A big fig tree standing dead center leads the way into the dining room of OFA. It’s a connection to nature, so important in Brazilian culture. Hanging ferns and a lush garden patio out back reminds you that in Miami it’s all about the outdoors. But indoors tactile surfaces abound … Read more
I remember my father waking me late at night and driving me to Bradford Reservoir—the darkest place he could find in Bucks County, Pennsylvania—to try to show off the Perseid meteor showers to a 7-year-old me in the early 90s. He tried again each August and, as exciting as it … Read more
With jaw-dropping Camelback Mountain as a backdrop and an artistic community that rivals Santa Fe, Phoenix is the quintessential desert hub. America’s fifth-largest city still has cowboys and red-rock buttes and the kind of cactus most people see only in cartoons. This is the heart of the Sonoran Desert where … Read more
Some destinations are worth the trouble of getting there. Named for the vast curve of the Rio Grande River in the far…far…far southwest of Texas, Big Bend is one of those. While all the National Parks are amazing, Big Bend brings something special to the table. It’s not just the … Read more
At first glance on a visit to Quebec City most eyes spy a towering cliff, Cap Diamant (the promontory overlooking the St-Lawrence River on which the town sits) and the very top of it where history sits. Enter the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, an icon, a landmark, a beacon on … Read more
You’re in Tokyo and pumped up on all the adrenaline the city has to offer; but don’t forget about getting outside the locus. Consider a day trip to Nikko. Passengers depart from Tokyo’s Asakusa station via the Tobu Railway, and the smooth, Limited Express train journey takes just under two … Read more
When people hear that I visit Newfoundland, they almost always ask two things: “Where is Newfoundland?” and “Have you seen any icebergs?” The island is larger than the state of Maine and sits in the Atlantic about 1,000 miles northeast of Boston (Nova Scotia is roughly half way there). And … Read more
Toronto is a fascinating destination, a hybrid city that is Canada’s most visited destination. It’s a center of big-ticket events and attractions, top notch restaurants, music, architecture, culture, festivals and pro sports including the Toronto Blue Jays. We chatted with artist and resident Lisa Graziotto, a born and bred Canadian, … Read more
I’m in Parma, Italy, watching curiously as the proprietor of one of the largest producers of Parmigiana-Reggiano takes a metal instrument, like one used to check knee reflexes, and taps, taps, taps at enormous wheels of cheese. He’s checking the resiliency of the cheese firmness. Should he hear an echo, … Read more
On your mark. Get set. Go! And our girls’ “Two for the Road” discovery of Canada’s Okanagan begins. The main characters in this cast include myself and my redheaded colleague, friend, and bestie named Nancy. In the past our escapades have been likened to Lucy and Ethel’s on I Love … Read more
Secret deals. Conspiracy theories. Clandestine meetings in dark warehouses. It’s the stuff of many a movie thriller and a part of our social and political culture. Although seedy and violent at times, the underbelly attracts the curious and can somehow be exciting (until someone gets whacked or arrested!). If you … Read more
Want to up the ante next Father’s Day? How about treating the world’s greatest Dad to a healthy break? There’s nothing like bonding in the great outdoors with a range of active holidays, playing tennis and golf or perfecting your yoga poses. Check out these 6 tailor-made health and fitness … Read more
Many hotels serve as a respite from the bustling cities they serve—a place to relax and recharge. Located in the heart of Japan’s capital city, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo certainly provides a place to relax while surrounding you with a bounty of cultural experiences. It begins with … Read more
Climbing to the top of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is a must-do in Sri Lanka. The massive stone monolith with steep vertiginous metal stairs attached to its vertical walls draws crowds despite its demands. I had told our guide that we were reasonably fit and up for moderate hiking. Then I spied … Read more
The art of travel these days extends far beyond checking off sights on a bucket list. Visitors are looking for experiences that entice, challenge and immerse. As the world becomes ever closer thanks to technology and the ease of transportation, real life and experiencing local culture are merging into a … Read more