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 […]
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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 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 the […]
Best of Orange County: Couple’s Costa Mesa Weekend Getaway
If family vacations leave you wondering what happened to having a little R & R, the answer lies in carving out time for an occasional adults-only 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 the three […]
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 […]
Eureka Springs: The Halloween City
Celebrate Halloween in true haunted stye with a stay or visit to America’s Most Haunted Hotel, the historic Crescent Hotel, built in 1886 and perched on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. 1886 Crescent Hotel | Photo credit: Harrison Sutcliffe Photography Imagine a quirky village in Northwest Arkansas as ground zero for […]
Denver and the American West: Visit These 5 Historic Spots
The allure of the Wild Wild West lives on in Denver and while you’re in the Mile High City, history buff or not, it’s fun to get a feel for what epitomizes Denver, the American West: whether it be myth or half truths, the aspirations and ambitions that drove cowboys, roundups, gold boom outlaws and […]
Gems of the South: North Carolina’s Crystal Coast 2-Day Itinerary
A visit to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is much more than a beach vacation, even with 85 miles of pristine shoreline seducing you to stay and play. Often referred to as North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks – the Crystal Coast is full of opportunities to languish beachside, toes in sand; enjoy a multitude of water […]