TRAVELS NEAR AND FAR

Located some 2,600 miles southwest of Hawai’i, the National Park of American Samoa is one of the most remote national parks in the U.S. It takes much effort and time to get here, but intrepid travelers who make the journey will discover untouched coral sand beaches, secluded villages, rainforests, rare flora and fauna, splendid vistas of land and sea and a rich culture.

DEBBIE STONE

March 11, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.


Catch some waves on an outrigger surfing canoe ride at Waikiki Beach

If you don’t feel like taking a surf lesson but still want to try an authentic Hawaiian water sport, opt to do an outrigger surfing canoe ride. These boats offer the original Hawaiian rollercoaster experience and Waikiki Beach is the prime spot for this activity.

Discover the story of the Pacific NW at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Amid mountain peaks and a vibrant urban landscape in Vancouver, WA, you’ll find Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The site encompasses several unique locales, including a reconstruction of the Hudson Bay Company’s Fort Vancouver, the U.S. Army’s Vancouver Barracks, Pearson Air Museum and the McLoughlin House; the latter which is …

Take your palette around the world on a Portland by Mouth food tour

Food tours are a great way to explore a city and get to know its vibe, as typically these experiences not only provide an opportunity to sample local dishes, but also offer information and insight into a community. I’ve been on a number of these forays and each time I …

Experience the coastal charms of Newport, Oregon

With a name like Cape Foulweather, I expected gusty winds and pelting rain on my early winter visit to this area of the Oregon Coast. After all, Captain Cook had coined the name for the place due to the fierce weather and rough ocean conditions he and his crew encountered …

Romantic Destinations in Washington State

From mountains and beachfront retreats to small towns rich with history, here are our top four picks for a couples trip this February

See the highlights of NY Public Library’s famed Schwarzman Building on a docent-led tour

It’s hard to miss the monumental marble building lining Fifth Avenue in New York City. The one with the massive lion statues out front. You might think it’s a museum or a courthouse, or maybe government offices. But no, it’s actually the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the flagship of the …

Museum of Broadway is a must-see stop on any theater lover’s visit to NYC

Whenever I visit New York City, I have to see a Broadway show, usually several. I’m a consummate theatregoer and love both musicals and plays and will attend performances wherever and whenever I can. But Broadway’s special and there’s nothing more exciting than being amid its bright lights. I’m always …

Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy is alive and well

I experienced a bit of height-induced anxiety as I stood atop the 128-meter Olympic Ski Jump tower in Lake Placid. Peering down from this imposing launching point that ski jumpers use when they soar through the air made me dizzy. And I was only standing there! I couldn’t begin to …

A visit to this museum might just change your attitude towards snakes!

I don’t like snakes. Never have, never will. So, you might wonder what I was doing standing in The American International Rattlesnake Museum in Albuquerque surrounded by dozens of slithering creatures of all sizes and colors. It was mainly curiosity that drove me. I had read about this place for …

Explore the iconic Apollo Theater on a behind-the-scenes tour

A visit to the Apollo Theater in New York City is often on many tourists’ bucket lists. This storied place is not only Harlem’s most famous historic landmark, but it’s also the birthplace for the careers of countless artists, from Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Gladys Knight & the Pips …

Stevenson Offers Small Town Charm and Geothermal Healing Springs

Small towns hold a lot of appeal because of their quintessential charm and laid-back nature...One of my all-time favorites is Stevenson

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 …