If you’ve never been to Belfast, Northern Ireland, you are in for a treat. Set aside any preconceived notions of a dull and dirty industrial city besieged by the dark legacy of “The Troubles.” Instead, prepare to discover a lively culture that charms and welcomes visitors. Belfast is chock full of fun activities for both adults and kids alike, and the city is a genuine treat to explore. I hope to infuse my travel bug and world curiosity into … [Read more...]
Tips for a Romantic Getaway in Austin, Texas
Austin is, undoubtedly, for lovers. We boast awe-inspiring natural wonders, great food, and culture to spare. Whether you’re still in the honeymoon stage with your special somebody or you’re celebrating fifty years together and still get butterflies, you can count on Austin to provide you with all the magic of a true romantic escape from reality. Tell Your Partner to Take a Hike Lace up your hiking boots and pack a picnic dinner and a … [Read more...]
An Oasis in Death Valley is Restored Beyond Its Original Grandeur
When exploring the vast open spaces of the Western United States, millions of travelers visit iconic National Parks like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite. For the uninitiated, Death Valley National Park may appear to simply be a wasteland with record breaking temperatures famous for frying eggs on blacktop. But dig deeper and you have one of the country’s largest National Parks with extremely comfortable daytime winter and early spring temperatures … [Read more...]
Finding Inspiration (and lots of fish) at Waterfall Resort, Alaska
52-acres of wilderness await guests at Waterfall Resort - a private fishing lodge located on Prince of Wales Island near Alaska's Inside Passage. Seasonal runs of large numbers of fish pass through here including wild king and silver salmon, various size halibut (and this fish can easily get over 100 pounds), lingcod and numerous other types of fish. The site of the resort was once a thriving cannery - founded in 1912 and operating through the … [Read more...]
Taking Advantage of Bright Sun in Belfast Before the Rain Sets In
Upon landing in Belfast, Northern Ireland (or as some might say, 'Nord Iron') I was pleasantly surprised to see some sun peeking through the clouds. Coming from bright sunny days in Spain this past week with warm temperatures I had braced myself for brisk cloudy days and bone chilling nights. I felt welcomed on the bus ride into town; a gentleman facing me in another seat kept smiling my way - talking to the lady he was with and nodding in my … [Read more...]
A Place to Unwind: The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana
There are places in the world that are immediately inspirational based entirely on their natural beauty - I would count the wide open spaces of Montana as one of these inspirational destinations. I remember my trip to Montana a number of years ago, driving the open roads in the Northwest part of the State from Glacier National Park down to Missoula. I was impressed by the countryside, the jagged rocky faces of the mountains in Glacier National … [Read more...]
Visit Detroit Today: Summer in The D
Explore Detroit this summer and submerge yourself in the traditions that articulate America’s great comeback city. Detroit offers plenty of summer activities combining cars, culture, gaming, music and sports. Watch as hydroplane boats race down the Detroit River at speeds over 200 mph to compete for the oldest trophy in the history of motor sports, the American Power Boat Association (APBA) Gold Cup. Vintage race boats, a hot rod show, live … [Read more...]
Drink It All In With A Guide To Telluride’s Best Spots For Imbibing
TELLURIDE, Colo. (September 10, 2013) – In the early 1900s, 35 establishments existed for thirsty drinkers to belly up to the bar in Telluride. Despite the front pages of the local newspapers, The Daily Journal and San Miguel Examiner reporting the town would “abide strictly by the law no matter what the loss”, you could get a drink just about anywhere, including the courthouse. When the taps went dry, speakeasies and soda parlors took over … [Read more...]
Peace, Love and Vodka
The Woodstock Festival took place in New York State’s Catskill Mountains in 1969. Whether you lived through it or were born decades later, Woodstock is the stuff of legends, three days of peace, love and music. Rock and roll giants such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Grateful Dead and many other icons preformed. Though called Woodstock, the concert didn’t actually take place in the town of Woodstock. It took place in the rural community … [Read more...]
Peter Mondavi Sr: Longtime Napa Winemaker, Industry leader
We recently had the honor and rare privilege to sit down with Peter Mondavi Sr., long time proprietor of Napa's oldest winery, Charles Krug. Mr. Mondavi is 98 years young. We talked about history of course because when you've been in Napa as long as Peter Mondavi Sr. you have plenty to discuss. But we also covered the types of wines being produced today and how they differ from the wines he started out producing in the 1940's, not to mention his … [Read more...]