Photo credit: Dawsonville George CVB DAWSONVILLE, GEORGIA—JULY 2026—Slip away from the noise and hustle of city life to the quaint town of Dawsonville, nestled within the scenic North Georgia Mountains. It’s the perfect getaway with unique options for accommodations and a growing culinary scene only an hour northwest of Atlanta and two hours south of Chattanooga. Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge One of Georgia’s most visited state parks is located just minutes from downtown Dawsonville, but the mountainous retreat feels a world away. Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge […]

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The brutal reality check that hits every backpacker flying from SE Asia into Australia. The barman at the first pub I walked into after dropping my bag slid a schooner across the bar and said nine dollars. I handed over a tenner and stood there waiting for change that wasn’t coming. He’d already moved on. I picked up the glass and did the maths in my head the way you do when you already know the answer isn’t good. Here’s what Southeast Asia does to you. It makes you genuinely […]

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In a town known for craft beer, San Diego’s cider scene is a small (and exciting) alternative Like most of the country, craft cider in San Diego makes up only a small portion of the local beverage scene. But cider is growing in popularity, thanks to its natural lack of gluten, relatively low alcohol content and the fact it’s simply a delicious drink. For what San Diego cideries lack in numbers, they more than make up for with quality, with a diverse array of flavors and finishes to excite even […]

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I landed in Barcelona with a broken suitcase wheel, a dead phone, and absolutely no idea what I was doing. It was my first solo trip to Spain, and I’d spent weeks reading guides that all said the same thing: “Visit the Sagrada Familia before 9 AM for the best lighting.” Helpful? Sure. But not exactly the kind of advice that prepares you for the moment you step out of the metro into a plaza full of strangers, with the Catalan sun on your face and no plan beyond “find food.” Five days […]

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Hey, lovers of Southeastern USA road trips. Y’all need to ask yourselves these two questions. Do we love Louisiana? And do we love andouille? Hint, that previous sentence IS how you pronounce the word, so let me repeat  the question: AND DO WE love andouille? The best answer, of course, would be a resounding yes. But to help convince those of you who are unsure, this article helps you discover the Andouille Trail and the many other fascinating things you can do in the Louisiana River Parishes. The parishes of Saint […]

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Eddy L. Harris is a writer, filmmaker, and lifelong traveler who mixes memoir, adventure, and cultural insights in books like Mississippi Solo and Native Stranger. His stories dive into race and identity, inspired by his journeys across the USA and Africa. Q. Back in the 80s, you made a journey down the Mississippi by canoe, solo. What was the hardest part of doing it solo? The hardest thing about doing it solo was doing it. And I imagine that would have been the case had I not been alone – the […]

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Oslo in winter doesn’t try to impress with postcard-blue skies. It seduces with low grey light, the smell of woodsmoke drifting over the fjord, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing the city was built for this season, not in spite of it.  Two days is barely enough to scratch the surface, yet it’s perfect for feeling the vibe, and slipping into the rhythm of a place that treats darkness like an old friend. I have escaped to Norway twice, once in December during thick snow, and second time in February […]

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With Missouri’s official launch into legal sports wagering in 2025, the Midwest’s entertainment map has shifted. The Show-Me State’s arrival in the regulated gaming arena puts it shoulder to shoulder with neighboring heavyweights like Illinois, Kansas, and Iowa. But legality is only part of the story. For sports fans, weekend travelers, and casual gamers alike, it’s about the full experience, convenience, pricing, culture, and game-day energy. From St. Joseph to the Bootheel, and across state lines into neighboring metros, the borderlines define more than geography. They now shape how and […]

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Originally published via Armageddon Safari: “Have you beauty, that leads the heart from things fashioned of wood and stone to the holy mountain? Tell me, have you these in your houses? Or have you only comfort, and the lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, and becomes a host, and then a master?” -Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet Of all the cancerous cultural exports America has inflicted upon the unsuspecting innocents of the Third World, the mega-shopping mall is arguably the most unforgiveable. Overpriced soulless condo buildings […]

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AVALON, Calif. – Oct. 20, 2025 – Catalina Island is diving into something brand new this fall: the inaugural Catalina Island Mermaid Festival, splashing into Avalon Oct. 25–26. The free, family-friendly celebration will transform Avalon’s waterfront into an under-the-sea playground of art, music, food, and – of course – mermaids. The festival kicks off Saturday, October 25, at 10 a.m. along Crescent Avenue with nearly 20 ocean-themed artist and craft booths, interactive activities, face painting, crown and costume making, and photo opportunities with mermaids. Highlights include the Rubber Ducky Derby […]

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Japan is home to many famous destinations—Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hokkaido. Step beyond these classics and you’ll discover lesser-known regions and cultures with their own allure. This time I visited Nishiwaki, Hyogo, a town celebrated as the birthplace of Banshu-ori textile weaving, where a distinct heritage and craftsmanship thrive alongside daily life. In this article, I’ll share a hands-on trip through under-the-radar spots—from Banshu-ori workshops to museums, parks, and local cuisine. Illustrated report of the Banshu-ori factory tour in Nishiwaki City — highlighting Japanese cotton textiles, vintage looms, and unique […]

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AVALON, Calif. – Sept. 25, 2025 – Catalina Island is diving into something brand new this fall: the inaugural Catalina Island Mermaid Festival, splashing into Avalon Oct. 25–26. The free, family-friendly celebration will transform Avalon’s waterfront into an under-the-sea playground of art, music, food, and – of course – mermaids. The festival kicks off Saturday, October 25, at 10 a.m. along Crescent Avenue with nearly 20 ocean-themed artist and craft booths, interactive activities, face painting, crown and costume making, and photo opportunities with mermaids. Highlights include the Rubber Ducky Derby […]

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The morning sun cast long shadows across the sugarcane fields as I made my way north from Manila along the MacArthur Highway. Like many travelers before me, I had always seen Tarlac as a place to pass through – a mere waypoint on the journey to more famous destinations in the Philippines’ northern reaches. But something made me stop this time, drawn by whispers of historic haciendas, sacred mountains, and a culture that blends the Kapampangan, Pangasinan, and Ilocano traditions into something uniquely its own. My first stop was Tarlac […]

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From food festivals and surf contests to concerts on the beach, eco fairs and classic car nights, Encinitas offers an unforgettable lineup of summer events along the California coast Encinitas, California – June, 2025 – This June, the laid-back beach town of Encinitas is making waves with a packed calendar of events that capture the spirit of summer in Southern California. From food and wine tastings to free concerts, classic car nights, surf festivals, and eco-friendly community fairs, Encinitas is the perfect destination for weekend getaways, day trips, or local […]

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Holland America Line continues its long-standing commitment to celebrate Alaska’s wildlife and wilderness by expanding its partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC)—a renowned nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. As part of the 2025 Alaska cruise season, Holland America Line will introduce a variety of onboard activities designed to benefit AWCC and raise awareness of Alaska wildlife among guests. This initiative launches with the debut of Harry & David’s iconic Moose Munch® Premium Popcorn on all Alaska sailings, with […]

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