TRAVELS NEAR AND FAR
If you’re a movie buff, put Astoria, Oregon on your list. This Columbia River port town, where grit meets hip, has often been referred to as “Hollywood North.” Though it was “The Goonies,” the cult classic that put the city on the map back in 1985, there have been a number of other pictures filmed in the area over the years. The list includes such notables as “Kindergarten Cop,” “Short Circuit,” “Free Willy, “Teenage Mutant Turtles 3,” “Come See the Paradise,” “The Great Race” and “The Ring Two,” as well as episodes of TV shows like, “Movin’ On” and “Dexter.”
Soak up the coastal Maine vibe in Portland
It’s lobstah, not lobster, when you’re in Maine. That’s the first thing you learn upon boarding the Lucky Catch trawler. But it will certainly not be the last, as by the time your excursion is over, you’ll be a font of knowledge about this notable crustacean. Taking a trip with …
Captivated by Camden
It was a rainy fall day in Camden, but that did little to mar the allure of this charming Maine town. In fact, the weather added to the ambiance of the place, giving it a moody cast, which only served to enhance its beauty. Situated on Penobscot Bay, Camden offers …
Hot stones and high tea at Los Poblanos
I know a massage is effective when I realize I’m drooling. That’s my indication that the treatment is working towards its aim of achieving a state of relaxation, while helping to relieve tension and sore muscles. My most recent massage, however, went above and beyond the norm, as this time …
You'll fall hard for Boothbay Harbor
I’m on a treasure hunt for trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine. Yes, trolls – five mammoth-sized creatures who want to impart lessons they’ve learned about trees to all who find them. And they’re located deep in the forest, reached by a series of trails within …
Acadia National Park: the crown jewel of coastal Maine
The popovers at the Jordan Pond House in Maine’s Acadia National Park are famous. But until you try them, you might be skeptical of their reputation. After all, they’re popovers. How good could they be? It only took one bite of my Jordan Pond House popover to know that the …
Travel 'kindly' when you stay at the Lumiere with Inspirato
It’s hard to keep me away from Colorado. The state’s diverse and dramatic landscape is a commanding draw and its magnetic and dynamic attraction is strong. Whether it’s a National Park, Old West mountain town, archaeological site or unique geological formation, Colorado offers plenty of choices for all vacation appetites.
It's big. It's bold. It's the Colorado National Monument
It’s hard to wrap your head around the Colorado National Monument. It holds you spellbound as you look out at this famed, rugged landscape of the American West. Towering sandstone monoliths as tall as 450 feet act as sentinels in a vast plateau with sheer-walled canyons as deep as 500 …
Lincoln's legacy is alive and well in Springfield
I was born and raised in the Chicago area and recall visiting Springfield, the Illinois State Capitol and land of Lincoln, just once in my life. That was decades ago and my child’s memory of the place is very hazy. Flash forward to this past summer when, on my annual …
Chicago Botanic Garden is an Edenesque paradise
For much of my youth, I lived minutes away from the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois. I would go there frequently, always with my parents. They loved the place, as it was a beautiful respite for them, and served as fodder for many of my father’s wonderful photographs. After …
An architect and an heiress leave their mark on Springfield
Growing up in Chicago gave me access to several of Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the Midwest. I learned to appreciate the architect’s style and to value his vision for creating buildings that are tied to the natural world.
Much to love about the Rogue Valley
I began falling in love with the Rogue Valley years ago, when I first went to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, then later when I returned to explore Crater Lake National Park and again, to do a multi-day rafting trip down the Rogue River. After my most recent visit, …
Covered wooden bridges are iconic Vermont
The covered bridges of Vermont are often found on postcards, in books and stories about the state and on many different social media sites. They’re the settings for idyllic, scenic drives, weddings and ghost tales.
Bishop’s Lodge melds luxury with authenticity for an enchanting respite
The wait is over. After a $75 million restoration, Bishop’s Lodge, now an Auberge Resort, has reopened its doors and the excitement is palpable. Situated on 317 acres bordering the Santa Fe National Forest, this famed New Mexico property offers a crafted approach to luxury, imbued with a southwestern aesthetic.
