husband was thrilled about the pool table in the lobby.

The hotel that brings a new wave of travel experiences. It was a great accommodating hotel with a ton of independence to experience our adventures. This hotel has been called a hostel type with an upgrade. This hotel is not a hostel with an upgrade, but a nice affordable boutique providing the independent traveler with a beautiful stay.

Harlow’s Cafe

We stopped on the way home to Harlow’s Cafe for breakfast. This local restaurant is near the hotel. They offer a very straightforward traditional breakfast. The service was spot on, food that is tradition American Cafe menu. Conversations carried through the air with the smells of eggs, syrup, and coffee.

The weekend was such a great time away.

@4ChionLifestyle

A Roman Holiday our Italian Experience

By 4chionlifestyle | June 23, 2017

Our Journey in Europe included a stop in the capital city of Italy, Rome. With its unique blend of culture, architecture, and history, it’s no wonder why this city is often referred to as the Eternal City or the ‘Navel’ of the World. Rome, Italy is home to the Coliseum, the Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps overlooking Via Veneto, the infamous Quattro Fontane (four magnificent Baroque fountains at four corners), and the Vatican.

We would recommend that if you visit, you book a hotel near Via Veneto or the Coliseum, which will put you in the center and within walking distance to all the sights this beautiful city has to offer.

Our time in Rome began with a rooftop breakfast on top of our hotel, the Mecente Palace, which gave us spectacular views of the ancient city and views of Basilica Square. After our authentic Italian breakfast, we took a short walk to the Coliseum. Of course, no visit to Rome, Italy could be complete without a tour of the Coliseum and Forum.

The Roman Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, commissioned in 72 AD, as a place where spectators, who seated according to rank, gathered to watch deadly combats of gladiators and wild animals fight to the death. The gladiators were usually slaves, prisoners of war or condemned criminals.

Walking through the Royal Entrance, and once we were inside the Coliseum, it was as if we went back in time to the day of the gladiator games; you could hear the roar of the spectators and the rumble of their hungry appetite as the gates opened for the lions to enter and the prisoners to defend their lives.

Standing inside the mighty Coliseum leaves you in awe of who designed this and how they built it in ancient times. After we spent the morning exploring the Coliseum, we continued our adventure on to the great Forum, directly across the street.

Patrik Simpson PP Boyz Rome Travel 4Chion Travel — Basilicas, Rome Italy

The forum was once the center of political, commercial and judicial life in ancient Rome.
The largest buildings were the basilicas, where legal cases were heard. We spent the rest of the afternoon touring this incredible sight.

Inside the Forum, was a Mecca of ancient ruins, cobblestone-lined stairs lined with massive marble statues, meticulous gardens, fruit trees and the remains of what was once a thriving city. At the very end of the Forum, you will find the grand mansion, once called home by Mussolini, filled with ornate paintings and excavated artifacts, has now been turned into a museum for all to enjoy.

While on the walk to the museum, at the top of the hill, overlooking years of excavation below, we came across a group of orange trees filled with fruit. Our guide explained to us that it was often told that if you can reach the fruit, it would be yours for the taking. Of course, Pol’ always up for a challenge, had to have a bite of the ‘forbidden fruit’, and used every means possible to get it. His reward was a delicious afternoon snack of a very juicy orange, from a tree that had been there for over 300 years!

Our time in Rome finished with a quick visit to the Quattro Fontane. These four fountains are a group of four Late Renaissance fountains at the intersection of Via delle Quattro Fontane and Via del Quirinale in Rome. The figures of the four fountains represent the River Tiber (the symbol of Rome); the River Arno the symbol of Florence; the Goddess Diana; the symbol of Chastity; and the Goddess Juno, the symbol of Strength.

Patrik Simpson PP Boyz Rxome Travel 4Chion marketing b — Rome Italy

Trevi Fountain Rome Italy PP Boyz 4Chion Lifestyle — Trevi Fountains

Our last two stops were the Trevi Fountain, arguably one of the most beautiful fountains we have ever seen. It is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.

It stands 85.3 feet high and 65.6 feet wide, and people from all over the world come here to throw a coin into the fountain to make a wish. Legend has it that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome. Another is that it is lucky to throw three coins with one’s right hand over one’s left shoulder into the fountain, and of course, we did as well.

We ended the evening passing through Via Veneto, commonly called the ‘Rodeo Drive’ of Italy, with a walk up the Spanish Steps. Pol’ recalled when he invited to the famous fashion designer, Valentino’s fashion show many years ago. Rich in history, the Spanish Steps designed in 1723 and are 138 steps joining the Piazza di Spanga and the Trinita dei Monti church. Once we got to the top of the steps we took in the final breathtaking views of the city. It was from here that we were able to walk back to our hotel all the while taking in the sights, sounds and smells of this marvelous and unique city that has withstood the sands of time.

Our days in Rome, Italy took us back to the moment of history where we lived through the eyes of the Romans and we reminisced about what it would have been like to live in such a modern city in such ancient times. Since we both tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain, we hope our wish comes true and we return to the romantic city of Rome, Italy and bring you an insight into the Vatican in the future.