With 90 distinct neighborhoods, a wealth of cultural attractions and abundant nature, Portland, Oregon delivers a multitude of experiences. Stroll the streets of Nob Hill taking in the sights of repurposed Victorian homes. Venture to the chic Pearl District where stylish shops and cultural institutions flank the cobbled streets. If … Read more
Not too many years ago, I was in Serbia’s capital of Belgrade, where the city’s neglected waterfront was undergoing a revitalization. Hip restaurants and trendy hotels were beginning to pop up, though the waterfront retained a gritty, seductive aura that was attracting film crews—like the cast of Game of Thrones … Read more
Situated in Central Texas with its own version of the Colorado River running through it, Austin delivers an experience unlike any other in the Lone Star state. From the opulent state capitol decked out in more stars than you can possibly count to the live music spilling out of the … Read more
Any day now, Cindy Kapjian will sneak out in the early morning to hide tiny glass hearts. The mystery woman will be cloaked in a black raincoat, black beret, and black gloves. Topping off her disguise will be a black plastic mustache. If all goes as planned, no one will … Read more
Mallorca is known for its dreamy beaches, turquoise water, and fragrant pine trees. It also includes crowded towns, the noise of nightclubs, and streams of tourists in the capital of Palma. But another, quieter side to the popular Spanish island exists away from the hustle and bustle – in Es … Read more
Still trying to decide how to ring in the New Year? It’s not too late to embark on a spontaneous New Year’s Eve adventure. From Mexico to Ohio to the Bahamas and even Italy, these luxury properties offer exciting and incredibly fun New Year’s Eve experiences. Check out these last-minute … Read more
It’s different. It’s unexpected. It’s the Conejo Valley (pronounced “koh-neh-ho”). Translated to “rabbit” in Spanish, this SoCal region in LA’s backyard is situated along U.S. 101’s well-known route between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, though it isn’t an extension of either. By contrast, it’s a 180-degree escape from the hustle, … Read more
Dresden is Baroque on steroids. Easily recognizable by the presence of a “putto,” a cherubic baby, the Baroque style dominated in the late 1600s, just as King Augustus II the Strong, took the throne of Saxony and decided his capital city needed a makeover to rise from his perceived “wallflower … Read more
It’s that time of year when people dress in costumes, stalk the streets as ghouls and look for spooky goings-on. If you’re thinking of putting a little extra boo in your Halloween this year, here’s our list of some of the spookiest Halloween destinations and activities. Halloween in the Big … Read more
Rugged landscapes, ancient castles, and colorful shopfronts add to the allure of Scotland. This charming portion of the United Kingdom attracts travelers from around the world. Nature lovers arrive eager to hike through the highlands. History enthusiasts seek links to the past by exploring ruins from centuries gone by. What … Read more
More than six decades ago, Southern California’s island of Catalina was memorialized in the Four Preps’ song, 26 Miles, in reference to its proximity to the populous region’s coastline. And though almost everything in the nation has changed in that expanse of time, Catalina remains unchanged. It’s been years since … Read more
When you think of Half Moon Bay, a California coastal city just 25 miles south of San Francisco, it conjures up the idea of romance and walks on the beach, while perhaps being holed up at a beautiful luxury hotel with a view of the bay. How true is this … Read more
“Look at this view,” said Scott Hillock, a local guide with the Tahoe Adventure Company, as we edged to the side of the path for a hiker to pass. “And it gets better,” he assured us as we continued along the trail. With my daughter, Kathryn, we three negotiated the … Read more
Can you imagine a church-controlled town joining forces with one run by capitalists who made millions from tobacco products? That’s exactly what happened in Winston-Salem. Today the historic Brookstown Inn represents that common ground. Old Salem It all began in 1752 when 15 Moravians traveled south from Pennsylvania to North … Read more
Often compared to the Freedom Tower in New York, the London Eye, and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the Tokyo Skytree just celebrated its tenth anniversary. Providing a dramatic change to the city’s skyline in 2012, the Tokyo Skytree also gave the city a new television tower. And, it created an exciting … Read more