Today we drove inland to a couple highly-recommended spots: Hawaii's only winery (Kathy, Brett & Balika had already worked their way through 2 of the Maui Gold Pineapple Wine, which we loved- as did Fish, but through dropping it) and Kula Botanical Gardens. This was our first trip 'upcountry' and we were excited to see the views and experience the cool mountain air. Plus, we heard there were Hawaiian Elk Burgers served at the diner across from the winery!
Sure enough, the view was spectacular, the tour of the winery was fascinating (they make champagne in the 'true' method used in the French Champagne region! And of course, wine out of pineapple!). More interesting than the tasting was the tour, which detailed an eccentric ex-sailor who set up a ranch, complete with hidden torture chambers and trees imported from all over the world. We were able to enjoy a wonderful botanical garden, which we realize has turned in to one of our favorite things to do with the kids while traveling, for a few reasons: 1) it gives the kids a chance to learn how to use maps 2) its amazingly peaceful and beautiful 3) The style of gardens seem to reflect the character of the area. 4) Later, we get to enjoy Fish's amazing photos of the flowers- it's easy to come home from a vacation with lots of people shots and beach-scapes, but sometimes we forget to look at life close-up. And that's always refreshing.
We're not terribly interested in botanical gardens to be honest, but whenever we leave one we always talk about how glad we were to have gone!
Sure enough, the view was spectacular, the tour of the winery was fascinating (they make champagne in the 'true' method used in the French Champagne region! And of course, wine out of pineapple!). More interesting than the tasting was the tour, which detailed an eccentric ex-sailor who set up a ranch, complete with hidden torture chambers and trees imported from all over the world. We were able to enjoy a wonderful botanical garden, which we realize has turned in to one of our favorite things to do with the kids while traveling, for a few reasons: 1) it gives the kids a chance to learn how to use maps 2) its amazingly peaceful and beautiful 3) The style of gardens seem to reflect the character of the area. 4) Later, we get to enjoy Fish's amazing photos of the flowers- it's easy to come home from a vacation with lots of people shots and beach-scapes, but sometimes we forget to look at life close-up. And that's always refreshing.
We're not terribly interested in botanical gardens to be honest, but whenever we leave one we always talk about how glad we were to have gone!
Tikis in the botanical garden
Balika trying the wines...
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