TRAVELS NEAR AND FAR
I thought I had good eyes until I went shark tooth hunting on a beach in Ponte Vedra, Florida. I didn’t realize that these teeth are very tiny and blend in well with shells. They are black and shiny and usually triangular in shape, but that fits the description for so much of the beach matter that is mixed in the coquina sand of the area. This type of sand is comprised of crushed shells and crunches when you walk on it. The effect is akin to having microdermabrasion for the feet, an added bonus to this ultimate scavenger hunt.
The Maiden of Deception Pass
The soft sands of the shore, the rocky tidepools, the beautiful ocean views, the sound of the waves softly crashing ashore, and the Maiden of Deception Pass watching over it all
The wild heart of South Carolina beats strong in Congaree National Park
Having a National Park pretty much to yourself is a rare experience. Yet, there I was wandering in the swamp among the towering trees of Congaree National Park with nary a soul in sight…with the exception of my husband. It was somewhat eerie, yet peacefully comforting to be amid the …
New Mexico State Capitol is a roundhouse of art
Art doesn’t necessarily come to mind when you think of state capitol buildings. Typically, most people equate capitals with all things government and they envision an austere, staid environment. So, it’s a delightful surprise when visitors enter the “Roundhouse” in Santa Fe and discover a veritable art museum.
Immigrant history comes alive at the Tenement Museum
I had always wanted to tour the Tenement Museum in New York City, having had a number of my relatives immigrate to the U.S. from Europe; a number who came through Ellis Island and spent time in New York before heading elsewhere. On my recent trip to the Big Apple, …
It's Tulip Festival Time!
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the destination events for the Pacific Northwest, held from April 1 through 30, celebrating millions of tulips bursting into bloom
Signs of Spring
Each year, usually in March, I get fed up with winter
5 Staycation Ideas
Looking for a vacation close to home? Washington State Parks offers these five ideas for making memories
Embrace your inner child at the Museum of Ice Cream
New York City has museums galore, focusing on everything from art and science to history and space, as well as niche specialties such as digital and film media, transit, Jewish heritage, Latino culture, and even a spy museum devoted to exploring your own superhero powers. With nearly a hundred museums …
Woodinville Wine Country crushes it!
Years ago, when I lived in Woodinville, Washington there was only one winery – Chateau Ste. Michelle. Built in the French chateau style and set amid lush grounds, it was (and still is) the grand dame of Woodinville. A visit to this “queen” for wine tours and tastings transported me …
Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park has been a Seattle icon since 2007. The park, which is operated by the Seattle Art Museum, was formerly an industrial site before the museum proposed to transform it into an elegant green space
Picturesque Wallace Falls
Wallace Falls, located within Wallace Falls State Park, is a good choice for a moderate hike that can be done year-round
Escape the crowds and head to the quiet side of the Grand Canyon
If you’re a first-time visitor to the Grand Canyon, you’ll most likely go to the South Rim. With its iconic images, large viewing areas and plenty of services, this is the more popular side of the canyon. But, if you’ve already been there, done that, and want more of this …
Elevate your senses on the Sandia Peak Tram
I love a view, anytime, anywhere. I make it a point to seek out opportunities to soar above the landscape, whether in a hot air balloon, on a zipline, in a small sightseeing plane or helicopter, or on a gondola. There’s something magical about having the vantage point of a …
