Tourism to the United States generally revolves around the biggest and most famous cities. New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Miami, Chicago.... These are the places you tend to read the most about, and they do indeed provide many of the highlights for international and domestic travelers alike. But the United States is a vast country filled with all kinds of unique destinations, and if you have the time or inclination it's a good idea … [Read more...]
Vibrant LaGrange: Embrace the Surprise of this Sweet Georgia Downtown
LAGRANGE, GEORGIA- 2018--Annually millions, of people travel Georgia's Interstate-85, crossing the Georgia/Alabama line with no idea they are minutes from LaGrange's vibrant downtown, which puts the spotlight on mouthwatering food, energetic entertainment and opportunities for memory-making. Music to the ears Live music can be found every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at a number of pubs or venues around town, including Wild Leap Brew … [Read more...]
Alabama’s Newest Summer Destination for Family Fun
In the summer of 2017, a new amusement park opened its doors in Foley, Alabama. OWA, pronounced like oh-wah, is located just 9 miles from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. It is the only park of its kind in the state of Alabama and the Gulf Coast as well, since Hurricane Katrina destroyed Six Flags New Orleans in 2005. OWA is the perfect destination for family summer fun along Alabama's Gulf Coast. The name OWA was inspired from the … [Read more...]
Where Should You Eat? Restaurants in Coastal Alabama
If you've never been on a beach vacation in Alabama, you are missing out. I had the opportunity to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama recently and what a treat it was. From the white sugar sand beaches to the deep sea fishing, the Alabama coast has it all. To me, the Alabama coast was a great beach vacation without the pretense of some other popular beach locations in the U.S. When you don't want to "keep up with the joneses" and just … [Read more...]
Naughty City Names
Sperling’s BestPlaces finds 13 real U.S. cities and towns with hilariously risqué names 1. Buttzville, New Jersey - Population 194 - Median Home Price $172,700 According to Wikipedia, the town was named after its founder, Michael Robert Buttz. Naturally, he wanted to spread his grief to future generations by naming a town Buttzville. Sure, he could've gone with Michael City but perhaps that sounded too cool. 2. Dick Johnson, … [Read more...]
Tasty Travel to Alabama, Florida Coasts
My love of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is unwavering. But every now and then I venture farther east to Alabama and Florida to enjoy their beautiful beaches. A few days with friends at Orange Beach’s Perdido Beach Resort was the perfect summer starter. New food finds took it to a near-heavenly level. Reality was left behind as we drove up the resort’s palm-tree-lined hill and entered terracotta stone walls. Ensconced in a glamorous cocoon of … [Read more...]
Planning a Sea, Sun and Sand Vacation in Panama City Beach
I have been fortunate to have visited Florida a number of times - sunshine, warm temperatures and the fact the state is ground zero for tropical fruit in the lower 48 has always appealed to me. My first Florida experience was perhaps not the norm - during college we transported a solar car we built in California to the East Coast for a race and then ultimately down to Florida. Camping in July in the middle of the Everglades surrounded by clouds … [Read more...]
Travel Media Showcase & Lake Charles, LA
Travel Media Showcase is an annual industry event focusing on the USA domestic market, pairing representatives from mostly small to medium sized regions with a variety of journalists. Travel shows for the industry such as this one are a great way for journalists to make personal contact with destinations and brands - learn about some of the latest activities and attractions in each region and help coordinate future visits. This show was TMS's … [Read more...]
Fall in love with LaGrange, Georgia
An array of festivals fills the calendar with something to celebrate for everyone LAGRANGE, GEORGIA - AUGUST 2013 - With the first crisp notes of autumnal air, the calendar fills with a harvest of happenings clearing the way for memory-making excursions the whole family will enjoy. From old-fashioned festival fun to musical pursuits to sophisticated cultural explorations, find it all this fall in LaGrange, Georgia, about an hour from … [Read more...]
Eureka Springs Revisited
In early November, I spent two serendipitous days in the tiny resort town of Eureka Springs, located in the Ozarks, at the edge of Arkansas. I had accepted an invitation from a friend in the American Midwest to join her on her ranch in Kansas, and she was taking me on a road trip. Since we would be riding through Missouri, I asked if I might see something connected with Mark Twain. “Hannibal is on the other side of the state.” I was mildly … [Read more...]