I grew up in the Philly suburbs where summer getaways were traditionally devoted to the beaches along the East coast from the Jersey shore south through Florida, and winters were reserved for Pocono mountain cabins. So, no one in my family had ever heard of the Midwest resort town of … Read more
A giant elephant adorning the façade of Vatan leads you toward your Indian culinary adventure in lower Manhattan. It’s late on a Saturday night and inside the place is abuzz with energy. The decor is snazzy for sure with assorted large and wonderfully intimate thatched roof banquettes lining a large … Read more
It’s a crisp day as I look out on the rolling hills of Nashoba Valley, 35 miles northwest of Boston. I’m on the deck of the newly renovated Groton Inn, which boasts the distinction of being the oldest inn in America, its original structure circa 1678. I imagine the setting … 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
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
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
When you think of Galveston, does the popular Glen Campbell song come to mind? The catchy tune’s opening lyrics, “Galveston, oh, Galveston, I hear your sea winds blowing,” have become iconic and even more so after Campbell’s death last year. Galveston is not just worth singing about, it’s worth visiting. … Read more
I needed a place to really get away. Not necessarily some far corner of the Earth, and not a place where I’d have to punch a wolf in the face for dinner either. Just a place to close the computer, shut off the phone and just … unwind. Like … Read more
Meatless Monday. Tofu Tuesday. For carnivores looking to decrease their meat intake, themed days like this might do the trick. But for vegans and vegetarians, seitan, faro, jack fruit and other healthy dishes are daily culinary staples which can sometimes be hard to find while traveling. But take heart … Read more
Museums, Restaurants, Nightlife & Art Fairs Chicago is a city you can visit all year with cultural events, exhibitions and art fairs to suit every taste. The city LITERALLY lights up during the holidays. Christmas Tree 2017 marks the 104th year of Chicago’s official tree and the third year it’s … Read more
Traveling across a broad swath of America to view the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, we stayed true to the artistic theme by staying at three unique Hilton hotels, each in their own way complementing the themes underlining Wright’s work—an art-world beacon in Indianapolis, the eponymous hotel of a historical … Read more
KANSAS TO ARIZONA and BACK HOME Taliesin West Scottsdale, AZ 1938 After a 3-month break, I (sadly) ended my road trip solo with a visit to Taliesin West in Arizona, where Wright died at the age of 91. For relief from the desert heat, I took the road … Read more
More than a few notable people besides Frank Lloyd Wright have called the Chicago suburb of Oak Park home, namely Ernest Hemingway and Betty White. It’s easily accessible from downtown Chicago and contains no less than three historic districts for the historic homes there: Ridgeland, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Seward … Read more
I needed to get away but a drive clear across the US was not what I was thinking about. So, as I embarked on what turned into a 3,700-mile road trip I had no idea it would be just what the doctor ordered. Flashback to my last road trip with … Read more
We recently chose our top destinations for the upcoming year in travel. The list is divided into 4 segments and includes something for every travel style – from urban destinations to cultural and foodie hotspots, to places ripe for exploration and adventure, and locations that are maybe new on your … Read more