Dave Shearon and Mario Castro, life partners, left the cold winters of Chicago behind when they purchased the Ashford Manor B & B in Watkinsville, Georgia. They saw the inn for the first time on New Year’s Day, 1997. Walking around the grounds and then inside, both David and Mario … 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
Standing on a downtown Nashville street corner waiting for the “walk” signal, my toes began to tap. I heard music. It wasn’t coming from a restaurant, bar or nightclub, of which there are many—it was playing from the metal box controlling the traffic light. Music is everywhere in this city. … Read more
There’s a surprisingly potent cultural thread weaving its way through Houston, Texas, a city of sprawling freeways and more mansions than you can imagine in an urban setting. Perhaps it has something to do with all that money from oil and energy and as it’s the 4th largest city in … Read more
Maine and lobster go together like wine and cheese or bread and butter. You really can’t have one without the other. The state and its signature crustacean are practically inseparable. Just as you can’t have New York City without hot dogs, Boston without baked beans or New Orleans without gumbo, … Read more
The naturalist and writer Henry David Thoreau explored the Maine woods three times between 1846 and 1857. Strictly speaking, he visited the North Woods where his adventures included canoeing Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest, and climbing 5,268-foot-high Mt. Katahdin, the state’s highest peak and the centerpiece of Baxter State Park. Thoreau’s … Read more
What do former President Lyndon B. Johnson, a celebrated brewpub, and a volcano outcrop have in common? Fredericksburg, Texas. This Texas Hill Country town, located about an hour from San Antonio and 1-1/2 hours from Austin, was founded in 1846 by German immigrants. Those early citizens maintained close ties with … Read more
Maine’s coast, lakes, woods, and mountains have inspired countless American artists including year-round residents like Winslow Homer and three generations of Wyeths. Even the list of artists who visited Maine or summered there reads like a Who’s Who: Frederic Church and Thomas Cole, Childe Hassam, John Singer Sargent, Edward Hopper, … Read more
Rising out of the sand of the Mojave Desert is a fantastical oasis, one of neon and bling, entertainment and indulgence; a city of sin where gambling and extravagant nightlife are king. It’s a place where world class restaurants and designer shops are found practically around every corner. Year after … Read more
First things first. I love Maui. I’ve been visiting my favorite Hawaiian island for years. In fact, I’ll continue to return every year or two for as long as I’m able. Curiously, this annoys some people. “Aren’t there more interesting places to travel in the world?” they ask with a … Read more
In July 1863, over 170,000 soldiers converged on the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in a battle that changed both the course of the Civil War and ultimately the nation. Every kid in America studied the Battle of Gettysburg in history class and memorized at least a part of President … Read more
Looking for a getaway this summer but don’t want to spring for high priced international flights? Why not hang around in the good ole USA and try something different? A trip to Southern West Virginia, perhaps. I realize the mention of West Virginia conjures up images of coal mines, … Read more
Today, the intersection of the Bowery and Broome Street in Manhattan is perfectly pleasant – busy sidewalks line the streets where stylish pedestrians head to one or more of the many bustling boutiques or restaurants nearby. It’s become a coveted location for real estate agents thanks to its walking … Read more