There’s been a lot of recent confusion about whale watching in Washington State waters. Here’s what’s happening in the San Juan Islands. It’s a complicated issue, and the San Juan Island Visitor’s Bureau is happy to answer questions and provide clarification. Most importantly, government and industry are working together to protect Washington’s endangered Southern Resident Orca […]
Travel
21c Museum Hotels: 8 Degrees of Artistic Expression
The story of 21c Museum Hotels began over a decade ago in Louisville, Kentucky with natives Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson’s desire to launch a business that would contribute to the revitalization of downtown Louisville. Their path was illuminated when they realized that the boutique hotel they envisioned would also provide a platform for […]
Learning About Sustainability: A Day At Shelburne Farms in Vermont
One of the absolutes of travel is that it is the best form of education and, at Vermont’s Shelburne Farms, guests and visitors are immersed in the land and all that it does to sustain our existence. Young and old alike learn about agriculture, animal husbandry, sustainability, and stewardship in the pastoral surroundings of historic Shelburne Farms. […]
Penn Cove Mussels For a Perfect Moules Marinière
Mussels, Clams, and Oysters, Oh my! The classic French dish Moules Marinières (Mussels Mariner-style) served with a crunchy baguette to sop up the sumptuous broth features inexpensive ingredients, is simple, yet celebratory, and made with Penn Cove Shellfish mussels —prized for their freshness and pristine flavor − is a meal that honors the sea and its […]
M is for Maine, Migis Lodge, and Mega Lobster!
Mention Maine, and what immediately comes to mind? Lobster, am I right? Of course, there are many memorable things about Maine: the rugged New England coast, lighthouses galore (there are 60 historic lighthouses), and being “in nature” — whether on the water, hiking the majestic mountains, or basking in the serenity from a lakeside dock – […]
Much to Savor in the San Juan Islands
When a vacation is more than a tick mark on your bucket list or the excitement of exploring a new destination, but a sensory awakening that lingers with you long after your return to life as usual — that’s what I experienced in Washington’s San Juan Islands. This “gourmet archipelago” delights the senses, captivates your […]
Gems of the South: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Enjoy the power of art and the beauty of nature at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, nestled in the forest of a most unexpected destination — Bentonville, Arkansas. What? You’ve never heard of Crystal Bridges, or Bentonville, for that matter. You’re probably not alone, but let’s change that right here and now. Here’s a bit […]
City of the Arts: Costa Mesa Couples Weekend Getaway
Continuing your fun couples weekend getaway in Orange County’s City of the Arts — Costa Mesa… The former backyard to the beach cities, populated by acres of farmland, Costa Mesa has evolved into the center for commerce, culinary, art and entertainment and the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa hotel is within walking distance to […]
Best of Orange County: Couple’s Weekend Getaway in Costa Mesa
If family vacations leave you wondering what happened to having a little R & R, the answer lies in carving out adults-only time with an occasional fun couple’s weekend getaway. Staying local helps make planning your getaway less complicated and Orange County’s culinary, shopping, and arts capital, Costa Mesa, is the perfect destination for achieving […]
Walking Tour of Cigar City, Tampa’s Historic Latin Quarter
A historic walking tour of Cigar City in Tampa, Florida, reveals the genius of Vicente Martinez-Ybor, quite possibly America’s first Hispanic entrepreneur who, in 1886, orchestrated the development of Ybor City, now Tampa’s Historic Latin Quarter, and Florida’s first industrial town. Being in Tampa for only three days in early January, in the midst of […]