For people who are lucky enough to live on a coast, maybe Northern Michigan doesn't have the same appeal as it does for those of us who live in the Midwest. There may not be any direct flights, unless you're coming from Detroit, but it is worth the connecting flight. What makes Petoskey, Michigan so special? I'll give you 25 reasons to visit Petoskey Michigan. Petoskey has been known as, "the land of million dollar sunsets," … [Read more...]
About Jaime Scilingo Mazur
Jaime Scilingo Mazur lives in the suburbs of Chicago. She speaks French, and previously lived in Chicago, Quebec City, and Portland, Maine, where she found herself sharing a home with a ghost. When she is not working as a healthcare provider, she is a wife and mom who cooks nutritious and gluten free meals for her family while attempting a sustainable outdoor garden. She currently focuses her writing on wine education and wine travel, as well as Midwestern family travel with young children.
Four Reasons To Visit Idaho Wine Country
When you think of a romantic vacation to wine country, you probably envision a scene of endless vineyards in California, Italy, or France. Those, of course, are the most romantic, and the three most popular wine destinations for Americans. The idea of traveling to Idaho to explore its multiple American Viticultural Areas (AVA) may seem bizarre, but trust me. Exploring the Idaho wine regions will surprise you in the most delightful ways. Idaho … [Read more...]
6 Reasons to Take A Food Tour in Alsace with L’Alsaciette
I visited the Alsace region of France for a quick weekend over the American Thanksgiving holiday. I flew into Geneva, Switzerland and then took a train to Basel before transferring to a local train to Colmar, France. On quick trips such as this, I avoid car rentals. I prefer to take advantage of public transportation and the deluge of culture that accompanies it. On this particular trip, I was really looking forward to trying the food and … [Read more...]
Keeping Fit in the Winter at Destination Kohler
Growing up in the Midwest, it is a rite of passage to fall victim to winter weight gain. With shorter days and frigid temperatures, leisurely strolls to the store turn into short sprints to the bus. Daily activities that help you stay slender tend to hibernate as the common Midwesterner slips into a more sedentary lifestyle. While some people seek relief by flying to warm weather destinations for extended weekend trips, for many people, that's … [Read more...]
Enoversity: The Best Wine Tasting Class in Chicago
Chicago is Bon Appetit's 2017 Restaurant City of the Year. While the magazine gives a list of multiple restaurants worth visiting, it makes no mention of cocktails or drinks. Perhaps it is because I live here and am spoiled by the great food, but I am always on the hunt for a well-priced wine or cocktail bar. For people like Dave who is trying to visit every winery in the world famous Napa Valley, finding a decent wine tasting is not a … [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...]
Five Reasons to Visit Amsterdam with the I Amsterdam City Card
Last November, I took a leap of faith and booked my first solo trip abroad. I headed to the Netherlands. Having never traveled alone before, I needed to be safe, smart, and strict about my spending. I enjoy comfort and privacy, so costs add up quickly with both an international hotel and a flight. Through my research, there appeared to be five reasons why the I Amsterdam City Card was the best option. It allowed me to be smart about my … [Read more...]
Indianapolis is for Vonnegut Lovers
Books and authors have an incredible ability to direct travel trends. UK based tours around Harry Potter are the most obvious example, but less ambitious tomes often speak to readers. I can remember when I first encountered Kurt Vonnegut. My high school American literature seminar required reading from a selected list of contemporary writers. Where others reached for The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, I ended up with Cat's Cradle. It was … [Read more...]
5 Practical Tips for Visiting Lisbon
It seems like U.S. tourists discovered Portugal in the last year. No matter what social media platform you use, you probably saw an explosion of coverage for this majestic land. The capital city of Lisbon provides a great introduction to the country, with a manageable population of 600,000 people in the city proper. Beautifully tiled buildings, rolling hills, and delicious custard tarts are on every corner. The people are warm and friendly, and … [Read more...]
Nine Reasons to Visit the Azores Now
Name the group of nine European islands merely four-and-a-half hours from Boston Logan Airport. Stumped? You are not alone. Most of America has never heard of the Azores, couldn't locate them on a map, and wouldn't know what part of Europe claims them as countrymen. For the few who do know of the Atlantic eden 900 miles west of Portugal, this Zion is a cherished gift and a dichotomous burden. On one hand, the beauty and virginal nature of the … [Read more...]