“Why would you want to go there? There’s nothing to see!” This was the usual reaction after I announced my plans to travel to Hannover in northern Germany. Truth be told, it wasn’t on my bucket list of must-see cities either, but a good friend kept inviting me and I … Read more
Every year millions of people choose to cruise for their vacation. And why not? You unpack once, someone else does the “driving” and you get to explore fascinating ports of call every day. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for you? Very … Read more
Driving Ireland’s snaking country roads is both a challenge and a thrill. You just never know what you’ll uncover. We had already traversed hundreds of miles and crossed several counties; the awe inspiring 7 estates we toured only fueled the fire to discover more of Ireland’s storied past. We were … Read more
Rock of Cashel I was feeling a wee bit peckish after the early morning arrival of the six hour flight to Dublin from New York so we decided to stop for breakfast on the way to Cashel Rock. At a quaint spot called Over the Bakery near this ancient site, … Read more
“Dancing with the Stars” on the Indonesian island of Lombok? Not quite, but the weekly evening dance and cultural performances at Puri Mas Beach Resort often include a delightful adaptation, with young local dancers. They’re taught through a “giving back” social dance program by the boutique hotel’s Dutch owner, a … Read more
There is no such thing as Italian food. The country is made up of twenty regions with distinct characteristics. Every town, every village makes the same dish in vastly different ways, just like they speak different dialects and wear different traditional costumes. Tuscany is arguably most famous for Chianti and … Read more
“Hey mister throw me something” is what you’ll hear along the routes of any one of the nine Mardi Gras parades in Lark Charles, Louisiana. That “something” will be ropes of brightly colored beads that people, dressed in the regalia of their Krewe, toss from their floats. New Orleans is … Read more
Nowadays, it seems as if there’s a holiday for everything. Some are more mundane than others (National Cabbage Day? Who knew?), but nothing begs to be honored quite like tequila’s most celebrated shaken concoction: the margarita. Technically, Cinco de Mayo does it justice, but if ever there was a perfect … Read more
What goes better with wine than cheese? OK, don’t answer that question. How about what goes better with Moroccan wine than French cheese? If you agree and swoon at the mention of camembert, you’re in luck. Next week a French Connection will be more than ever a la mode as Cheese … Read more
Months before stepping foot in Anchorage I was told that the winter had been unseasonably warm; there hadn’t been much snow. This was something of a revelation as I was anticipating freezing temperatures too low to imagine and what I’d need to buy before I left to keep warm (snow … Read more
More often than not, hotel restaurants have to offer something special to win guests’ attention and seldom are they popular with locals. Finding a casual in-house eatery with well-prepared dishes and a happening scene is rare. Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen in San Francisco’s Serrano Hotel, located two blocks west … Read more
Call them boutique hotels. Call them design hotels. By whatever name, small hotels are a dime a dozen especially in big cities like San Francisco. But, once in a while, you discover one so special you wish you could stay forever. The Serrano Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, raises 16 … Read more
If you’re in Santa Fe before March 5th, “Lowriders, Hopper and Hot Rods” is a must-see show at the New Mexico History Museum. The dramatic exhibition is darkly staged in a new section of the historic Governors Palace, built in 1609, and includes photos, memorabilia and 2 stunning lowrider autos. … Read more
When the Atlanta Falcons take on the New England Patriots for Super Bowl LI, the host city of Houston will be center stage. As America’s fourth largest city, Houston is a thriving metropolis with an array of world class museums, a fabulous zoo, restaurants of every variety, and, of course, … Read more
Ice, Ice Baby A muffled “crunch” sounds under the car’s wheels as we careen to the shoulder of the Alaska Highway into the snow. Having missed the turnoff for a dog mushing outing, we’re now making a U-turn and going back. Or, at least that’s the plan. It’s barely noon … Read more