LOCAL
You'll fall hard for Boothbay Harbor
I’m on a treasure hunt for trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine. Yes, trolls – five mammoth-sized creatures who want to impart lessons they’ve learned about trees to all who find them. And they’re located deep in the forest, reached by a series of trails within this enchanting paradise.
Acadia National Park: the crown jewel of coastal Maine
The popovers at the Jordan Pond House in Maine’s Acadia National Park are famous. But until you try them, you might be skeptical of their reputation. After all, they’re popovers. How good could they be? It only took one bite of my Jordan Pond House popover to know that the glowing accolades were true. I was an instant convert. The muffin-like baked treat was light and fluffy with a delicious buttery flavor, and served piping hot. Of course, I slathered it in butter and strawberry jam. A glass of blueberry lemonade made the perfect accompaniment, as did the beautiful view of Jordan Pond and the Bubble Mountains.
LOCAL
Travel 'kindly' when you stay at the Lumiere with Inspirato
It’s hard to keep me away from Colorado. The state’s diverse and dramatic landscape is a commanding draw and its magnetic and dynamic attraction is strong. Whether it’s a National Park, Old West mountain town, archaeological site or unique geological formation, Colorado offers plenty of choices for all vacation appetites.
LOCAL
It's big. It's bold. It's the Colorado National Monument
It’s hard to wrap your head around the Colorado National Monument. It holds you spellbound as you look out at this famed, rugged landscape of the American West. Towering sandstone monoliths as tall as 450 feet act as sentinels in a vast plateau with sheer-walled canyons as deep as 500 feet. And the views stretch for what seems like eternity.
LOCAL
An architect and an heiress leave their mark on Springfield
Growing up in Chicago gave me access to several of Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the Midwest. I learned to appreciate the architect’s style and to value his vision for creating buildings that are tied to the natural world.
LOCAL
Much to love about the Rogue Valley
I began falling in love with the Rogue Valley years ago, when I first went to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, then later when I returned to explore Crater Lake National Park and again, to do a multi-day rafting trip down the Rogue River. After my most recent visit, I confess I’m now completely besotted with the place.
Covered wooden bridges are iconic Vermont
The covered bridges of Vermont are often found on postcards, in books and stories about the state and on many different social media sites. They’re the settings for idyllic, scenic drives, weddings and ghost tales.
Bishop’s Lodge melds luxury with authenticity for an enchanting respite
The wait is over. After a $75 million restoration, Bishop’s Lodge, now an Auberge Resort, has reopened its doors and the excitement is palpable. Situated on 317 acres bordering the Santa Fe National Forest, this famed New Mexico property offers a crafted approach to luxury, imbued with a southwestern aesthetic.
LOCAL
Space collides with earth in the Arizona desert
The signs called to me in persistent fashion, as I drove towards Flagstaff, on I-40. I decided I simply could not pass up the opportunity to see the Meteor Crater - “the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth” – so I made the easy detour to satisfy my curiosity.
Bewitched by Salem
The first tarot card the psychic at Pentagram turned over was a sun, which I was told signifies optimism, success, vitality and fun. She then proceeded to tell me I would have several opportunities coming my way soon. One would be career related; the other not. And a third was going to be a distraction I should not undertake. Other cards she chose indicated good health and awareness, as well as increasing strength in the wake of grief. She was right on the mark with this one, as my father passed away last fall.
Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga was created back in the 90s by Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from India
Enjoy a slice of Austria in Vermont at the Trapp Family Lodge
I could almost hear the cowbells and picture Maria traipsing down the mountains, singing, “The Hills are Alive,” as I looked out upon the pastoral scene. Though it was Vermont, and not Austria, the movie’s images were omnipresent everywhere I looked at the Trapp Family Lodge.
Timeless elegance and more at the Woodstock Inn
Audubon effortlessly glided from a nearby perch, making a beeline for my heavily gloved arm. He snatched up the beef bit and then proceeded to use my limb as his throne, while the paparazzi took pictures. He knew he was a good-looking guy and soaked up the attention. Occasionally, he would eye me and engage in an intense staring contest. I was instantly smitten with this striking creature.
Relax, rejuvenate at The Springs
I just had one of the best nights of sleep ever! This is a remarkable feat coming from someone with insomnia issues, who often tosses and turns the hours away as her brain refuses to turn itself off. So, you’ll forgive me if I sound giddy with enthusiasm. I credit this heavenly night’s rest to The Springs Resort & Spa.
Hats off to history and innovation at the Royal Gorge Bridge
Everyone should have the opportunity to walk across the country’s highest bridge, if only to comprehend this amazing engineering feat. And of course, to take in the jaw-dropping views it provides from all angles. The Royal Gorge Bridge, located an hour south of Colorado Springs in Cañon City, Colorado, is truly a marvel.
The past comes alive at Bandelier
The Southwest is a mecca of ancient Native American settlements, including such notables as Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, Canyon de Chelly and Bandelier National Monument. The latter is an easy day trip for visitors staying in Santa Fe, and is also in close proximity to other northern New Mexico popular destinations.
New Olympic Museum deserves a gold medal
The Olympics was always a much-anticipated event for my family. We would gather together, jockeying for position in front of our small TV set, to share the excitement of competition and the pride in seeing our country’s athletes stand on the podium. We agonized when they slipped or fell, or were edged out of a medal by a nanosecond. But no matter the outcome, in our minds these talented men and women were still winners on the world’s biggest stage.
Meet the celebs of Saguaro National Park
Cacti are quirky characters with their prickly, spiny exteriors and odd, irregular shapes. You either like them or you don’t. I personally find them beautiful and admirable for their unique qualities.
Find Insight and Inspiration in a Labyrinth
The traditional way to walk a labyrinth is to begin at the clearly indicated entrance and proceed along the path, which is often lined by stones. When you reach the center, you’re halfway; it’s time to turn around and return to the start.
Fall in love with the Oregon Coast
Lighthouses are the sentinels of a coastline, visible from miles away. They serve as points of reference for seafaring folks. And for those of us on land, they are wonderful photograph-worthy subjects and romanticized symbols.
Find serenity amid splendor at Bloedel Reserve
Nature can be a soothing balm, providing opportunities to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. During challenging times, escaping to the great outdoors is even more essential to our health and well-being.
There's plenty good about the Badlands!
When I began my travel writing career, I set a goal to visit each of the fifty states. Slowly, I began chipping away at this objective and soon only one state remained, North Dakota. Time for a road trip!
Northwest Nebraska is full of surprises
This summer, the road trip is being rediscovered by many travelers during what has become the new “normal.” They’re taking off in cars, campers, RVs and motorcycles, seeking opportunities to explore our country’s natural playgrounds. Some are opting for the road less traveled in order to avoid potentially crowded areas. The upside to this plan is the potential of finding hidden gems along the way.
Explore canyons, dunes and ruins in Southwest Colorado
Hiking trails are typically an inherent part of most National Parks in our country. They offer opportunities for visitors to discover the highlights, as well as the lesser known features of each particular destination. It’s rare when a park doesn’t offer some type of trail system, but such anomalies do exist.
'There is a little bit of boutique in all of us!'
When we begin to get back to travel, the boutique hospitality sector is due to boom. Travelers will want to stay at smaller, more intimate properties that can ensure safety, as well as offer unique experiences.
Find inspiration in the natural splendor of Olympic National Park
Diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. Located in northwestern Washington State, on the Olympic Peninsula, the park protects a wilderness spanning nearly a million acres. It is often referred to as “three parks in one,” as it boasts three distinctly different ecosystems: rugged, glacier-capped peaks, old-growth and temperate rain forests and over seventy miles of wild Pacific coastline.
Twinkle, twinkle, little glowworm!
The North Island of New Zealand has an abundance of natural treasures. Among them is the world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The name “Waitomo” comes from the Māoris words wai and tomo, meaning hole or shaft.
Step into Middle Earth with a visit to Hobbition
I’m a petite, or if you must say, short woman. At 5 feet two (on a good day!), I’m height-challenged. If I don’t have a stepstool, I’m at the mercy of asking others to help me reach those unattainable objects. In crowds, I’m constantly jumping up and down to see what’s happening, or trying to inch my way under and around everyone’s elbows. And I always have to take up the hem on my pants. Being short, however, is a plus when you visit Hobbiton in New Zealand, the famed movie set home of J.R.R. Tolkien’s hobbits.
Discover a hiker's paradise on New Zealand's South Island
Travel has always been an active pursuit for me. I typically shy away from coach tours, as I feel they relegate me to being an armchair traveler, who mostly watches the scenery go by outside a window. They restrict me to primarily being a passive observer, having little interaction with the exciting world beyond the narrow viewpoint provided.
Journey through the depths of Mordor
"It's the last push," shouts our guide Connor, with annoyingly, over-the-top enthusiasm. I don't believe him. And neither does anyone else in our group of six hikers. We've all learned by now that Connor's using what I refer to as "guide speak" - the rah-rah efforts that guides employ to motivate their groups to keep moving when the going gets tough.
Discover a mystical lunar landscape at Craters of the Moon
I'm in an otherworldly place that looks like somewhere the lunar lander would have been roaming around on a research mission. Pitch-black lava fragments are scattered amid a sea of cinders, mini volcanoes rise up from the barren terrain and dark, forbidding craters combine to create an eerie and starkly beautiful landscape.
Prepare to be mesmerized by Monument Valley
John Wayne was right on the mark when he described Monument Valley as, "God's Treasure." The iconic actor was taken with the stark beauty of this majestic place when he first laid eyes on it while filming the movie, "Stagecoach," back in the late 1930s.
Trust me, you're going to love Albuquerque!
From my perch in the sky, the view is sublime. The iconic Sandia Mountains appear as sentinels of the high desert and the rugged lava escarpments provide a Mars-like topography. Below, the Rio Grande snakes through the expansive landscape, while matchbox size houses and buildings look like Lego constructions.
Amp up the adventure in Hells Canyon!
“Let’s paddle,” says our guide Barry in a calm, relaxed tone. We obey, albeit a bit distractedly, as we’re busy chatting with one another. Then we hear that telltale roar – the one that signals some mighty big rapids are ahead. Soon, we see them in all their frenzied glory. And now Barry urgently yells, “Paddle hard everyone!”
One island, many adventures
Soaring high above Oʻahu, from my comfy perch in a Blue Hawaiian helicopter, I marveled at the diversity of the island. From craggy cliffs and mountains to dramatic coastlines, verdant valleys and lush rainforests, this special slice of paradise has it all.
Embark on a wellness journey at Hilton Head Health
They come for a variety of reasons. Many hope to get in better physical shape; others want to learn how to eat more nutritiously. Then there are those who wish to destress and recharge their batteries. They are women and men, mothers and fathers, who over the years have put their health on hold to achieve professional or academic success, provide and tend to the needs of their families and care for aging parents.
River Cruise showcases Chicago's gems
Ah, Chicago! Famous for its colorful history, vibrant culture, sports teams, food, and yes, climate, this Midwest hub is a magnet for visitors. Chicago is also an architectural mecca and one of the best ways to appreciate this exciting landscape is via a Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady.
Colorado Springs offers endless adventure
I’m a sucker for a room with a view. It doesn’t matter if it’s water, mountains or a cityscape. I’m not picky. But, some views deserve extra special recognition, like the one at The Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in Colorado Springs.
Get inspired with a visit to O'Keeffe country
Georgia O'Keeffe is synonymous with New Mexico. The famed artist spent the last forty years of her life in the Land of Enchantment. She painted its dramatic landscapes and iconic formations in her own unique style.
The Jetsons would feel at home in this garden!
You might think you've stepped onto another planet at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay. The park, a well-known attraction in the city, takes the traditional conservatory concept up more than just a notch or two.
Hot on the trail of Namibia's Little Five
Everyone touts the Big Five in Africa - the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. They're the photogenic celebrities of the savannah that travelers year to see on safari. But, there's another group of creatures who fly way below the radar, yet deserve attention for their own star-studded qualities.
Temple hopping in mystical Bagan
As the sun rises and paints the landscape fiery orange, I finally grasp the sheer magnitude of Bagan's ancient monuments from my bird's-eye perch in a hot air balloon. It's an otherworldly skyline, dotted with pagodas, temples, shrines, stupas and monasteries as far as the eye can see.
Soak up the ryokan vibes at Ten Thousand Waves
It's a bit embarrassing to wake up and find yourself drooling like a baby, especially when there's someone else to witness this cringe-worthy moment. I laughed self-consciously, hoping to deflect the situation humorously. Thankfully, my massage therapist kindly helped me save face by explaining that this was a clear sign I had reached total relaxation during my deep stone treatment.
Nature takes center stage in southern Africa
I am both repelled and fascinated by crocodiles. Their fearsome reputation precedes them and the fact that they outlived the dinosaurs has given their species legendary respect. No one wants to mess with a croc, but many people will seize the opportunity to view one up close, particularly within its natural habitat.
Captivating Cape Town
There’s nowhere quite like Cape Town, the jewel of South Africa. This fascinating city is a meld of cultures, history and landscape, crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain.
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