The capital of the United States may not be among the first places you´d imagine when looking to travel for Christmas. But it, too, is decked out in twinkling lights and holiday finery, combined with its amazing cultural richness, seasonal events, and human scale (no skyscrapers here!). Despite the sometimes toxic politics taking place here, DC is actually a very cosy, welcoming city - and a great place to spend the holidays.
One of DC´s holiday highlights is the
The "Big Island" of Hawaii is the largest of the state´s eight islands, and full of extraordinary natural, historical, and cultural wonders. and here are ten not to miss on your visit here:
Visiting this 11 miles from Hilo involves a half-mile hike to a pair of lovely waterfalls, Kahuna Falls and the spectacular ´Akaka Falls, plunging from a cliff into a pool 442 feet below. A natural must!
In the island´s northwest, 20 minutes or so north of Kailu
Perched on the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, a four-hour drive south of Anchorage, this attractive little town of around 5,500 boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural splendor, including unparalleled views of Kachemak Bay, the Cook Inlet, and the Kenai Mountains, Homer also serves as a gateway to adventure and tranquility, from the rugged outdoors to the serene waters of Kachemak Bay, Founded by gold and coal miners in the 1890s and with a much more temperate climate than mainla
A two-hour drive from San Francisco, northern California´s Sonoma County with its picturesque landscapes and wineries producing world-class wines is an utterly enchanting haven for oenophiles seeking an unforgettable getaway. There are plenty of historic sites and other fetching spots, including the 201-year old Spanish Mission San Francisco Solano; the former Russian trading post Fort Ross, founded in 1812; the ranch of iconic 20th-century writer Jack London, woodsy resort area Russian River;
It may be among the USA´s least visited states, but the Great Plains grasslands and rolling hills of the Cornhusker State are home to some great travel experiences, from stunning natural vistas to big-city sophistication to charming small towns (including several with fascinating ethnic backgrounds, including "Irish capital" O'Neill, "Czech capital" Wilber, and "Danish capital" Dannebrog). To give you an idea, here are a half dozen of Nebraska´s most worthy draws:
Nebraska'
Friendly, vibrant, and outdoorsy, the Tarheel State´s capital (pop. around 468,000) is filled with attractions for all types of visitors, especially lovers of museums (as home to several fine insitutions of this type); of Victorian and other late-19th and early-20th'century architecture (thanks to its Historic Oakwood neighborhood of gracious Victorian to early-20th-century homes set amid the oaks for which Raleigh is known); of nightlife and culture (it´s home to 11 colleges a
Boston is a city rich in history and culture, but beyond its iconic landmarks like Fenway Park and Quincy Market lies a treasure trove of lesser-known attractions waiting to be discovered by adventurous explorers. From charming neighbourhoods with unique architecture to hidden museums showcasing intriguing exhibits, plenty of off-the-beaten-path tours offer unforgettable experiences away from typical tourist spots. In this article, we'll delve into these hidden gems and provide tips on how chart
One level below the city´s streets, the San Antonio River Walk is one of the most popular attractions in Texas, and for good reason. This iconic waterway - a channel bypassing the San Antonio River, dating back to the 1940s - is lined with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, offering the proverbial something for everyone, whether you´re a visitor or a local. It's open 24/7 year round (though of course its various businesses and venues keep their own hours) and is divided into four se
The City of Angels boasts an exhaustive range of exciting things to see, do, and eat - to mention just a few: the La Brea Tar Pits; the Natural History Museum; funky Venice Beach; hiking towards the famous Hollywood sign; catching a performance at the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater; tours past the Beverly Hills homes and to the graves of the stars; gay-popular West Hollywood; the interactive GRAMMY Museum; the Last Bookstore; and the historical Hotel Figueroa. But in our opinion, here
Gus´ World Famous Fried Chicken
The Volunteer State´s stunning beauty, extensive history, whisky trail, and vibrant music culture are only some of the reasons to travel the here, and are a lot of things it´s known for: Southern sensibility, music and food. In terms of food, the variety of choices - from traditional fried chicken and barbecue to sophisticated international menus. With so many excellent spots to choose from, here´s my take on some of the best, a mix of old and new, down-home and
The Eater Miami offers a comprehensive listing of Orlando's best restaurants that cover a wide range of food styles and neighborhoods. It also addresses the often-asked query, "Where should I eat in Orlando?" The below restaurants (organized according to geographic order) are a reflection of all Orlando has to offer: traditional establishments that have loyal customers chefs-led bistros and chef-run restaurants and eateries that give the dining scene in Orlando some distinctiveness.
Each six-mo
©Perry Kibler
There´s an undeniable allure for travellers to embark on a cinematic pilgrimage to the locations that have captured our imaginations on screen. One such destination which promises to enchant, with sweeping vistas and rugged landscapes, is Utah, the setting for Kevin Costner's epic four-film series Horizon: An American Saga, the first of which was just released at the end of June. With a budget of $100 million, the films series a dozen years of the settlement of the U.S. West befo
Located in south central Washington state and only a few hours from Seattle or Portland, Yakima Valley is a vibrant wine growing region and home to over 100 wineries. About one-third of the state’s wine grapes are grown in the Yakima Valley AVA. As a member of the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association, I had the privilege to sample a Cabernet Frac wine from Dineen Vineyards, while participating in a webinar sponsored by Adam Stewart, Yakima Valley Tourism; Marissa Dineen
"Beantown" has just been in the headlines in recent days thanks to its hometown Celtics basketball team making history by winning a record-breaking 18th NBA championship title. But the capital of Massachusetts is also a venerable and perennial classic among U.S. cities, and a must-see destination not just for Americans but for anyone interested in U.S. history and culture, where nearly four centuries of history has left a legacy of dozens of world-class historic sites; cultural institutions; sp
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory
When you come to the Aloha State, go beyond the mai tais and and enjoy some divine, locally grown chocolate!
The Hawaiian islands are home a number of chocolate-making companies, and most are bean-to-bar businesses. Hawaii is the only U.S. state which grows cacao, then processes and makes it into bars and other cocoa products. I've done my share of eating chocolates on the different islands, and I find the chocolate confections not overly sweet and with
Sometimes, all you need for an outing is some good shoes and a small bottle of water. However, for a more serious adventure that Yosemite National Park provides, you need some more serious preparation. You don’t want to end up in a pickle, stranded in the middle of nowhere, hungry, thirsty, and afraid!
So here’s a small guide that will ensure a comfy, safe, and successful Yosemite experience for all adventurers!
Before venturing into the vast expans
