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Connect with Japanese culture when you take a sushi cooking class
When planning your trip to Japan, add a Japanese cooking class to your list of experiences.
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Get a Hearty Dose of Scottsdale History on a Best of the West Tour with JoyRidesAZ
The story of Old Town Scottsdale is probably one many visitors (and perhaps even some locals) don’t know. To dive into the colorful history of this place and learn how Scottsdale evolved, opt to take a private tour with JoyRidesAZ.
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Portland’s OMSI is an all-ages, world-class attraction
Portland's OMSI helps make science fun for all-ages.
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History comes alive in Lexington and Concord
It’s hard to separate the towns of Lexington and Concord, as they are forever linked by their shared past. History was made here on April 19,1975, when the colonial militia and minutemen, determined to protect and defend their homes and farms, challenged the British Redcoats, called “Regulars.” Their efforts led to a series of skirmishes, which became known as the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
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Soar above the serene Sonoran Desert in a hot air balloon with Rainbow Ryders
From my perch in the sky, the view over the Sonoran Desert was sublime. It’s one thing to explore this landscape on foot; it’s another to experience if from a bird’s eye perspective high above the ground. Only then, are the wonders of this scenery fully realized and appreciated.
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New York Banksy Museum boasts largest display of street artist’s work
The man behind the pseudonym Banksy is undoubtedly the world’s most celebrated and elusive guerrilla street artist. And now over 160 works of his have been re-created in a life-size, re-imagined space that reflects the street experience. Welcome to the New York Banksy Museum.
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Enjoy an artful stroll through Lake Oswego
Explore outdoor art while strolling through Lake Oswego.
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Discover hidden gems when you go off the beaten path with Oku Japan
First time visitors to Japan typically have Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara on their list, as these cities are well-known and contain many cultural and historic attractions. Other popular destinations include Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe and Mt. Fuji. These places are all located on the main island of Honshu. If you’re a return traveler to the country, however, you’ll probably want to explore different areas on Honshu or perhaps head to one of the other islands like Kyushu, Shikoku or Hokkaido. In any case, you most likely have the desire to go deeper into Japan and get away from heavily touristed spots.
‘Tis the season to celebrate Seattle style!
Seattle is pulling out all the stops for the holidays with a lineup of events and activities guaranteed to get you in a festive mood
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Bears and volcanoes take centerstage at Katmai National Park
At 3.4 million acres, Katmai National Park is a vast wilderness on the Alaska Peninsula, stretching from the Bristol Bay lowlands to the volcanic center of the Aleutian Range and to the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its plentiful wildlife, dramatic geological features and remoteness, the park is a land of spectacular scenic beauty.
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Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: a hidden gem in the wilds of Alaska
Spanning a whopping 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the U.S. Picture Yellowstone, Yosemite and Switzerland combined, with plenty of room to spare, and you have an idea of the size.
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Alaska history and Native cultures come alive at these Anchorage museums
When it comes to learning about Alaska, its diverse landscape, colorful history and Native cultures, check out the top-rated Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
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Explore Alaska’s mining history on a tour of Gold Dredge 8…and pan for your fortune!
To learn more about the history of gold mining in Interior Alaska, take a two-hour tour of Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks.
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Discover art, architecture and history on a Minneapolis City & Skyway Tour
Walking has always been my go-to mode of exploration when I visit a new city. Not only do I get a feel of a destination’s vibe and see its attractions, but I also get the additional bonus of exercise. And when I opt for a guided tour, it’s the trifecta! Recently, I was in Minneapolis and wanted to learn more about the town, as my once and only previous visit here was eons ago.
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Outdoor art takes centerstage at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Minneapolis is all about arts and culture (and yes, sports too!). The city takes pride in its world-class museums, galleries, performance venues and more. It pulses with vibrant creative energy and is a magnet for visitors eager to explore its offerings.
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Explore Split Rock Lighthouse, one of Minnesota’s most iconic landmarks
On a recent trip to Minnesota, I made a detour along my route to stop at Split Rock Lighthouse. Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Split Rock is a famed landmark in the state and receives thousands of visitors annually. It sits atop a dramatic 130-foot cliff and measures 54 feet high.
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Taste and explore Raleigh with Triangle Food & City Tours
On a recent visit to Raleigh, North Carolina, I opted for a day of foodie fun with Triangle Food & City Tours.
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Experience the magic of Appalachia in Boone, NC
On my recent trip to the state, I first spent time in the Outer Banks to experience the coastal region, then headed west to Boone for the mountains. Boone and its surrounds has long been a destination for adrenaline junkies and leisure seekers alike. It makes the perfect escape, as the area offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventurers and rockhounds to art and history aficionados.
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Ride the wave train through Utah’s Cataract Canyon
The sign on the left of the river warned of the rapids to come. We were as prepared as we could be, having heard about the intense Class 4+ whitewater that we would encounter after reaching the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers in Utah’s Cataract Canyon. The water level was high, which meant the rapids would be fast and turbulent…and exciting!
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Immerse yourself in a pristine wilderness at Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park
It’s almost unheard of to be on a popular trail in a national park and only see a handful of people in the span of several hours. Most of the time, you have to share nature’s riches with the masses and it’s often hard to find a quiet spot to contemplate your surroundings. At Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park, however, you’ll have plenty of space. In fact, you might wonder where all the people are.
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Lots to love about the Outer Banks
On a recent trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, my first stop was at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. For geographical reference, the Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands along the coastline of the state. It boasts 100 plus miles of wide-open shoreline, charming villages and towns and plenty of historical attractions.
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Dive into all things pop culture at Seattle’s MoPOP
It’s hard not to miss Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture or MoPOP as it’s commonly called. The building’s gleaming, sheet-metal facade and curvy, futuristic design definitely makes an eye-popping statement.
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Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring landscape of Patagonia
I had promised myself I wouldn’t get up on another horse – ever – as past horseback riding experiences have shown me that horses and I don’t get along. Typically, I would be told I would be riding a gentle mare only to have that “gentle” mare persistently nip at another horse, constantly munch on the grassy smorgasbord, balk at crossing a shallow stream, then turn around and head the other way, and my favorite, unexpectedly take off at a speedy trot, leaving the rest of the group (and almost me, too!) in the dust.
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Tacoma museum shines a spotlight on the artistry of glass
The first thing you’ll notice about Tacoma’s Museum of Glass is the ginormous cone. It rises ninety feet in the air like a futuristic smokestack and its tilted, stainless steel shingles glisten.
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Little Rock is an Arkansas gem
Little Rock might not be the most obvious choice for a vacation destination, but once you learn what this dynamic capital city has to offer, you’ll know why it deserves a spot on your travel radar.
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Discover Bellingham: the gem of the Northern Cascades
Bellingham and its surrounds has much to offer visitors, from picturesque coastal views, abundant nature and outdoor adventure to a vibrant arts scene, historical attractions and plenty of good food. People are friendly and their enthusiasm for all that makes this place special is contagious.
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Prepare to be awed by Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires
Renowned for both its aesthetics and acoustics, the Teatro Colón is considered one of the top opera houses in the world alongside La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London and Opera Garnier in Paris. A stunning architectural building on the outside, it is equally as impressive inside.
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Treat yourself to a quintessential Northwest getaway at Salish Lodge & Spa
Perched on a cliff above famed Snoqualmie Falls and surrounded by a lush green forest at the edge of the Cascade Mountains, the Lodge is as Pacific Northwest as it gets. This picturesque backdrop has an immediate calming influence, which continues once you step inside the restored landmark building with its stunning historical architecture.
Get a Colorful Bird’s Eye View of Seattle on a Scenic Flight Tour
A seaplane flight is the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience
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Dazzle your senses with a trip to Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier
I’ve seen my share of glaciers over the years and whether they’ve been in Alaska, Greenland, Switzerland, New Zealand or Antarctica, they’ve never failed to amaze me. With many of them in stages of recession, however, I’ve begun to feel an urgency to visit more of these impressive masses of ice.
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Discover an authentic mountain paradise when you venture to El Chaltén in Argentine Patagonia
If you’re an experienced backpacker or trekker, you probably have El Chaltén on your radar. Or you might have already been to this small, Patagonian mountain town at the tail-end of the planet and know that it’s the “National Capital of Trekking” in Argentina.
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Take a cooking class in Buenos Aires for an authentic Argentine experience
It’s hard to go anywhere in Argentina without coming across empanadas. They’re indisputably the most famous Latin American street food. And they’re delicious! For those unfamiliar with empanadas, they are crescent-shaped, savory pastries made of dough and filled with a variety of ingredients – everything from beef, chicken and pork to shellfish, cheese and veggies – then baked or fried to a golden perfection.
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A tango show should be on your list of must-see experiences in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America,” is the lively capital of Argentina. Dynamic and culturally rich, it’s a place of colorful history, neoclassical architecture, incredible food and wine, diverse neighborhoods and natural greenspaces. Combining old and new, traditional and cosmopolitan, the city beckons visitors from across the globe.
Engage with Pacific Northwest History and Innovation at MOHAI
And if you’ve already been there, go again, as there’s always something new at this beloved attraction in Seattle
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The rewards are many for those who venture to Samoa
It takes much effort and time to get to Samoa, as this small, Polynesian island country is situated in the central South Pacific Ocean, halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. It’s made up of nine volcanic islands, four of which are inhabited. The two largest islands, Savai’i and Upolu, comprise 99% of the nation’s total land area. Though Savai’i has the most land, Upolu has the most people because it’s the commercial center and location of Samoa’s capital, Apia. The total population of the country is approximately 225,000.
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Real Hawaii Meets Hollywood at Kualoa Ranch
After spending a few days in Honolulu, you might yearn to escape the skyscrapers and concrete, not to mention the sheer density of people roaming Waikiki. Fortunately, the island of Oahu offers plenty of spots where peace and serenity reign. Less than an hour’s drive from all the hustle and bustle of the city is Kualoa Ranch, a picturesque destination on Oahu’s windward side.
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Savor the flavors on an Aloha Plate Hawaii Food Tour in Honolulu
If you want to prime your taste buds Hawaiian style, take an Aloha Plate Hawaii Food Tour with Secret Hawaii Tours while in Honolulu. You’ll sample local food at places the locals eat at, while learning about Hawaiian culture and customs from a born and bred Hawaiian. Just make sure you go hungry!
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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.
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Use your explorer’s spirit when visiting the National Park of American Samoa
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.
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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 located across the border in Oregon City, OR.
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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 come away with newfound knowledge and appreciation of the destination and its culinary highlights.
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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 back in 1778. But as I stood overlooking the scene, this situation couldn’t be further from the truth.
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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 New York Public Library system and a National Historic Landmark. And it’s a beaut!
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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 giddy with anticipation sitting in the audience waiting for the curtain to rise, then being treated to a few immersive hours of topnotch, inspiring entertainment.
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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 imagine the act of doing something like this – ever! Shaking my head in disbelief, I repeatedly muttered, “They must be insane!”
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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 a number of years (it recently was voted Best Museum in Albuquerque for 2023 by Albuquerque The Magazine) and the fact that there’s nothing else like it in the country were enough reasons to motivate my visit. And though I am not a fan of these reptiles, I am oddly fascinated by them – as long as they are behind glass enclosures!
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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 to The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and even Machine Gun Kelly. This is “Where Stars are Born and Legends are Made.”
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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).
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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 and dynamic architecture. And it has become a global inspiration for municipalities around the world to transform unused industrial areas into vibrant spaces for everyone to enjoy.
