I recently had the opportunity to travel to the far west end of Richmond, Virginia, to an area called Short Pump, so named for a pump that was located at a tavern built by Revolutionary War veteran Robert Hyde Saunders. The affluent area is a shopper's paradise, with shopping malls as far as the eye can see and the Hilton Richmond Short Pump Hotel & Spa, was a comfortable and convenient basecamp for exploring the small town of Ashland, located … [Read more...]
John Muir Slept Here
The best place to walk in the footsteps of John Muir is Yosemite National Park, where the famed naturalist and conservationist hiked and climbed granite domes, lovingly surveyed plants and animals, studied with rapt eyes “cloud mountains” in the sky, and developed his passion for wild spaces. Another place that evokes feelings for one of the visionary creators of our national park system is his old home in Martinez, California, about an hour … [Read more...]
Celebrating The Willard InterContinential’s Rich Washington DC Heritage
Just two blocks from the White House and within walking distance to everything the nation's capitol has to offer, it's easy to see why The Willard InterContinental in Washington DC is known as the "Residence of Presidents" and has remained an anchor in a town that's undergone countless transformations over the hotel's 200 year existence. In 1862, National Hawthorne wrote, "The Willard may be much more justly called the center of Washington … [Read more...]
More of What’s New in Branson for 2017
Silver Dollar City's Festival of Wonder Leads this Year's Events BRANSON, MO. – The all-new Festival of Wonder in April, a new summer concert series and a big new Christmas expansion top the lineup for Silver Dollar City’s 2017 season in Branson, Mo., designated the Year of Food and Crafts. Come celebrate the art of American fine craftsmanship with new handcrafted treasures, new signature dining experiences with bold, innovative flavors and … [Read more...]
Guide to Houston, Texas
Houston combines Texas authenticity with artistic flair. If you like cowboy boots and rodeo with your cutting-edge art scene, mosey on over. In addition to world-class museums, innovative visual experiences should please even self-proclaimed museum haters. The culinary panorama is in the spotlight, with over 10,000 restaurants to tickle your palate. From inexpensive neighborhood spots to chef-driven eateries drawing big spenders, you’ll never go … [Read more...]
Music, Music Every Where and a Sip of Tennessee Moonshine to Drink
“Hippie” Jack Stoddart handed around a Mason jar of chilled moonshine as music filled the air. We were close to the main stage under the big tent during the second day of the September 2015 Jammin' at Hippie Jack's Americana Roots Music, Camping & Arts Festival in Overton County, Tennessee, the home of Americana Music: so delicious. This funky, progressive, and educational gathering of Americana roots musicians and enthusiasts served … [Read more...]
A Kentucky Storyteller’s 30-year LDR with NYC
NEW YORK — There are 8 million stories in the Naked City; on this night, one of them is mine. The producers of The Moth Radio Hour have invited me to come to New York from Kentucky to tell a story at one of their Mainstage events at a Manhattan club, and I am feeling pretty naked myself. The emcee is about to call my name, and then I'll be standing onstage before an audience filled with people who look as if they just came from the party scene … [Read more...]
8-year-old triplet boys, with parents, look up, down and all around
CHICAGO — On our first afternoon in Chicago, my wife, my triplet sons and I set out in the face of a biting wind down Michigan Avenue. These eight-year-olds have never been to a city much bigger than Louisville, Kentucky, where we live. I worry that Chicago will scare or overwhelm them. If this trip goes badly, will Gabrielle and I have to reassure them that no, big cities aren't all bad? What version or vision of Chicago can I show these … [Read more...]
Sense Yountville, 2011
Another successful Sense Yountville was held on a beautifully sunny warm Saturday May 7th under the "big white tent" at V Marketplace 1870 in downtown Yountville. This, only the third annual "Sense Yountville" has already become the appellation's premiere wine & food event. Thirty wineries were represented offering their pre-release wines and large format bottles, and culinary pairings were provided by local restaurants. Highlights included … [Read more...]
Sense Yountville Wine Tasting
After running into Scott Lewis a few days ago, the owner of V Wine Cellars in Yountville (where we have tasted with a number of producers over the years), we were reminded of a special event coming up on May 7th. This, only the third annual "Sense Yountville" has already become the appellation's premiere wine & food event. Thirty wineries are represented offering their pre-release wines and large format bottles, and culinary pairings are … [Read more...]