DoubleN

This is an AWESOME tour, especially if you get the tour guide we had, John. Learning so many details about the personality of Wright really sets this tour apart. Traveling through the entire estate was really an experience, and we even saw one of the elder architects who lives on the premises at work in the studio.

We were able to stay at a nearby golf resort (though we didn’t have a chance to golf) which was decorated largely with Wright designs – the carpeting, wall paper, etc. Very beautiful (though not overwrought) with a nice pool, etc.

If you’re in the military or even a civilian working for the Dept. of Defense, there is a resort called Shades of Green (at least there used to be) where you can stay at a discounted rate. It’s beautiful!

Though I’m glad we went, I’m not sure I’d go back. Being constantly accosted by locals trying to sell you things or hit on you got really old. Even the catamaran tour stopped at an island and they basically wouldn’t let us back on the boat till we bought enough from the locals selling jewelry and carved figures. The sand fleas were a bitch, too. It really was a beautiful place, though.

We spent an entire week on the island of Kauai, and never once were bored. This place is not only beautiful beyond belief, but not touristy at all. It has every eco-system you can imagine, from the almost desert-like south shore to the lush, wet mountains of the north shore and the breathtaking canyon on the west (often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific). Hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, even some shopping – it was all great! Running along the east shore with the ocean on one side and mountains with waterfalls and rainbows inland every morning is one of my best memories of any trip.