TRAVELS NEAR AND FAR

As I peered into the high-powered telescope, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was hard to fathom that I was actually staring at Saturn, rings and all. It looked exactly like the pics in textbooks and how the media depicts the planet. And the fact that I was viewing it so clearly from some 889 million miles away made it even more surreal.


November 28, 2022 at 6:00 a.m.


Tour a city of the dead beneath a city of the living in the Paris Catacombs

I’m typically not drawn to ghoulish or gruesome attractions, even on Halloween. But morbid curiosity got the best of me during a recent trip to Paris. It was there, in the magnificent French capital, that I learned of the Catacombs and immediately knew I had to explore this “Empire of …

Taste your way through the ‘City of Canals’ on a street food tour

Food tours are one of the best ways to get to know a city. I like to take them not only to learn about the regional cuisine, but to get to know the area from a local’s perspective. It’s a meld of food, history, culture and geography. Plus, an extra …

No Reservations

We’ll enthusiastically encourage you to jump into the unplanned travel universe

Expect to get wet when you visit world famous Rhine Falls!

Waterfalls are a magnet for me, especially powerhouses like Rhine Falls in Switzerland. As Europe’s largest waterfall, it’s on many visitors’ must-see list when they’re traveling through this picturesque country.

Get up close and personal with the Alpacas of Oregon

Whenever possible, I seek out encounters with animals, whether it’s trekking with llamas in northern New Mexico, riding a camel in Egypt or lumbering through the jungles of Thailand atop an elephant. I’m fascinated with animal behavior and look for opportunities to observe creatures of all kinds. I’ve been fortunate …

Bob Dylan Center sheds a light on the legendary singer-songwriter’s life and music

Fans of Bob Dylan now have a place to go and pay homage to one of the most original and influential voices in American music. Opened this past May, the Bob Dylan Center is situated steps away from the nearly decade-old Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s burgeoning arts district. …

Recharge with a getaway to Skamania Lodge

Once again, I found myself flying through the forest with the greatest of ease. Only this time, I was on the zipline course at Skamania Lodge, a well-known resort in Washington State, within Columbia Gorge country. Surrounded by natural beauty, the lodge is an idyllic property with inviting guest rooms …

Experience waterfall bliss in Columbia River Gorge

I’ve had a love affair with Oregon for decades. The state’s scenery is a magnet for me, from its rugged beaches and sentinel lighthouses to its verdant forests and snow-capped peaks. And I could wax rhapsodic about the waterfalls. Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is waterfall nirvana. It has the greatest …

Chihuly Garden and Glass is a sculptural wonderland

Seattle’s noted cultural scene attracts locals and visitors alike, who delight in its numerous offerings. The Emerald City has long been a hotbed of creativity, drawing artists, actors and musicians from all over the world to its dynamic vibe. And residents and tourists reap the benefits of this largesse with …

Interact with nature and art at the Price Sculpture Forest

Whidbey Island is a popular destination for Seattle area residents, as well as for visitors to Washington State. They find this idyllic locale, with its mix of bucolic and coastal landscape, a charming getaway. The island is an outdoor paradise, with plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, kayak and sail. …

Washington’s Coastal and Island Lighthouses

Why not pack a picnic and take an impromptu trip to a lighthouse at one of eight Washington state parks?

Explore the world of music at MIM

While in Phoenix visiting family recently, I went to the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). I had read rave reviews about this top attraction and my interest was piqued. Plus, my sister-in-law, a Scottsdale resident, had only accolades for the place, which served to up the curiosity ante even more.

Discover the wonders of Wenatchee

I’ve always loved secret gardens, ever since I was a young girl and read the book of the same name. There’s something so delicious about entering an enchanting pocket of beauty and imagining resident gnomes and fairies as its caretakers. Though Ohme Gardens is not really a secret, it’s still …

Immerse yourself in the magic and power of film at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Movies have provided us with endless entertainment and escapism. They have also given us a window onto the world, expanding our viewpoints, and serving as inspiration and motivators for self-action. If you’re a cinephile, you’ll be delighted to hear that the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is open. The museum …