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July 10, 2026

Visit Alaska: Twin Peaks Treats

Just about in the middle of nowhere, you'll find Twin Peaks Treats - a convenience store selling all sorts snacks, food, drinks, and ice cream!

We first passed it by on the way to Eklutna Lake, and on the way out, we decided to stop in, and we are so glad we did.

Mint Chocolate Chip

Colony Caramel Crunch

Coffee Toffee

Huckleberry Cheesecake

They feature Alaskan-made Big Dipper Ice Cream.  I had the Huckleberry Cheesecake, and it was delish, with rich pieces of cheesecake throughout.

Twin Peaks Treats was such a great stop!



Twin Peaks Treats
37501 Eklutna Lake Rd
Chugiak, AK 99567

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July 9, 2026

UH Travel Industry Management Alumni Association Celebrates 60 Years with TIM Night Revival at Oahu Country Club August 28

The University of HawaiÊ»i Travel Industry Management (TIM) Alumni Association will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the TIM School with a special edition revival of TIM Night on August 28, celebrating the program’s legacy of leadership and excellence in hospitality education.

The date was intentionally selected to honor the birthday of the late Dean Chuck Gee, whose visionary leadership helped shape the TIM program. This milestone celebration will take place at OÊ»ahu Country Club — the original site of the inaugural TIM Night in 1971 — bringing the event full circle for alumni and industry supporters.

 

First established in 1971, TIM Night became the school’s signature student-produced event, offering hands-on experience in planning and executing a large-scale hospitality production attended by industry leaders. For nearly four decades, it served as a “living classroom,” blending academic learning with real-world application and helping launch countless careers in HawaiÊ»i’s visitor industry.

 

The 60th anniversary celebration will reunite alumni, hospitality professionals, and community partners for an evening of nostalgia, connection, and celebration. Entertainment will feature a distinguished lineup of TIM alumni and invited guests, including:

 

  • Candes Meijide Gentry (UH ’98) - 1999 Miss HawaiÊ»i, serving as emcee
  • Pastor Joe Pluta (UH ‘74) - invocation

 

Honoring the tradition of TIM Night, guests will be seated at themed tables (eight per table) inspired by past productions, with the option to dress according to theme or in formal attire. This immersive format celebrates the creativity and cultural storytelling that defined TIM Night for generations of students.

 

“TIM Night represents one of the most impactful learning experiences in the program’s history,” said Lee-Ann Choy (UH ’88), UH TIM Alumni Association President. “As we celebrate 60 years, we are proud to honor the traditions, people, and partnerships that continue to shape HawaiÊ»i’s hospitality industry.”

 

Tickets are priced at $100 per person, with a portion of proceeds supporting the refurbishment of the Gee Technology Center.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit:  https://www.eventleaf.com/e/60TIMNIGHT2026.

 

The event is organized by the TIM Alumni Association (TIM International Inc.), a 501(c)(7) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening alumni connections and advancing the legacy of the TIM program. 

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Cino

I met some friends for dinner at Cino at Ward Village, and we ended up ordering to eat everything family-style. 

Salt Roasted Baby Beet

The beets were refreshing, and I enjoyed the accompanying goat cheese, aged balsamic, mac nuts, and charred oranges, all of which added flavor and textural dimensions to the dish. 
Fritto Misto
I enjoyed the Fritto Misto, which included calamari, shrimp, and various veggies. 
Herb Pappardelle
The Pappardelle was my favorite dish of the night.  The braised short rib was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  The pasta (all pastas are housemade), was perfectly cooked.
Pork Chop
The Pork Chop was another hit of the table.
King Crab Pasta
The King Crab Pasta, with uni, turned out to be the least favorite of the night.
Cino Pinwheel
At $77, we were curious as to what made this award-winning dish, so we decided to give it a try.  Made with European butter, ricotta, and truffles, this dish was indeed rich in more ways than one.  It was so decadent, and full of umami.  

Service was great, and we had a nice time at Cino.

Cino
987 Queen St Ste 100
Honolulu, HI 96814

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July 8, 2026

Visit Anchorage: Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria

A very popular spot for pizza in Anchorage is Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria.

Caesar
Avalanche

The Avalanche Pizza was topped with pepperoni, blackened chicken, bacon, red onions, parsley, cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, and barbecue sauce.
Classic

The Classic was topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, mozzarella, provolone, and marinara.

Of the two, I loved the Avalanche more.  It was a nice combo of savory, tangy, and sweet (from the barbecue sauce).  The crust was charred nicely on both.

It was a very busy spot for pizza!


Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
3300 Old Seward Hwy
Anchorage, AK 99503

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July 7, 2026

Visit Orlando: Caribe Royale Resort


I recently spent five nights at the Royale Caribe in Orlando while attending a conference. Although this wasn't a family vacation, I couldn't help but think how perfect this resort would be for a future trip to Disney World with my family.

One thing that immediately stood out was how spacious the suites are. As you enter the room, you're greeted by a living room with a sofa and seating area, giving everyone a little extra space to spread out instead of heading straight into the bedroom. The suite also includes a mini refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker—amenities that are convenient for travelers (especially families) looking to store snacks, reheat leftovers, or enjoy a quick breakfast before heading out for the day.



The property has a relaxed resort atmosphere with plenty of amenities to keep everyone entertained. One of my favorite conveniences was having a Starbucks right on-site for my morning coffee before conference sessions. 

Starbucks at the entrance

I also found myself making several stops at The Market, which offers a great selection of grab-and-go meals, hot sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and desserts. 







Their Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie was AMAZING!


Italian Panini





The pool area is definitely one of the highlights. There's a fun waterslide, hot tubs, and a separate kiddie pool, making it a great place for families with children of all ages.


The two-story fitness center is spacious and well-equipped, and I really enjoyed the 1.5-mile walking and jogging trail around the property (in fact, I started my days with a 3 mile jog every morning). There are also basketball and paddle tennis courts, so there's no shortage of ways to stay active during your stay.






Another major advantage is the location. The resort is conveniently located just minutes from Walt Disney World and offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the Disney parks, making it easy to enjoy the parks without the hassle of driving or paying for parking.

Although I was in Orlando for business, I left thinking this is a resort I'd gladly return to with my family. The spacious suites, in-room amenities, family-friendly recreation, convenient dining options, and close proximity to Disney make Royale Caribe a great choice for both business travelers and vacationing families.


Lobby








The Venetian Chop House

Rum Bar


Stadium Club


Tropicale


Gift Shop








Outside



Arcade


Jacuzzi


Kiddie Splash Pool


Fitness Center







Poolside Mobile Ordering!












Tower II




CARIBE ROYALE ORLANDO
8101 WORLD CENTER DRIVE
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
 

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