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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.
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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 air ballooning, rappelling down a cliff or ziplining, it’s a rush and a major boost in self-confidence, not to mention the props I get for my accomplishment. My latest acrophobic adventure was doing the Bridge Walk across the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park.
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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 area. Glad I did, as it was an eye-opening experience and a worthwhile diversion.
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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 sky, while others in the chain top 12,000 feet. Created and sculpted by geologic forces, these mountains are a thing of wonder and I never tire of marveling at their presence.
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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.
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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 mountain without having to lace up your hiking boots.
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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 hotbed of activity.
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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 other hand, is adept in this arena, and it was his idea to take a French baking class during our recent visit to Paris. I agreed to join him, but requested the class focus on croissants, as I envisioned him whipping up a batch of these flaky delights at home – whenever the craving hit!
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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 he graciously told me it wasn’t the first time.
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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 dedicated to the art of the renowned and prolific French sculptor, Auguste Rodin.
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Experience the WOW factor of Greenland on a voyage with Albatros Expeditions
You’ve probably heard the opposite is true when it comes to Iceland and Greenland. Iceland is green and Greenland is ice. But perhaps you didn’t know how these names came to be. Story has it that settlers in Iceland wanted to trick their fellow Norsemen into keeping away from their verdant paradise. They decided to call their home “Iceland,” hoping to discourage others from coming to its shores. As for Greenland, Erik the Red, an Icelandic murderer who was exiled to the island, is responsible for giving this island its name. He wanted to attract settlers to the place and “Greenland” sounded inviting and desirable. However, when people got there, they found an inhospitable world of white, comprised of ice, snow and glaciers.
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Explore a rich tapestry of nature and culture on the island of Hawaii
Hilo, Hawai‘i has the distinction of being the wettest city in the U.S. with an average of 276 days of rain per year. I can personally attest to this fact, having recently been to the city and experiencing intermittent heavy squalls and downpours during my visit. The silver lining in all this “liquid sunshine,” however, were all the spectacular waterfalls that thundered down from the cliffs.
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Mob Museum is must-see attraction in Vegas
You might be surprised to hear that one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas isn’t casino related. In fact, it’s a museum – the Mob Museum. Located in downtown Vegas, approximately six miles from the Strip, this fascinating place is a visitor favorite.
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Double your Getty pleasure when you visit L.A.
The Getty Center is one of the top attractions in Southern California and belongs on your short list of things to do when you’re in Los Angeles. More than a museum with an exceptional art collection, the Center is a beautiful public park with views of the city’s skyline, as well as the surrounding mountains.
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Much to love about Walla Walla
Most people go to Walla Walla for the wine. After all, the town is a viniculture mecca. Located in the southeast corner of Washington State, within highly regarded Washington Wine Country, the Walla Walla Valley features more than 130 wineries and nearly 3,000 acres of grapes. Here’s where you can sip award-winning, robust flavors straight from the source, like Cab Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and more.
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Experience Jurassic nature in technicolor on the Azores’ São Miguel Island
São Miguel is known as the “Green Island” due to its lush landscapes and rolling, verdant hills. It feels a bit like Ireland, Iceland and Hawaii all bundled up into one enchanting place. Most visitors to the island arrive in Ponta Delgada, the lively, cosmopolitan city that serves as the economic hub of the Azores. As with our previous experience on Terceira, Archipelago Choice scheduled several, privately guided tours for my husband and I, focusing on nature, landscape, history and food. They also booked our accommodations and transfers and provided a wealth of information about the island.
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Discover the Azores’ wild and wondrous Terceira Island
If you’re looking for treasure in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, head to Portugal’s Azores Islands. You’ll discover breathtaking scenery, geological marvels, inspiring UNESCO Heritage Sites, and a rich culture marked by old world customs and traditions. Oh, and did I mention happy cows?
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Art blends with nature at Long Beach’s ‘Sandsations’
Many internationally recognized sand sculptors got their start as kids playing around at the beach. Unlike most of us, however, they kept at it and over the years honed their skills, crafting eye-popping and intricate creations, from amazing replicas of famous structures to imaginative, original works of art. Despite the impermanence of their pieces, the sculptors spare no effort in rendering the tiniest and most ornate details that it seems hardly possible the structures are made of sand.
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The Bite is back!
It’s been three years since Bite of Seattle graced the grounds of Seattle Center. The city’s original and largest food and beverage festival drew thousands of people eager to sample the bounty from the area’s diverse culinary scene. An annual summertime staple, its absence has only made locals hungrier than ever for its return.
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Experience a slow-paced voyage of discovery through Burgundy
When most people think of a barge, they envision a flat-bottomed boat that hauls goods down a waterway – a working vessel. So when I told family and friends that I was going on a barge cruise in France, I received quizzical and confused looks. They didn’t understand why I was choosing to travel by what they perceived to be an uncomfortable mode of transportation. “Au contraire!” I responded, and then proceeded to enlighten them, explaining that this was not a cargo boat, but rather a small, sleek, luxury hotel barge owned by European Waterways. And no, I would not be “roughing it!” In fact, I would be wined and dined, and my every need tended to by an exceptional staff, well-versed in performing the highest levels of service and hospitality. All this while meandering through the picturesque French countryside along the Burgundy Canal, far from crowds and the hustle bustle of city life.
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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.
