TRAVELS NEAR AND FAR
Small towns hold a lot of appeal because of their quintessential charm and laid-back nature...One of my all-time favorites is Stevenson
BY JEAN CHEN SMITH | December 15, 2023 at 2:33 p.m.
Explore wondrous Niagara Falls with Over the Falls Tours
Niagara Falls’ unparalleled beauty and storied history is a magnet for tourists from around the world. They come to marvel at the grandeur and power of these spectacular formations, which straddle the U.S. (New York) and Canada (Ontario).
Experience nature, art and design on NYC’s High Line
When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City, head to the High Line. This urban oasis is a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It’s a pedestrian-only walkway full of art, beautiful landscaping …
Discover a dynamic food scene in Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg is well known for its Civil War history and tourists come from all over to visit battlefield sites, museums, historical homes and more. What many don’t realize about this charming Pennsylvania town, however, is that it’s also a hot spot for foodies. It’s a no brainer when you notice …
How sweet it is! Hershey, PA
If you have a sweet tooth or are a chocoholic, make a beeline to Hershey, PA., the “Sweetest Place on Earth.” First stop - Hershey’s Chocolate World, where you can enjoy a free, simulated factory tour ride and discover how all the sweet stuff is made.
Natural splendor and outdoor adventure await at West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park
I’m actually not fond of heights, but oddly I’m attracted to height-related experiences. They’re freaky as all get-out for me, yet the prospect of views and thrills pulls me in like a magnet. And when I do conquer my fears, whether hiking on an exposed trail with steep drop-offs, hot …
Encounter the past as you explore Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Beyond knowing the basics about John Brown and Harpers Ferry, I had little knowledge of this West Virginia town and its historic significance. Road tripping through the state on my way to visit New River Gorge National Park, I saw that I could take an easy detour to explore the …
Experience the magic of Grand Teton National Park
When I think of mountains, the Tetons immediately come to mind. The jagged peaks of the Teton Range rise abruptly from the Jackson Hole Valley in northwest Wyoming, creating awe-inducing views. And Grand Teton, the namesake peak, towers high above at 13,775 feet tall like a formidable sentinel in the …
American Civil War history comes alive in Gettysburg, PA
History is everywhere in Gettysburg. You can’t avoid it, but that’s the point. The cannons, monuments, statues, cemeteries…they’re all here as lasting reminders of courage and sorrow. And most importantly, they show us where we’ve come from and just how far we’ve yet to go.
Ascend Pikes Peak on the highest cog railway in the world
Hiking up Pikes Peak, the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rockies, is an epic accomplishment, as it involves a long, hard, 13.5-mile climb uphill with a gain of about 7,400+ feet in elevation. It’s not for everyone, but thankfully, there are other ways to summit the …
Soak in a subterranean spa at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
Set amid black rock lava fields in the southwest corner of Iceland is the Blue Lagoon, a top attraction for visitors to the Land of Fire and Ice. The area where the lagoon is located is at the convergence of the North American and Eurasian plates, which is a geothermal …
Experiencing a French baking class is the best souvenir from Paris!
I have a love affair with France’s croissants and famed pastries, and every time I visit Paris I eat my way around the city’s countless boulangeries. I have never, though, had an interest in learning to make these buttery delights because baking is not my thing. My husband, on the …
Reconnect with and be inspired by nature at Vermejo
I finally hooked a big one! A six-foot, five-inch, 220 pounder! No, it wasn’t a fish, unfortunately, but rather my fly fishing guide, Aiden. Embarrassing to say the least, as my fly landed right in his chin. Thankfully, after some very dexterous “surgery,” he was able to remove it. And …
Immerse yourself in the works of the ‘father of modern sculptor’ at the Musée Rodin in Paris
I have been to Paris a few times, but somehow I never got around to visiting the Musée Rodin until my most recent visit. One of the most elegant and photogenic institutions in the city, the Rodin Museum is located in the handsome Hôtel Biron, surrounded by a lush garden …
