Seattle is known as “The Emerald City” because of the lush, dark green coastal rainforests surrounding this urbane wonderland. Perched on an isthmus with Puget Sound on one side and Lake Washington on the other, from the air it’s a green paradise. But the moniker could equally refer to the … 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
Ristorante Cracco, Milan A discreet entrance on a small side street in Milan and an elevator that goes … down? Is this a restaurant or a private club? Perhaps a hidden casino or a den of ill repute? You’re just a few blocks from bustling Piazza del Duomo and Galleria … 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
Michael Mina 74 has a subterranean feel, a cool cellar away from the south Florida heat. Tucked away from the madness of the Hotel Fontainebleau’s lobby, this is your go to for quick bites and yummy pick me ups when you’re spending some down time in Miami. Mr. Mina’s signature … 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
Pennsylvania is known for rolling hills, picturesque farms, brilliant fall foliage and even a town built by chocolate. But did you know that USA Today ranked Pennsylvania number six out of the top ten states for drinking locally crafted beer? And it’s not all about beer. According to the U. … Read more
If Italy did not exist, surely we would have to conjure her. It’s a land of rustic wines, hearty food, undulating hills, art-filled churches and medieval walled towns populated by some of the most vivacious people on Earth. It’s also a place offering an infinite variety of experiences, destinations waiting … Read more
Nestled on a tiny piazza amid the blessed chaos that is Naples, Italy is a rare find … the Palazzo Decumani. The 4 star albergo takes its name from its heritage – a former palatial residence almost hidden within the narrow streets and alleys of the Decumani neighborhood, a beehive … Read more
Instead of being greeted with threatening “DO NOT TOUCH” signs displayed so prominently in the majority of art museums around the world, as soon as you enter the Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art in St. Petersburg you’re likely to be invited to try out an interactive exhibit by one of … Read more
After sailing Maine’s sparkling seas, kayaking and canoeing its pristine lakes, hiking its lofty mountains or schussing down its snow-covered slopes, what could be better than an icy-cold beer—especially a hand-crafted ale or lager from a local microbrewery or brewpub? Maine now ranks fifth in the nation for the number … Read more
Let me say this straight out. It’s hard to go too long without Italian food. Blame it on my mom’s spaghetti and meatballs or the home made lasagna an Italian friend of mine used to make regularly. So it was with a sense of expectancy that we approached Capuletti, situated … Read more