During a busy and fun-filled getaway weekend, my husband (“Mr. TWS”) and I visited El Dorado County, South Lake Tahoe, and Carson Valley, Nevada. These three Sierra Nevada locations, easily reached from the San Francisco Bay Area and many other places in Northern California and Nevada, can be enjoyed as individual destinations or an itinerary trio. We packed a lot into three days (and would recommend taking much more time), but we got a good feel … [Read more...]
My New Jersey Adventure
Ok, let’s be honest, besides Six Flags, the only part of New Jersey any traveler in their right mind would bother visiting is the boardwalk of Atlantic City on the New Jersey Shore. As an addict of the HBO series ‘Boardwalk Empire’, I finally got the opportunity to explore the world renowned Atlantic City Boardwalk. Built in 1870, the American landmark is lined with shops, restaurants, food stands, casinos and is ideal for people-watching. … [Read more...]
Visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a vacation destination that is perfect for anyone looking to travel alone, with a group of adults or a family vacation. There are literally hundreds of things to do that will ensure that everyone who stops by is satisfied to the fullest. Mississippi is full of luxurious hotels, beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, world class museums and professional golf courses. The Beaches: Mississippi is home to some of … [Read more...]
Death in Africa
While scouting for the first descent of the Baro River in Ethiopia, a tributary of the White Nile, I heard about a Peace Corps volunteer, Bill Olsen, 25, a recent graduate of Cornell, who decided to take a dip in the river at Gambella, a village near the South Sudan border. The locals warned to stay away from the river, which they claimed was busy with monsters. Bill ignored the cautions, and swam to a sandbar on the far side of the muddy river, … [Read more...]
Old Florida charm in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach in the Florida panhandle is one of those places that remind you of a combination of other places, a blend of kitschy charm found in Myrtle Beach, Atlantic City and Key West. It’s a place unto its own, though, and one where you’ll soon find, by dialect and design, a place apart from what you might usually think of as the Sunshine State. South Florida, more a mindset than geographical location, is arguably from the middle of … [Read more...]
Village Life, Romania
Village Life was founded by Alexandra Vasiliu in 2011 and in part, focuses on connecting travelers in southern Romania with local families in a variety of small villages (much of Romania's population still lives in villages). Village Life has developed close relationships with residents in these particular villages and visitors will experience a slice of local life often not experienced during one's travels. Travelers are encouraged to … [Read more...]
Mardi Gras Traditions run Deep in Biloxi
While New Orleans gets all the press and publicity about Mardi Gras there's an equally fun party occurring in Biloxi Mississippi. It is rare to have a more collective community experience than a Mardi Gras parade and the city of Biloxi on Mississippi's Gulf Coast certainly knows how to create an annual enormous fun filled, safe and family friendly party. The dates for Mardi Gras vary every year; the main parade is always held on a Tuesday - … [Read more...]
The Faces of Mardi Gras – Biloxi, Mississippi
There is nothing like throwing thousands of beads to thousands of people. On the simplest level - Mardi Gras is all about the beads! I just returned from an International trip and headed to Biloxi Mississippi for their annual Mardi Gras parade. No rest for the weary! … [Read more...]
Cherokee Nation Salutes 150th Anniversary, Civil War
Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism 2011 season to salute the American Civil War's 150-year anniversary Civil War History Tour highlights the award-winning cultural tourism program's new season TULSA, Okla., (January 25, 2011) --- The Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism program is set to launch the 2011 season, which runs from March through October and features its four historically authentic cultural tours and a wide array of cultural … [Read more...]
Los Angeles Athletic Club
We recently stayed at the Los Angeles Athletic Club (a private membership only club but with hotel rooms available to the general public - the first private club in Los Angeles, founded 1880). We stay in a fair amount of National mid to higher end chain hotels and it is very refreshing to find a hotel such as this one with its uniqueness, elegance and history. As soon as we arrived we shot up to the rooftop for some relaxation with a cold one … [Read more...]