A trip to Israel usually makes one think of exploring the lavishly decorated hallways of centuries old monasteries or tracing the footsteps of some of the most revered religious figures of all time. Israel has a reputation and there’s a reason for it; it’s one of the most richly historical … Read more
He looked like Santa Claus and I remember him chopping wood in the yard with a cigarette between his bushy lips. I think he had a dog. This random memory of my only visit to Český Krumlov returns as my coach pulls into town. Disembarking, I follow in the footsteps … Read more
My earlier feature story on the Jersey Shore focused on resorts that were “family friendly”. I received many messages from readers telling me I’d missed other resorts and they were right. People living on the East coast in and around New York City, Philadelphia and New Jersey are fortunate to … Read more
The marks recording the young boy’s height etched on the walls of the medieval chateau stopped at 1 meter 52 (4 feet 9 inches). The famous post-impressionist painter, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, had spent summers in the chateau as a child and at age 14, after two falls resulting in broken … Read more
Access to St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is easy since it’s a U.S. territory and no passport is required. However, access to the beauty and diversity of life under the waters that surround it requires more effort. You must be a certified scuba diver. Of course … Read more
Myanmar. It’s a destination that’s been on many a travel bucket list for awhile now, including mine. But it always seemed just a little out of reach. I was drawn to the exotic architecture and culture, but it was this same exoticism that overwhelmed me. Sometimes I would stare dreamily at … Read more
From the padded seat of her delivery cart, Jana Micova takes the reins of her two trusted steeds: Barna and Byka. Stacked neatly behind her are barrels of Pilsner Urquell, which Jana and her fillies will distribute to select pubs across Plzen, some of which have been receiving these horse … Read more
One of the most magical things about the holiday season is the way that it completely takes over some of our cities. One of the best cities to visit during this time of year is Prague and its fabulous Christmas markets. Heralded as one of the finest Christmas markets in … Read more
Let’s face it. Summer is all about longer days and later nights. But once fall starts to creep around the bend in late September the days get shorter and the nights end earlier. For many, that loss of light and less down time in the evening is an unwelcome adjustment. … Read more
Nestled between Austria, Poland and Slovakia, the ancient kingdom of Moravia is relatively unknown and often upstaged by neighboring Bohemia and its capital city of Prague. Moravia is a treasure and arguably one of the best preserved and most historic regions of the Czech Republic. In Southern Moravia the treasures … Read more
The trolley car bell rings as it glides along Ringstrasse, Vienna’s grand boulevard winding around the city center in the shape of a ring. The trolley stops before Volksgarten, and I disembark to enter the majestic garden grounds. The grounds remind me of New York City’s Central Park except this … Read more
If you’re like me—or the countless others hailing from the Northern U.S.—you grew up taking winter trips to Florida. It was always exciting, that voyage down south to visit grandparents in Miami or Mickey Mouse in Orlando. However, here’s the thing: Florida is a big state with a little secret; … Read more
There’s a dramatic coastline to the west and rolling hills to the east, but it’s the scent of pines that announces your arrival in Cambria. Ensconced in a forest of evergreens, this California village—deemed “one of America’s prettiest towns”—sneaks up on motorists traversing Highway One, the state’s scenic roadway. Situated … Read more
Yeah, … “there’s nothing wrong with a good grilled cheese every now and again”, chimed our server Christi as she raced around busing tables after taking my order. It was nearly midnight and Déjà Vu was still cranking out the daily special. After ordering a beer and checking out the … Read more
Nicknamed “the golden city of one hundred spires,” Prague looks like something out of a fairy tale and is absolutely one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Given Prague’s unique history and memorable architecture, it’s no wonder that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing over four million visitors each year. … Read more