Traveling the USA So much to see, do and experience. Let's hit the road.
For articles from around the world click on See the WorldCrossing State BordersRiding Route 66 Through the USA and History by Neala Schwartzberg. Historic Route 66 recalls the golden era of automobile travel. Small towns unfolded as families took to the highway. Motels, and attractions popped up
along the sides of the road. Today major highways have supplanted much of the route, but more and more of the towns time left behind are burnishing their
road-history for visitors.
New York to New Mexico: The roadtrip of a lifetime by Neala Schwartzberg. I've lived in New Mexico now for 17 months. It's time for a look back at the road trip from my old life in New York
to my new life in New Mexico. Join me, and Road Dawg.
Accessible Travel Choices – The Possibilities are Endless by Candy Harrington. The bottom line is, wheelchair-users and slow walkers have a wide range of vacation choices; from active holidays and road trips to cruises and outdoor
adventures. There’s truly something to suit just about every taste and lifestyle these days; so next time you think about a vacation, ask yourself,
What do I want to do? rather than, Where can I go?
Travel Tips and Cautions: Walkers and Wheelchair Travelers by Jane Meckwood-Yazdpour. On my recent vacation, I had
the opportunity to use what are called "Handicapped Accessible" facilities in several
hotels and restaurants in three states. My ultimate conclusion was that facility listings are highly overstated. At best they seem "mixed,"
and dreadful at their worst. Read what to look out for when you travel.
Sierra Nevada: In the shadow of tall mountainsby Nell Raun-Linde. This less-traveled, well-maintained highway through
the backside of the Sierra Nevada is U.S. Highway 395, designated the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway. The byway part stretches from the Ridgecrest area of
Southern California to Carson City, Nevada. Let's take a road trip!
There is Room (for a Wheelchair) at the Inn by Candy Harrington. Inns and B&Bs can be the ideal choice for people with disabilities, and Candy has found some beauties everyone will enjoy.
Roadhead USAby Mike Marino. Some of the best Roadie rambles assembled. Read and enjoy Mike's edgy observations across America.
The Quest for 'Queby Neala Schwartzberg. In which the author goes on a quest for barbeque, and reports back, loving every delicious taste.
Air Travel Tips for Wheelers And Slow Walkers by Candy Harrington. Travel by its very nature is an adventure. But for people with a disability there can easily be another layer added -- and that can make traveling quite a challenge. However, here's an article that can help.
Gay-Friendly Innsby Terry Loncaric. "I remembered why I enjoyed staying in gay-friendly inns after returning from a non-gay resort."
Roadside AttractionsSome of America's most loved pieces
Whale Watchingby Joel Teret. That kinda says it all
Old Fashioned Amusement Parksby Bob Stuhmer. It will make you feel like a child again
AlabamaTuskegee Institute and the George Washington Carver Museum - Tuskegee, Alabama By Michael Schuman. Peanut margarine and some of the most courageous fighter pilots of World War II
share common roots. So do author Ralph Ellison, pioneer research in the field of
polio vaccines and the first African-American four-star general.
Miracle Worker at Ivy Green, Alabama by Neala Schwartzberg. Each year during weekends from early June to mid-July Ivy Green, the birthplace and family home of Helen Keller hosts performances of the award-winning, poignant and ultimately triumphant story The Miracle Worker, which is no less than the story of Annie Sullivan. She was the Miracle Worker, the brilliant young woman who cracked through the wall of silent darkness
that surrounded the young Helen Keller.
Alabama Wonders: Ave Maria Grotto, Cathedral Caverns, Jesse Owensby Neala Schwartzberg. Travel is a voyage of discovery, an opportunity to explore wonders that may come in big and small packages. They may be special people, or simply amazing places. And in northern Alabama we discovered wonders of both places and people.
AlaskaAnchorage, Alaksa: Land of surprise and delight (and wildlife and glaciers and...)
by Sheila O'Connor. A moose ambles in front of your car. What do you do? Well probably not much, you'd be so stunned even
to see one. But you shouldn't be. Afterall, this is Alaska.
ArizonaPerfect Rest Stop Found At Holy Trinity Monastery by Bobbie Green.
Traveling through Southwestern Arizona, there's a perfect place to take a stretch-your-legs respite.
Hidden Meadow Ranch -- Arizonaby Leigh Cort. Searching for the ultimate luxurious mountain lodge? Hidden Meadow Ranch in Greer must go to the top of your escape list.
Sedona: A Dazzling Kaleidoscope by Leigh Cort. The miraculous geological wonders of America’s landscapes, scenic roads that seduce travelers to wander off and climb a mountain, the dazzling spectacle of red rocks and mountaintop ranches, even Western movie images of Tombstone.
ArkansasTen Reasons to Love -- Hot Springs, Arkansas by Sarah Reiss. I returned this year to revisit some of my favorite haunts, I found them unchanged, yet charmingly improved upon, making them a
shoe-in for things to love about Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas by Sheila O'Connor. This charming little town with its blocks of history, Victorian architecture and shops,
homes and cottages, has been named one of "America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations and it's no wonder. The entire downtown has been placed on the
National Register of Historic Places and it boasts the largest collection of Victorian architecture anywhere in the central United States.
Arkansas: Clinton Library, Little Rock Nine, and more greets visitors by Suzanne Wright. Bill Clinton is arguably the best thing to ever happen to Arkansas. No matter what you think of his politics, his economic mojo is undisputed. Since its
opening in November 2004, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library has been a shot in the arm to the capital, Little Rock and the state as a whole.
Crater of Diamonds State Parkby Laura Raitman. Panning for diamonds, anyone?
CaliforniaPalm Springs: Paradise Found in the Southern California Desert by Mark Bradley. The temperature is 75 and it’s sunny in paradise today came the voice over the loudspeaker as our plane circled the Coachella Valley,
passed over the Salton Sea, and began its descent into the Palm Springs California International Airport. And this was just the beginning.
Santa Catalina Island by Sheila O'Connor. Santa Catalina is a gem that’s been hidden for too long. Just a one hour boat ride from Long Beach and easily accessible from LAX, a
visit here should not be missed.
California Wine Country: Exploring Napa by Patrice Raplee. California’s Napa Valley has developed into a destination for those who not only love wine, but also yearn for a relaxing environment, inspirational
cuisine, natural spas and unique accommodations. It’s all in a setting where a romantic get-a-away for two, a family vacation or a group of friends
can play and relax in the mild climate and abundant sunshine.
California Wine Country: Napa Valley Wineries by Patrice Raplee. Vineyards cascading down fertile hills are steeped in liquid warm sunshine and cool zephyrs that drift across from the bay. The temperate air mingles with
the evocative fragrance of ripening grapes in a bouquet that is distinctively California’s Napa Valley.
Moonridge Animal Park: A real cool zoo and refuge by Bobbie Green.
The only true alpine zoo in the country, Moonridge Animal Park is distinguished also dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine
species. It's home is in Big Bear, California.
Balboa Park and The Spanish Art Center and More by Patrice Raplee. The Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa park, born in the aftermath of the 1935 - 1936 World's Fair, has thrived since 1937 when it was turned into a unique art village. Today it is a quaint, yet beautiful village with multi-colored painted brick walkways, accented with artwork and Spanish stucco buildings topped with red-tiled roofs.
A Passion for PEZ: Pez Museum by George Bailey. Gary Doss, owner of the world’s only Pez Museum said, From the first moment I bought my Pez dispenser 15 years ago I was “pezed.” Read what's all the excitement about.
San Diego's Balboa Park & Zoo by Patrice Raplee. Nestled within 1,200 acres and elaborate Spanish-Renaissance architecture, the park consists of seven performing arts theaters, 15 museums and several cultural centers, the San Diego Zoo, gardens, recreation, attractions and restaurants, not to mention the Spanish Village Art Center.
Soaking up California's Coastside: San Mateo County by George Bailey. If you're looking for a place with spectacular scenery, quiet idyllic inlets, amazing food, and friendly down-home folks then the "coastside" of Northern California is an ideal choice for a California getaway
Cal A Vie Spaby Suzanne Wright. I've gone from sedentary to 60 mph on my first full day at Cal-A-Vie and it feels good to get my
body revved up. But then, it's time for soft terry robe, the mountain view -- and the softly fragranced air from the private deck perched 40 miles north of San Diego.
San Diego: By Footby Suzanne Wright. The historic Gaslamp Quarter is the city's biggest dining and nightlife destination, the restored center of downtown with numerous Victorian era buildings. Once the red-light district known as Stingaree, where Wyatt Earp once ran three gambling halls, it now spreads over 16 blocks.
Santa Cruz Island: One of Califoria's Most Pristine Settingsby Colleen Fliedner. Unspoiled wilderness with beaches and high ocean bluffs, mountain ranges and pastoral valleys, and picturesque sea caves along the rocky coastline.
Coalinga and the Iron Zooby Kay Grant. Whimsically painted derricks enliven the road, and create an entrancing iron zoo. More road art in California!
The Remains Of Cherokee: A California Gold Rush Town by Kay Grant. Even if you've heard of it, you'll have difficulty finding it in any guidebook, but that's part of what makes it such a perfect place to visit.
Wine Country Uncorked, and moreby Mike Marino. When it comes to the sheer galactic gravitational pull of tourism few regions can top the G-force of Northern California
North Beach, San Francisco: The Beat Goes Onby Mike Marino. The ghosts of Jack Kerouac's Dharma Bums roaming freely in the dark fog night. In North Beach...The Beat Goes On.
ColoradoBoulder's Dushanbe Tea House by Jennifer Eisenlau. In Boulder, Colorado, one of most memorable moments on any visitor’s itinerary is a stop at a small teahouse. Now, many people may not
go out of their way to have a cup of Earl Grey. However, Boulder's Dushanbe Teahouse is a rare gem of a place, and worthy of visit.
Hotel St. Julien, Boulder, Colorado by Neala Schwartzberg. Where the author found nirvana in the tub, the restaurant, and just about everywhere in this new luxury hotel
My Excellent Colorado Adventure: Exploring Colorado's Cities and Attractionsby Neala Schwartzberg. Colorado is truly more than the breath-taking beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Boulder, Fort Collins, Denver, Golden warmly friendly yet sophisticated cities with much to see and do.
Rocky Mountain High - Estes Park, Colorado by Neala Schwartzberg. The Rocky Mountains are iconic. They are Colorado. And awesome in the true sense, leaving visitors in a state of awe.
Telluride, Colorado: Dream Town for People and Dogsby Lyn Kidder. The town was probably named for the mineral tellurium, but it's more fun to believe that it was the original rowdy residents saying "to hell you ride."
Climbing Mount Massiveby Daniel Fink. The romance and reality of mountain-climbing, from the journal of a man confronting his own mortality.
ConnecticutNew England Carousel Museumby Neala Schwartzberg. Where old carousel horses (and other wonderful things) go
FloridaSt. Augustine, Florida: Spanish History and Luxury Living by Neala Schwartzberg. There’s no doubt that the Spanish left their influence on St. Augustine, Florida, but that isn’t the only architectural imprint
on this heritage city. Henry Flagler’s ornate Spanish-Moorish dreams of an American Riviera turned into magnificent buildings also provides a unique
legacy. The result is fascinating history, charming streets, delightful hotels and B& Bs.
10 Reasons to Love Jacksonville - Really by Sarah Reiss. Florida’s First Coast Grows Up and Wakes Up
10 Reasons to Love -- Key West: Key-easy living, she-crab soup and cold beer all day long by Sarah Reiss. Fly into one of the many South Florida gateways,
rent that convertible you’ve always pined after and steer your way down through the mile markers to the place that gave laziness a good name.
Florida Keys: Fishing in Islamoradaby Suzanne Wright. Mancations is the marketing term for testosterone-fueled escapes, the male equivalent of Girlfriend Getaways. (Wait, haven’t men been
slipping off for hunting, fishing and golf weekend for centuries?) Four guys recently let me crash their mancation in Islamorada in the Middle Keys.
Gardens, Orange Groves, and Adventure: Delights near Orlando by Sheila O'Connor. You always thought that Mickey Mouse was synonymous with just about everything related to Orlando, right? But think outside the Mouse-trap and think
instead of the beautiful, abundant orange groves and gardens bursting with color that exist just an hour from Orlando's airport. Didn't know they existed?
Then you're in for a real treat.
NASA's Kennedy Space Center Remains Heart of American Pride by Patrice Raplee.
Over 37 years have passed since the National Aeronautics Space Administration took center stage in the worldwide drama with
Appollo 11 launch and moon landing. Yet a trip to the Kennedy Space Center’s Apollo/Saturn V building brings the extraordinary memory of the
experience back with crystal clarity.
Postcard from ... Amelia Island, Florida -- A Town Time Forgot -- Thank Goodness by Fyllis Hockman. It's time for another postcard and this time Fyllis has found the charming town that time forgot. You'll want to visit.
Saint Augustine's Haunted B&B by Stephanie Moreland. In addition to a charming B&B, Casa de la Paz also has a real resident ghost. A sad young woman who waits for her beloved to return.
Around the Ranch: Big Cat Rescueby Karen Hamlin, research by Michele Cooke. Little Tigger still thinks he’s a little cub who wants to play, but realistically he’s 100 pound tiger whose one-swipe-of-paw play can knock a man flying. It’s not his fault he injured the nice man. Tigger is a victim of the “pet trade.”
Daytona Beach: 8 Fun Things To Do When You Leave The Beach by Neala Schwartzberg. Daytona is more than sand and VROOM Plus, some Daytona Moments
Morikami Japanese Gardens by Neala Schwartzberg. Tucked away in the midst of sand, palm trees and the ever-present strip malls of southern Florida there's an oasis of Japanese tranquility and beauty.
Discover the Sophisticated Side of Disney Worldby Cara Goldsbury. The land of Mickey Mouse has much to offer adult travelers -- beautiful, elegant hotels and fine dining.
A Visit to the Florida Everglades National Parkby Pat Blue Heron. A trip to a place time has forgotten provides an opportunity to connect with nature
Disney Cruise: The Fairest Ship of Allby Karen Hamlin. Go Cruisin' with the Mouse (and friends). It's great fun for the whole family.
GeorgiaAtlanta Gets Its Groove Back by Suzanne Wright. Atlanta is once again in the
spotlight with a host of new, world-class attractions -- where “Every day is an opening day.”
Dahlonega Georgia: Wine Country, Gold Country and More by
Neala Schwartzberg. I gave serious thought to making Dahlonega my second home. This former Gold Rush town has charm, wine, food, music, and even kangaroos.
Little St. Simons Island: A world apart by Leigh Cort. Although some of the island's historical benchmarks date in stages from 700 AD through Plantation Era of the 1800s, as we disembarked and walked along the natural oyster shell path to the Lodge's front steps we felt as if we were the first people to ever feel the splendor and quiet that surrounded us.
Jekyll Island, Georgiaby Neala Schwartzberg. What can we say? Go there.
HawaiiKauai: Tropical Flora & Abundant Trails Draw Hikers of all Levels by Patrice Raplee. Emerald green vistas, canopies alive with birdsong and the pungent scent of tropical flora draw hikers to explore Kauai Hawaii’s abundant hiking trails.
The trail topographies vary from coastlines, valleys, ridges and jungles. All of the trails range from undemanding to difficult and finding the best
hike to suit your fitness level will enhance your experience.
Beauty of Kauai with a Sense of High Adventure by Patrice Raplee. Kauai, Hawaii, is the least developed of the Hawaiian Islands. Although the island is seeing a rather large push of growth in housing and chain discount
department stores, the beauty and lushness of Kauai still pervade, even with the
encroachment of development. The draw for most visitors to Kauai is the endless possibilities of adventure, or simply the pursuit of drifting off on a quiet, warm beach.
Maui’s Maritime Magic: Finding Marine Nirvana by Rick Millikan. You never know what you’ll discover amidst Maui’s finny fauna – so it’s
no wonder snorkeling ranks as Maui’s number one activity. Rick offers the guide to seven not-to-be-missed places.
Pedaling Paradise: Cycling Hawaii’s First Capital in Lahaina, Maui by Rick Millikan. Renting beach cruisers off gridlocked Hoapilani Highway, my wife Chris and I don beaked blue helmets
and navigate our way into the heart of Hawaii’s first capital, Lahaina on the beautiful island of Maui. Rolling past fellow tourists stuck in traffic, I
recall Joni Mitchell’s catchy lyrics ...they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.
Kauai, Hawaii: Experiencing Paradise -- Sky, Earth, and Water by Neala Schwartzberg. I could almost reach out and touch the sides of the huge mountains. Then, with a turn, I skimmed the top of a rainbow. I was on Kauai, and
exploring the island ... in a helicopter.
Fall for the Nature of Hawaii: New Land is Born, Old Tales are Told in Hawaii’s National Parks Prepared by Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau. Yes, we all know Hawaii is spectacular but this exceeds even our vivid imagination. If you're planning a trip, this is a must-read article.
Nostalgic and Modern Hawaii by Suzanne Wright. In quiet corners Suzanne hears the echoes of old Hawaii in its grand old hotels. But there's more than nostalgia.
IdahoHells Canyon and the Snake River: Call of the Wild (In Comfort) by Bobbie Green. Eagerly we stepped into the jet boat, looking forward to our adventure upstream on the free-flowing Snake River. Fortunately for us, when congress designated this area a National Recreation Area in 1975 they
also allowed for power boats to be used, leaving this area accessible to those of us not able to hike or paddle a boat in.
Northern Idaho: Missions, Mines, and Museums by Patrice Raplee. The Old Mission, located in Cataldo, Idaho, bares a remarkable history and a mystical aura, but it's not the only attraction. There
are mines and museums from the boom years and history around every turn.
Northern Idaho Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts by Patrice Raplee. Northern Idaho’s vast area of wilderness is a veritable haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
From traversing the silver corridors of deserted mining museums, hiking and biking, to skiing the ice-blue powder on Silver Mountain, Idaho has emerged
as the new year-round scenic activity playground of the U.S.
Bruneau, Idahoby Neala Schwartzberg. Yes, Definitely Bruneau!
IndianaMiddle America Rocks: Indianapolis Music Clubsby Terry Loncaric. People really don't think of Indianapolis, a Middle-American city, as a place where you can plug into a live music scene that crackles with great talent. But you can!
IllinoisSpooktacular St Louis and Haunted Alton by Neala Schwartzberg. It's after 11 PM and I'm sitting in bed in the Lavender Suite at the Lemp Mansion B& B. It's reported to be a truly haunted house and
I'm feeling appropriately terrified. For three days I'm investigating,
exploring, and experiencing the spooky doings and haunted places in St. Louis, Missouri and Alton, Illinois
Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows in Chicago's Navy Pier by Neala Schwartzberg. Who would have thought to find a world-class museum sitting in Chicago's famed entertainment and shopping center of Navy Pier? Yet, there it is, welcoming visitors with an eclectic collection, possibly the finest collection of stained glass windows in the world.
Riding the Mother Road: Chicago Attractions Route 66 is one of the most famous American roads. From its start on Adams St. to where Joliet Rd. escapes the city, Chicago's portion of Rte. 66 takes drivers through the city's latest and greatest, as well as its tried and true. From the renowned museums and shopping along the lakefront to the varied and vibrant music and comedy scenes, Chicago's charms please almost any visitor.
John Deere's Moline, Illinois: Attractions and Fun with a Midwest Flairby Neala Schwartzberg. Certainly there are other things to do in Moline than Deere attractions (Lagomarcino's for one, but more about that later on). But Moline is certainly John Deere Central in many ways. Even if you're not into farming, a visit is just plain fun!
Cermak Plaza: Art in the Car Parkby Neala Schwartzberg. Photos by Jeannine Deubel. One of the most cataclysmic developments in the art world has been to put artistic creations in the middle of a suburban shopping center. David Bermant did that. More than 20 years later, this move is still revolutionary.
LouisianaRediscovering Lake Charles Louisiana by Deborah Burst. A brave and enduring spirit fought the winds and tides of Hurricane Rita creating a new stream of energy along Louisiana’s southwest
coast. On March 19, 2008, the Creole Nature Trail All American Road celebrated its grand re-opening after two and a half years of repairs.
A prefect time for renewal as springtime paints the backroads and waterways with an explosion of color.
Big Easy is Back in Business: Food, Lodging, and More in New Orleans by Suzanne Wright.
I suggest you arrive in New Orleans at dinner time. On a balmy March evening, the dusky streets glow under the flicker of gas lights.
From the dining room at Restaurant August, where I am ensconced, I can see the passing horse-drawn carriages through big arched windows that overlook
the street. By 7 p.m., the restaurant is nearly full.
Shreveport-Bossier City: Family Friendly and Mardi Gras Fun in Louisiana by Neala Schwartzberg. Perhaps it should be called Surprising Shreveport for all the unexpected delights. The Mega Mural
captures my attention immediately. It’s huge, covering 30,000 square feet on the AT&T building in downtown Shreveport. But that proved
to be just a taste of the sights in Shreveport and Bossier City.
Riverboats and Rails: Upriver and down rail from New Orleans by Robert Painter.
New Orleans is coming back, and there is little that is more fun than combining a visit to the Big Easy with a cruise up the Mighty Mississippi.
MainePostcard from…The Birches Wilderness Resort, Rockwood, Maine by Fyllis Hockman. Here’s what the Birches Wilderness Resort in the deep woods of Maine does not have: TV, telephone, high-speed internet, cell phone service and anything
even remotely resembling standard hotel bathroom amenities. Here’s what it does have: hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, rafting, jeep tours, moose cruises, float plane rides and one of the
most serene lake views I’ve ever built a fire in front of. That’s in an outdoor fire pit, by the way.
Linekin Bay Resort and Boothbay Harbor, Maineby Linda Fasteson. The picturesque New England village of Boothbay Harbor is rich in its maritime history of fishing and shipbuilding. It's also home to a family-favorite resort -- Linekin Bay
Postcard from Rangeley, Maine: Moose and moreby Fyllis Hockman. Another day, another moose! That's how it goes in the tiny town of Rangeley, Maine. Moose-watching is a favorite pastime in the many woods around this small village -– a mere 1200 people -- tucked among lakes and mountains.
MarylandTime Out for Romance at St. Michaels on the Chesapeake in Marylandby Karen Hamlin. You and your loved one went to DC and sped down the Smithsonian strip to visit as many museums as possible, stood in lines, toured the capitol, stood in more lines and maybe took in some shows. Frazzled?
St. Michaels is the antidote.
Star-Spangled Baltimore by Michael Schuman. While Philadelphia may have Betsy Ross and the legend of the nation's first flag,
Baltimore is the home of the Star Spangled Banner. Fort McHenry National Monument is
the first stop on a trio of Baltimore sites that tell the tale of the National
Anthem.
MassachusettsCatie Copley: Canine Ambassador at the Copley Plaza Hotelby Linda Fasteson. Catie is the hotel's Canine Ambassador, greeting guests, offering companionship for lonely travelers, support to those afflicted with canine deprivation, and escorting those who would like to take a stroll with someone who knows the city well. She has become so popular that some guests call well in advance to be assured her companionship.
Boston by the Book: A literary tourby Karen Hamlin. When you're walking in Boston you're walking in literary history, and with great places to explore
Historic Deerfieldby Neala Schwartzberg. Historic Deerfield in Massachusetts offers a glimpse of the stories of the people's lives dating back to the late 1600s.
Bewitching Salemby Karen Hamlin. Salem is certainly more than witches, but its history has made this a unique destination.
Mass MoCA - Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Artby Neala Schwartzberg. Contemporary art in a labyrinth of 19th century factory buildings
North Adams, Massachusetts by Neala Schwartzberg. Can a town take off and fly? It can if it's North Adams
MichiganIt's Grand in Grand Rapids: A magnificent sculpture park and garden, Gerald Ford Museum, historic houses and famous architecture. by Neala Schwartzberg. Friendliness of a small community, pleasures of a city, and a perfect location for
exploration of Michigan’s peninsula pleasures makes this city on the Grand River a perfect place to begin a vacation.
Traverse City, Michigan: You can have it all by Neala Schwartzberg. Although known as the Cherry Capital, Traverse City is actually a
have-it-all place. A charming waterside downtown with restaurants, shops, and plenty of resort hotels edging the lakeshore, it is also the hub
for wineries, sailing, hikes, and exploring upper Michigan.
Lighthouses of Michiganby Mike Norton.
Quick! Which of the 50 states has the most lighthouses? Maine? North Carolina? California? Florida? -- Answer: None of the above. It's the state of
Michigan
Old Mission, Michigan: Where Indians, and Settlers Once Lived in Harmony by Mike Norton. In 1839, Peter Dougherty beached his tiny boat below an Indian village near the mouth of Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay. He had come at the request of the local Ottawa elders, who had just signed an agreement to relinquish their ancestral lands. For more than a decade, Dougherty and his small colony of teachers, artisans and farmers - Indians and non-Indians alike --lived and worked side by side in this idyllic spot at the water's edge. The result was Old Mission, Michigan. And you can still see history there today.
Freezing Cold? Perfect Fishing Weather: Zen and the Art of Ice Fishing in Michigan's Lower Peninsulaby Mike Norton. When the region's lakes and bays are finally locked under a thick layer of ice, it's time to try ice-fishing. For those hardy souls who are willing to venture out on the ice, the months between December and April can be the most enticing of the year.
The Cherry Capital of Michigan: Traverse Cityby Suzanne Wright. I'm at Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor, Michigan, and I want to sob when I realize they are sold out of dark chocolate covered cherries I have to settle for milk chocolate. Already, I have packed a basket with Boom Chuggalugga ginger ale soda pop (in these parts, that's what soft drinks are called), cherry salsa, a t-shirt that features a cherry pie emblazoned with the words Love/Peace/Cherries, cherry ketchup, and dried tart cherries.
Charter Sanctuary: Traverse City Birding Center is for Song Birds, and Song Bird Lovers by Mike Norton. Migrating birds consider the Michigan peninsula a sort of freeway rest stop where they can relax, catch a good meal and gather strength for the rest of their journey. Mike reports on Kay Charter's efforts to make certain it stays that way. Birders take note
MissouriSpooktacular St Louis and Haunted Alton by Neala Schwartzberg. It's after 11 PM and I'm sitting in bed in the Lavender Suite at the Lemp Mansion B& B. It's reported to be a truly haunted house and
I'm feeling appropriately terrified. For three days I'm investigating,
exploring, and experiencing the spooky doings and haunted places in St. Louis, Missouri and Alton, Illinois
Out and About in Columbia, Missouri: Much More Than a College Town by Howard Hian. Columbia is a terrific small city with a strong emphasis on arts, outdoor activities and a high livability index. It is now central Missouri’s largest city with 85,000 residents. And a great place to visit.
Kansas City Jazz by Neala Schwartzberg. One magical evening in the magical Jazz City of Kansas City.
Missouri Music by Neala Schwartzberg. Missouri, with vibrant and exciting Kansas City, ragtime hometowns St. Louis and Sedalia, plus Branson, Missouri is one very musical state. Come and listen.
Springfield, Missouri - Cappuccino Cowboysby Mike Marino. Enjoy Roadie Mike's travel guide to the Ozark cultural capital
NevadaOffbeat Las Vegas: Neon Museum's Boneyard, Liberace Museum and Tribute Show, and More by Neala Schwartzberg. It took about 30 nanoseconds for me to conclude that I never have seen, and never will see, another city like Las Vegas. It’s Times Square, NYC on
steroids. Everything is huge, and everything glows, moves, beckons – come here, you’ll have a great time. And I do.
Retrofitting Historic Ely, Nevada by Bobbie Green. The last time I wrote an article about Ely Nevada the title was Ely the Town That Was. At the time, in 2002, the mines were closed, businesses were closing, and the once boom town looked like it was on its last leg. But all that has changed, and for the better.
Skydiving Thrills in Mesquite Nevada by Bobbie Green. Every weekend in Mesquite Nevada, the residents see the colorful parachutes floating down from the sky above. Skydive Mesquite is a tourist attraction and it has the only drop location for experienced and beginning jumpers between California and Salt Lake City.
Floating Down Black Canyonby Bobbie Green. Just minutes away from the city of Las Vegas, known for its glitz and glamour is a serene and calming day trip adventure most everyone can enjoy.
Go to Las Vegas ... for the Thai Food?by Dave Feldman. According to our intrepid food reviewer the answer is a resounding yes!
Marriage: Las Vegas Styleby Juliana Picone-Fadeyev. A warm and funny look at one couple's wedding experience in Las Vegas
New MexicoSouthern New Mexico: The Intersection of the Spiritual and Scientific by Suzanne Wright. New Mexico is America’s fifth largest state, though with a population of fewer than two million, it is the nation’s sixth most sparsely populated state,
which makes traveling the open asphalt in the Land of Enchantment a pleasure. The state’s topographical diversity surprises many first-time visitors
and includes dense forests, high desert, low-lying river valleys and majestic mountain peaks.
Acoma Pueblo, Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum by Neala Schwartzberg.
In a land of stunning vistas, of sandstone bluffs and multihued mesas, the Acoma lands contain some of the most scenic and compelling of all, stretching for miles to the horizon.
Add to that a fascinating tour of pueblo life atop a
mesa, and a close look at the pottery, weaving, and artisan crafts of a living culture. That's a visit to the Acoma Pueblo and their new cultural center and museum.
Bandelier National Monument by Robert Painter. Head off to a
day trip to this spectacular national park. Bob Painter tells you how.
El Malpais National Monument: The badlands are beautiful in New Mexico
by Neala Schwartzberg. I am standing at the top of the sandstone bluffs in El Malpais National Monument. The word
means badlands in Spanish, but as I stand in the total silence surrounded by mesas and volcanic
fields and look to the dormant volcano mountains in the distance and I can't help but think it
should be called beautiful lands.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta by Neala Schwartzberg. It's shortly after dawn and the Albuquerque sky is its customary vibrant clear blue. People walk
amidst hundreds of colorful hot air balloons as they fill with heated air, expanding slowly like behemoths stretching after a long snooze.
Then, slowly majestically, and silently they lift off the ground, floating up into the sky. There they pause, hanging like ornaments decorating the blue sky.
Romantic Inns of New Mexico -- Galisteo Inn by Neala Schwartzberg. Albuquerque is a wondrous gritty city, and Santa Fe is the charming capital, but tucked away between them you can find a bit serenity in the oasis of Galisteo. The Inn and the tiny town of less than 300 residents is a woodsy haven in the midst of a high desert of New Mexico.
Tales of Taos, New Mexico by Neala Schwartzberg. If it's true that every building has stories to tell, the town of Taos must have some of the most interesting. This small charming quirky town cherishes its varied, and often spicy history.
New Mexico: Where Your Eyes and Spirit See Far Distances by Irene Harner. I flew into Albuquerque and experienced a portion of the Four Corners. A place where one can, by bending, place one hand in Arizona, one in Utah, a foot in New Mexico and the other in Colorado -- touching four states at one time. Interesting as that concept is, it pales compared to the places she did visit.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs: Spa experience in New Mexico by Robert Painter. Not only did Bob find a delightful mineral springs and spa, but also native American history and a Master potter. Satisfying on all levels.
Gathering at the Gathering of Nations Powwow: Sharing the Heritageby Neala Schwartzberg. Over 3000 dancers and singers from more than 500 tribes. By turns educational outreach, reunion of family and friends, affirmation of heritage and identity, and opportunity to experience a small part of a vibrant and beautiful culture.
Bears of Ruidosoby Lyn Kidder. Residents of Ruidoso, New Mexico love their bears. It's a good thing since the bears often visit. But when the furry kind aren't around, there's plenty of carved ones all over town.
Gone (Jewelry) Shoppin' in Albuquerque by Neala Schwartzberg. I have always wanted turquoise earrings. And from the southwest. Buying it any other place would miss the point. So, I waited. Then one day, my patience was rewarded.
Hyatt Regency Tamayaby Neala Schwartzberg. Adobe-style warmth, with quiet sophistication, in the spare beauty of the high desert of New Mexico. The pinks and blues of the Sandia mountains as the backdrop.
New YorkPicture Postcard Cooperstown, New York by George Bailey. This place oozes with charm. From the moment you enter the town you’ll be struck by the wide streets lined with mature trees and stately homes dating
from the early 1800s set back in helter-skelter fashion from the roadways. And did we mention the Baseball Hall of Fame?
Corning Museum of Glass: Art glass and moreby George Bailey. A visit to
the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York is a one-of-kind experience in a one-of-a-kind state of the
art attraction. You’ll find there is something spectacularly soothing as you walk the spacious rooms of this lovely museum.
A Visit to the Buffalo Zoo: Elephants like Easy Rock by George Bailey
A great place to visit any time of year, the Buffalo Zoological Gardens (Buffalo Zoo) in New York State is an ideal choice for a March Break destination.
Parking is free until mid-April.
Combining Pleasure and Learning in Chautauqua New York by George Bailey. When many of us go on vacation we simply want to sit on a beach and be pampered for a week or so. Well, here's a vacation where you can both relax as well as exercise your mind. Chautauqua, New York is a unique residential community where you can attend daily lectures that feed the mind, body and the spirit. Additional information on the Chautauqua in Boulder, Colorado by Neala Schwartzberg
The Fields Sculpture Park: The Gathering Place for Art and Artists by Denise Mattia. Since the inception of Art Omi in 1998, The Fields Sculpture Park has provided visitors with a year-round opportunity to experience the impact of
important international contemporary sculpture. Currently, more than 60 sculptures, ranging in size from miniature to monumental, are strategically placed on 300 acres of verdant land.
There's Always Room for JELL-O at the JELLO-O Museum by George Bailey. What do Gomer Pyle, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Eddie Albert, Leslie Nelson, Paul Linde, Andy Griffith, Jackie Cooper and Bill Cosby all have in common? They've all been spokespeople for America's Most Famous Dessert wiggly JELL-O.
Romance in New York City by Sheree Bykofsky and Caroline Woods. They'll show you some of their favorite romantic restaurants and hotels.
George Bailey Returns to Bedford Falls by way of Seneca Fallsby George Bailey. Okay, it really wasn't Bedford Falls, New York that I returned to; it was the lovely village of Seneca Falls, in the rural Finger Lakes region of New York State. Let me explain.
Stormin' Through the Stormville Airport Antique Show and Flea Market by Traci Suppa. The proverbial early bird gets not only the choicest parking space, but the best shot at the best merchandise. Shoppers, start your engines!
Mirror Lake Inn, Lake Placid, New York: A Place to Soak up the Good Lifeby George Bailey. Check into the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid, New York for some serious pampering.
Visit Mexico and Texas for the Day by George Bailey. If you want bragging rights and want to be able to tell friends you spent the same day in both Mexico and Texas it's easier than you think. They’re both found in New York State.
Little India in Jackson Heights: A Quick Tour of a South Asian Neighborhood in Queens, New York Cityby John Rolke. A bustling Little India neighborhood where more South Asian immigrants—Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi—live than anywhere else in New York City. And John tells where to shop and eat.
Louis Armstrong House: Catch a glimpse of Satchmo's Lifeby Neala Schwartzberg. Lucille's house, Louis' life brought together in Queens, New York.
Birding in Alabama, New York by George Bailey. Birders, take note! Alabama, New York is a major staging, resting, and nesting area for ducks, geese and other migratory birds.
Now We're Cookin': The Culinary Institute of Americaby Neala Schwartzberg. Forget weekend warriors, this place is perfect for weekend chefs (and those looking for a good meal).
Long Island Lighthouses by Neala Schwartzberg. It's hard not to love lighthouses.
Blue Point Brewery by Neala Schwartzberg. Long Island's only real microbrewery. And you can get samples.
Wine-tasting on Long Island's North Fork by Neala Schwartzberg. A good idea anytime of year
The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages by Neala Schwartzberg. There's other stuff too, but definitely come for the carriages
Nassau County Museum of Art by Neala Schwartzberg. Acres of woods and ponds, outdoor sculptures, and art in an old Gold Coast mansion
Bradstan Country Hotelby Gloria Rosenthal. A Bed and Breakfast, and so much more
Belmont Race Trackby Neala Schwartzberg. The horses come thundering down the track, the jockeys urging them forward. The crowd roars on its collective feet. You stand, shouting with everyone else: "Go, GO, GO!"
P.S.1 Contemporary Art Centerby Neala Schwartzberg. Life after public school -- P.S.1 definitely gets an A+
Old Rhinebeck Aerodromeby Neala Schwartzberg. Airshows, antique airplanes, and barnstorming rides
American Museum of the Moving Imageby Neala Schwartzberg. Don't the word museum put you off. This place is major league cool
Mohonk Mountain Houseby Neala Schwartzberg. A gracious, historic hotel on a magnificant lake
Greenport, Long Islandby Neala Schwartzberg. It will make you forget the Hamptons
North CarolinaHigh Hampton Inn by Suzanne Wright. Named one of the best 100 best family resorts in North America, the 1,400-acre estate is located 3,600 feet above sea level in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A member of the Historic Hotels of America, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Register of Historic Places, the High Hampton
is situated in a peaceful valley featuring a 35-acre lake and sandy beach and a hiking trail with history markers.
Off-Season Joys of the Outer Banks of North Carolinaby Neala Schwartzberg. There's much to commend this slender island thread any time of year. But like the locals, I prefer the off-season.
British Cemetery at Ocracoke, North Carolina Every year on the Thursday and Friday closest to May 11th British and American armed forces meet on British soil ... in North Carolina. The reason is a memorial service honoring the British seamen buried in a piece of land deeded by the U S government to Britain on the island of Ocracoke in the Outer Banks.
OregonElemental Magnetism of Oregon’s Central Coast: Lincoln City
by Patrice Raplee. A jade-hued sea washes across the sand spewing white foam and remnants of small shells and shining agates. A lone seagull glides above the ocean’s
thunderous crest calling out in its solitary cry, as the endless cerulean panorama of Oregon’s coast has ebbed and flowed through time.
Portland, Oregon: Portland Oregon: From Historic Shanghaiing to Modern Shopping by Patrice Raplee. A thin curl of smoke wraps around an ancient Chinese man, as he leans against a brick wall in the dim corridor smoking a clay pipe. He averts his eyes
while two hulking men drag an unconscious sailor down the passageway. Echoes from the past nestle in old buildings and linger just beneath its downtown
streets.
Portland, Oregon: An adventure in Nature and Artist Synergy by Patrice Raplee. Portland offers intriguing architecture and alluring landscapes. From biking, hiking, museums, the Zoo, art galleries, music, shopping, unique
boutique hotels, fine dining, mysterious undergrounds, and stunning
gardens, Portland stands as the premiere travelers’ destination of the Pacific Northwest.
Hood River, Oregonby Neala Schwartzberg. It probably wasn't the Garden of Eden, but it might make a good runner-up.
PennsylvaniaPostcard From: Philadelphia's Curious Collections
by Fyllis Hockman. Hi Again – Okay, I’m in Philly now and the Liberty Bell is pretty impressive, but I’ve uncovered a bunch of curious little museums that have it all over
Independence Hall for sheer offbeat fun.
Pennsylvania Odysseyby Neala Schwartzberg. From the revolution that marked the birth of this country across the state to the houses of Frank Lloyd Wright
(and many stops in between).
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Where History Comes Alive by
George Bailey. If you’re fascinated with history, intrigued by old buildings or just plain curious, you’ll appreciate Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
It’s a living community with a small town friendly feeling that filled with a sense of the past.
Rhode IslandWeekend in Newportby Neala Schwartzberg. Create your own ideal vacation by the waters of Newport -- art, history, wine, food and fine hotels
Religious Freedom in the New World: The Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Islandby Neala Schwartzberg. It is the oldest synagogue in the United States, but the story and the real significance goes back much further. It's the story of religious tolerance and a principle pledged by a revolutionary government in the person of George Washington.
Weekend in Providence, Rhode Islandby Neala Schwartzberg. The whole city is a joy, but the most remarkable part of the metamorphosis was the daylighting of the Providence River.
Tennessee10 Reasons to Love Chattanooga: Chillin’ in Chattown by Sarah Reiss. Chattanooga harbors an implicit alliance, one comprised of the people and the land. Together they provide the groundwork for year-round good times with
Southern charm to spare.
10 Reasons to Love -- Nashville, Tennessee: Turn up the volume on Music City by Sarah Reiss. Ready for a weekend full of high-octane, kitschy good times and knock-your-socks-off taste sensations? Then head to Nashville, one of the Southeast's
most charming, unsung destinations, for one of the most original, low-cost, full-on-fun weekend escapes around.
Opryland Hotelby Neala Schwartzberg. Part hotel, part botanical gardens
TexasBrenham and Washington County, Texas: History, Horses, Flowers and More by Neala Schwartzberg. I’m sitting in the theater of the Star of the Republic Museum at Washington-on-the-Brazos State
Historic Site watching Texas history unfold. There will be gorgeous flowers, wonderful B & Bs, a presidential library, impossibly cute horses and much more, and
I've experienced it all.
A City for the Ages: From students to seniors, Austin has what you want by Matt Robinson. From top notch hotels to meals at all the best places, to guided tours of the “Austin City Limits” studio and the University of Texas, to live
performances and private concerts by some of the area’s most legendary musicians, this tour gave a solid taste of Austin.
Driving Route 66 Texas: Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle by Neala Schwartzberg. The Texas panhandle is the quintessential historic Route 66 – the major city that survived the decommissioning, the towns that disappeared, the gas
stations that have been restored, the towns that have hung on, and the tourist attractions that remain. And being Texas, it throws in the rest area
tribute to the Mother Road. All condensed into roughly 175 miles.
The Rio Grande Valley and Birding in the Texas Tropics by Mark Bradley.
Birding is serious business in the richly biodiverse Rio Grande Valley. Over 460 species of birds and 250 species of butterflies call this area home.
San Antonio Stands Tall in Texas by Maxine Sommers.
In the heart of one of the most fascinating cities in the United States, San Antonio, Texas, stands tall while proudly displaying the spirit of the
Southwest along with its historically rich culture. Make no mistake, this city is alive and well and living the good life.
Wildly Austin: Austin's landmark artby Vikki Loving. Lovers of folk art, lovers of Austin, Texas, and those who just appreciate quirky will love reading about landmark art in this Texas town.
Treasure Island, Texas Styleby Laura Raitman. One woman's adventure
VermontMade in Vermont Do it Yourself Tour by Neala Schwartzberg. Vermont is a green state, both in its lush beauty and its concern for the environment. Many have created their own employment niche, but all are eager to share their enthusiasm for their endeavors.
Southern Vermont: A Loaf of Bread, A Pound of Cheese and a Forever Guarantee by Robert Painter. Food, history, adventure, and things guaranteed to last forever. There's a lot of reasons to visit Southern Vermont
VirginiaStay Cool in the Shenandoah Mountains: Cool caves, the town that time forgot, gorgeous vistas, and a perfect B & B by Karen Hamlin. Somewhere in the fabric of space, there is a town that time forgot. So, if you want to go back to the good ol’ days, follow Route 66 to Front Royal,
Virginia, sleeping at the base of the Shenandoah Mountains, by the northern entrance to Skyline Drive.
Postcard From -- Virginia's Shenandoah National Park by Fyllis Hockman. Here I am standing atop Hawksbill Mountain, at 4049’ the highest point in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, with a 360 degree view of mountains beyond and valleys below. The day is beautiful, the trails just challenging enough and the box lunch surprisingly tasty. It doesn’t get much better than this
Weekend in Hampton by Neala Schwartzberg. Science and history, art and water. It makes a wonderful (long) weekend visit.
Washington StateWashington State’s National Parks: Volcano, Glaciers, or Rainforestby Janice Lovelace. Washington State is home to three National Parks in the western part of
the state. Each offers a different perspective on the natural world of the
Pacific Northwest -- the volcano of Mt. Rainier, the rainforest of Olympic, and the
glaciers of North Cascades.
Spokane: Skiing and Martinis in Beautiful Eastern Washington by Patrice Raplee. Mt. Spokane and Mt. Chewelah are about an hour away from Spokane, Washington. These two mountains offer some of
the best champagne powder snow in the state. In addition, the modern metropolitan downtown Spokane offers recreation and celebration.
Kahler Glen Resort Draws Winter Sports Enthusiasts by Patrice Raplee. Mother-of-Pearl hued skies, awash with powdery crystalline flakes that drift silently down on Washington's Cascade Mountains. Ancient evergreen
trees blanketed in snow stand sentinel over frozen lakes and forested hillsides. Cross-country skiers glide quietly through this winter paradise,
marveling at the vast, shimmering beauty of Lake Wenatchee.
The Seattle You Haven’t Seen: Off the Beaten Trackby Nancy & Steve Ross. Seattle beyond Space Needle, the Pike Place Market, and the lively Waterfront? Let Nancy and Steve show you the other joys of Seattle.
Washington, DCPostcard From ... Spy Tour of Washington, DC by Fyllis Hockman.
The word came down from Spy City Control. In our undercover status as a bus tour group, we were on a secret mission to track down the location and decode
the message that would save the endangered operative from exposure.
The Assassination of President Lincolnby Neala Schwartzberg. Visiting Ford's Theatre in Washington DC
Escape of an Assassin: Following the Trail of John Wilkes Booth by Mark Bradley. I have always had a fascination with the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, visiting his birthplace in Kentucky; his childhood home in southern Indiana; all the Springfield sites; and,
of course, stood in awe looking up at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. But one part of his story is still a mystery to most Americans-
his tragic assassination and the reasons why seemingly one of our most beloved Presidents met his untimely death.
West VirginiaBerkeley Springs International Water Tasting Event: Hmmm Deliciousby Carla Rupp. America's original health spa--Berkeley Springs, in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia--takes you to a wonderful pocket of old-time serenity and intimacy. But among its pleasures is the water, to drink, to soak, to attend a water-tasting competition.
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