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Paradise found in the Italian Lake District
I was finally one with my paddle and I glided efficiently and smoothly through the water in my kayak. The feeling was Zenlike, as the motions had a meditative quality to them. My movements were instinctive and almost effortless. And instead of being hyper-focused on doing all the right things, I was able to actually relax and really take in my surroundings. And ah, what beauty!
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Memphis is my kind of town!
Memphis is a city with heart and a whole lot of soul. Take its pulse and register the passion, pride and resiliency that resonates through the people. This is a town where the roots of history run deep, where music beats through the city’s lifeblood and where the cultural tapestry is rich with influences from across the globe. And this is a place where visitors receive a warm welcome, and good old Southern hospitality.
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Explore the exciting highlights of Lisbon and Sintra on a four-day self-guided tour
There are so many ways to travel these days, and though I’ve tried and enjoyed many of them, I always come back to my favorite – self-guided, walking trips, where I get to make the decisions and can move at my own pace. These types of vacations often take a lot of planning and research, especially when going abroad. The planning is part of the fun, but I learned that having some assistance in this endeavor can be incredibly helpful, as well as a big timesaver.
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La Fonda oozes with historical ambiance and the spirit of the Southwest
La Fonda is a beloved Santa Fe landmark. It’s one of the earliest and best-known hotels in America’s oldest capital city. And it’s the only hotel on the Santa Fe Plaza, steps away from many of the city’s popular attractions. Free history tours of this prized property are offered by docents four days a week and are available to the public, so you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy this informative journey into the hotel’s colorful and vibrant past.
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The Lodge at Saint Edward State Park is a tranquil Pacific Northwest retreat
If you’re dreaming of a Pacific Northwest escape, put The Lodge at Saint Edward State Park on your list. Situated in Kenmore, on the banks of Lake Washington and minutes from Seattle, this lovely 84-room boutique hotel is the ideal getaway from the hectic pace of urban life.
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Take a bean to bar journey with a Creo Chocolate tour
“Don’t be a consumer of chocolate,” says Tim Straub. “Instead, savor it, as you’ll enjoy it better, plus you’ll eat less of it, but have a better experience.” Good advice, especially coming from someone in the know. Straub is owner of Creo Chocolate in Portland, Oregon. The company, which has been making all things chocolate for nearly ten years, combines craftsmanship, chemistry and creativity to produce its award-winning confections.
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Explore an underground wonderland at Carlsbad Caverns
The world that exists below the surface in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a subterranean marvel, full of formations that dazzle the eyes. It’s impossible not to be awed by this geological wonder that comedian and actor Will Rogers once called, “The Grand Canyon with a roof over it.”
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McMinnville’s charms are many
Nestled in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, just forty miles from Portland, is the city of McMinnville. Though small, with a population of 33,000, the town is big on all things wine, as it’s at the epicenter of the Willamette Valley, the state’s famed wine locale. The valley boasts nearly 250 wineries and vineyards, where avid oenophiles flock to tour and taste. They know the region’s moderate climate and volcanic soil are ideal for producing award-winning red, white, rosé and sparkling wines.
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Switzerland’s Jungfraujoch is a year-round wonderland of ice and snow
Picture postcards don’t begin to do justice to Switzerland’s beauty. In person, the country comes alive in vivid Technicolor, leaving you grasping desperately for the right superlatives to describe all its treasures. Words simply fall short of communicating the grandeur of this alpine paradise. It’s hard to decide what to see and do in this country of scenic wonders because the options are endless and can easily overwhelm you. Take comfort in knowing that you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose because natural splendor is everywhere.
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Lots to love about Long Beach Peninsula
Don’t be fooled by the name. I guarantee there’s nothing disappointing about Cape Disappointment State Park. This glorious swath of land is a paradise of lighthouses atop windswept cliffs, breathtaking views, rugged beaches to explore, old-growth forests to wander and plenty of colorful Northwest history.
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Follow in the sandal steps of the Romans as you walk Hadrian’s Wall Path
I’ve grown fond of long walks that take you from one inn to another, with picturesque scenery to admire along the way and only a daypack to carry. Several years ago, I did a portion of the Wales Coastal Path, organized by Celtic Trails, and the experience was so memorable I opted to do another one of the UK’s famed trails with the same company. Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail is an 84-mile-long route that was voted the nation’s favorite trek. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the trail opened in 2003 in the border area between England and Scotland.
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Dazzle your senses at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
For the past thirty-nine years, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival has been one of the top spring attractions in the state of Oregon. This year, from March 17th through April 30th, thousands of visitors will flock to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, OR to experience the beauty of acres upon acres (forty to be exact!) of gorgeous blooms. They will spend hours wandering through the fields, taking pictures, while oohing and aahing over the palette of brilliant colors from the over one hundred varieties of tulips on display.
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Treat yourself to an Oregon Coast getaway at Salishan Coastal Lodge
Whenever I’m in the Pacific Northwest, I try to make time to visit the Oregon Coast. I never tire of the area and came to the conclusion years ago that it’s truly my happy place. This destination is magical in every season, even in the winter, or should l say especially in the winter. Yes, it can be cold and damp, and grey, but if you choose to embrace the weather and not let it stop you from getting outside, you’ll find all the peace and serenity you desire. You can walk for miles along the beach or hike the trails, only encountering a handful of other hardy souls. And the storm watching is phenomenal!
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Treasures abound in Moqui Cave
I’m drawn to quirky roadside attractions and find they often make fun places to take a break and get off the highway. If a road trip through the Southwest is in your plans, make sure to check out Moqui Cave. Located six miles north of Kanab, Utah and about thirty minutes from the east entrance of Zion National Park, this unusual landmark is worth a stop.
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Discover an underground wonderland beneath Kentucky
Caves are magnets for me. I’m attracted to their otherworldly formations and unique histories, and to the mysteries that exude from within their walls. I feel like Indiana Jones as I sidle through the dark subterranean passageways with only a dimly lit lantern or flashlight. It’s an eerie, yet fascinating experience. Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky contains the world’s longest known cave system, with more than four hundred miles explored and mapped to date.
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Discover quintessential Switzerland in the realm of the mighty Matterhorn
Ah, the Matterhorn! One of the most distinctive of all Alpine peaks and a symbol of Switzerland, this mountain exerts a powerful draw on people’s imaginations. Its unique shape is recognizable all over the world. This is partly due to the fact that the Matterhorn’s image has been used on numerous products over the years, including chocolate, cheese and muesli packaging, beer cans, men’s swimwear, shaving foam and even on packs of cigarettes.
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Worlds away, yet so close
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a different kind of national park. It was created back in 1974 as part of the Federal Parks to People program, which called for national parks in metropolitan centers. Nestled between the cities of Cleveland and Akron, this 33,000-acre park makes an easy day excursion from either one of these urban cores. And with its open spaces, verdant forests, unique rock formations, waterfalls, farms, quaint villages and historic sites, you’ll immediately feel worlds away from civilization.
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Experience the sights, sounds and flavors of Nashville
If you’re a first timer to Nashville, you’re in for a treat. Expect to have ample opportunities to hear quality music, both in hallowed halls, as well as in the numerous bars and honky-tonks. After all, this is Music City! But you might be surprised to discover that museums also take centerstage in Nashville. You can delve into the lives of well-known musicians and producers, learn about Civil War and Tennessee State history, explore science and technology, and appreciate multi genres of art. And to top it off, the town’s a foodie mecca, so along with your comfy walking shoes, bring an appetite.
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Embrace the dunes at Indiana Dunes National Park
A recent visit to Chicago for a wedding spurred on a side trip to nearby Indiana Dunes National Park, one of the remaining national parks on my list. The Dunes is actually two parks in one place. Indiana Dunes State Park, which was created in 1926, is surrounded by the National Park, which received its status almost a century later, in 2019. The latter spans across fifteen miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan, between Gary and Michigan City, Indiana, and comprises 15,000 acres.
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Follow in the sandal steps of the Romans as you walk Hadrian’s Wall Path
I’ve grown fond of long walks that take you from one inn to another, with picturesque scenery to admire along the way and only a daypack to carry. Several years ago, I did a portion of the Wales Coastal Path, organized by Celtic Trails, and the experience was so memorable I opted to do another one of the UK’s famed trails with the same company.
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Monet's house and garden is a feast for the senses
It wasn’t enough for me to stare in awe and drink in the beauty of Claude Monet’s ravishing paintings of water lilies in Paris’ wonderful Musee de l’Orangerie - which by the way, is a must visit attraction for art lovers in the City of Lights. I needed to make the trip to Giverny, where the renowned Impressionist had lived and worked, and created over 250 paintings of said water lilies in his garden.
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Handmade traditions prevail on Murano and Burano
A trip to Venice is often on many travelers’ bucket lists. With its picturesque canals, narrow streets and numerous historic sights, this renowned destination is a magnet for tourists, who flock there en masse. Some keep to the main areas, never venturing off the beaten path during their stay. Others wander into the more quiet and less frequented spots, delighted to find quaint and peaceful scenes to enjoy sans the crowds. And then there are those who opt to explore the islands nearby, like Murano and Burano. Murano is well known for its exquisite blown glass; whereas handcrafted lacemaking is Burano’s claim to fame. That and its colorful houses, which make it a photographer’s dream.
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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 the Dead.”
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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 bonus is the exercise you’re getting while walking.
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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.
Recharge with a Getaway to Skamania Lodge
Surrounded by natural beauty, the lodge is an idyllic property
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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 to have witnessed polar bears in the Arctic, penguins in Antarctica, pink river dolphins and anaconda in the Amazon, the Big Five in Africa, tigers in India and many more such memorable experiences.
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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. It’s an apt location, as the famed musician was heavily influenced by Guthrie, along with other American folk artists.
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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 and common areas, an impressive Northwest art collection, award-winning dining, a spa and fitness center, swimming pool, hot tubs, golf and disc golf courses and plenty of other outdoor activities to satisfy any adrenaline junkie. Do as much or as little as you want at this all-ages playground, where you can re-energize, refresh and renew.
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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 concentration of high waterfalls in North America.
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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 an abundance of options to experience art, theater, music, dance and more. One of the most unique places to soak up artistic beauty is Chihuly Garden and Glass. This stunning venue, located at Seattle Center, adjacent to the famed Space Needle, provides a comprehensive look at the prolific career of renowned Pacific Northwest artist, Dale Chihuly.
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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. But it’s a cultural mecca, too, as artists, writers and other creative types are drawn to this peaceful haven. Add in a vibrant culinary scene for the complete trifecta.
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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.
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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 a hidden treasure for those unfamiliar with the Wenatchee Valley. This is one of those destinations that often flies under the radar. And unless you’ve traveled through central Washington, or are a consummate apple connoisseur (Wenatchee is the Apple Capital of the World), chances are you’ve probably not heard of the place.
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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 had been a long time in coming – ten years – from conception to actuality and was eagerly anticipated by movie aficionados everywhere.
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Kites take flight at Long Beach
Kites always seem to evoke a childhood-like joy in people of all ages. These colorful creations soar and dance in the sky and can provide hours of low-cost recreation, whether you’re the flier or the spectator. At the upcoming Washington State International Kite Festival in Long Beach, you’ll find plenty of kite enthusiasts, from novice to famed fliers and kite designers. They come to take part in kite building workshops, flying lessons and friendly competitions, as well as in other hands-on activities during the weeklong summer event.
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The rewards are many for those who make the effort to visit Channel Islands
Over the past several years, I’ve been on a mission to visit all 63 of our country’s National Parks. The majority are easily accessible, but there are several that require a little extra effort, like the Channel Islands. Touted as the “Galapagos of the North,” Channel Islands National Park is situated in the Pacific Ocean, just off the Ventura coast in California. Comprised of five islands – Anacapa, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Miguel and Santa Rosa – and the waters within one nautical mile of each island, Channel Islands is regarded as one of the wildest National Parks. And it’s accessible only by boat.
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Tour historic Wrigley Mansion, then dine in style
Born and raised in Chicago, I knew the Wrigley Building well, as it is one of the city’s famous architectural landmarks. And the man behind it, William Wrigley Jr., was the chewing gum magnate. The young entrepreneur started his career by selling soap and baking powder. Then one day, he decided to offer free packs of gum as an incentive. And the rest as they say is history.
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National Steinbeck Center celebrates a famous American icon
I am a shameless bibliophile and John Steinbeck is one of my favorite American authors. His books, specifically Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath, were required reading when I was in school. They served as my introduction to the famed writer’s oeuvre and I went on to devour everything I could find by him in my local library.
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Welcome to the Conch Republic!
You might not think that roosters, six-toed cats, Hemmingway and President Truman share anything in common. But, they do, having each called Key West home at one point or another. And some, like the roosters and cats, have become permanent denizens of this irreverent southernmost, subtropical paradise.
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'Take the waters' and soak up the history in Hot Springs
It’s perfectly legal to be naked in Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park. Yes, you read that right – the caveat being as long as you’re in the Buckstaff Bathhouse! Simply don your birthday suit and soak your troubles away when you visit this historic bathhouse within one of the most unique national parks in the country.
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Virginia Beach is full of surprises!
Beach destinations are all about the sun, sand and sea, and I usually assume there’s not much else to such places beyond the proverbial trinket shops and restaurants. Virginia Beach, however, defies expectations. This lovely, coastal Virginia community not only has wonderful, white sand beaches, but also plenty of parks, museums and other cultural attractions, historical sites and a vibrant culinary and arts scene.
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Discover an aquatic wonderland at Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is not like most national parks, where land is the dominant feature. Here on the southeast edge of the Florida peninsula, water takes centerstage and comprises 95% of the park’s geography. It’s a subtropical playground, comprised of a mangrove shoreline, a warm, shallow bay and small islands or keys.
Experience a visual conversation between Wright and Chihuly at Taliesin West
Aficionados of Frank Lloyd Wright most likely have Taliesin West on their list of places to visit. After all, it’s one of the legendary architect’s famed creations and an iconic, cultural landmark in Arizona. Now, however, fans of celebrated contemporary artist Dale Chihuly need to add this UNESCO World Heritage Site to their list, too.
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Treasures abound at Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park
The seaplane kissed the water as we landed at Dry Tortugas National Park, one of our country’s most inaccessible national parks. It had been a smooth flight on Key West Seaplane Charters from Key West, where we had departed a mere thirty-five minutes ago, and the sights enroute were incredible.
A New Chapter for Margaret Larson
Most people in the Seattle area are familiar with Margaret Larson as the face of KING 5’s New Day Northwest, a position she held for ten years
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Greenville is more than just a pretty face
Move over Charleston and Savannah. There’s a new southern belle in town and her name is Greenville. She can ooze sultry charm like the best of them and she’s picture-pretty. But, there’s plenty of substance and depth under those good looks.
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Enjoy laid back luxury and natural beauty in Ponte Vedra
I thought I had good eyes until I went shark tooth hunting on a beach in Ponte Vedra, Florida. I didn’t realize that these teeth are very tiny and blend in well with shells. They are black and shiny and usually triangular in shape, but that fits the description for so much of the beach matter that is mixed in the coquina sand of the area. This type of sand is comprised of crushed shells and crunches when you walk on it. The effect is akin to having microdermabrasion for the feet, an added bonus to this ultimate scavenger hunt.
LOCAL
The wild heart of South Carolina beats strong in Congaree National Park
Having a National Park pretty much to yourself is a rare experience. Yet, there I was wandering in the swamp among the towering trees of Congaree National Park with nary a soul in sight…with the exception of my husband. It was somewhat eerie, yet peacefully comforting to be amid the serenity of such natural beauty.
