Visiting Varanasi, India
The late afternoon sun cast shadows on Varanasi’s faded buildings. My college-aged son and I approached the Manikarnika Ghat, a holy cremation ground with bleacher-like steps leading to the west bank of the Ganges River. He stopped, but I walked ahead. “How would you like it if a stranger…” His voice trailed off.“They don’t seem […]
Adventures in Reno
Reno, Nevada, known for its casinos, gambling, and nightlife, is taking on a new role. “The Biggest Little City in the World” is attracting younger generations and families who are looking for fun outdoor adventures – many of which can be found within the city limits and in nearby Lake Tahoe. Ditch the slot machines for […]
Branson Has it All
Branson is a patriotic and faith-filled town with shopping, entertainment, and outdoor beauty making this a visit that has it all! The first week in April I had the chance to visit this wonderful place as the guest of Sara Broers of Travel with Sara. A stay at the beautiful Chateau on the Lake offered a […]
Wonderful Windsor Castle
The idea of visiting Windsor Castle probably first took hold while watching the 2018 royal wedding between the now-controversial Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan. But it was the solemn pageantry of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral last September – which concluded with her internment at Windsor Castle — that sealed the deal: I […]
Broadmoor Fly Fishing Camp, Colorado Springs
My heart raced as I struggled to hold the 11-inch rainbow trout, slippery as an iPhone without a case, as I posed for a photo. I froze, spellbound by the glistening creature. “Put her in the water until she’s calm and ready to swim away,” my guide Robert Younghanz instructed, snapping me out of my trance. […]
“Wild Bearies” 3-Course Meal from Local Ingredients
Dek: The non-profit community outreach catering organization based in Wisconsin prepares ancestral foods to strengthen Indigenous communities while preserving flavors. Elena Terry is the Executive Chef/Founder of Wild Bearies, a non-profit catering organization that supports those who are overcoming alcohol and other drug abuse issues or emotional traumas. After working in the restaurant industry for […]
Taste the World in New Orleans
There are few cities as richly diverse as New Orleans (NOLA) and with such diversity, offers the world on a plate. You can literally travel the world through your palate as you enjoy the global cuisines and traditional Creole dishes throughout the city. During a recent visit to New Orleans, we intentionally sought out Black-owned […]
Finding Paradise in Tahiti with Windstar Cruises
While I’d always dreamt of going to Tahiti, I could never have imagined how wonderful my time in the remote French Polynesian islands in the South Pacific Ocean would be. Tahiti has a worldwide reputation as a honeymoon destination, known for luxurious and expensive over-water bungalows. The Society Islands and the remote Tuamotu Islands of […]
Charleston’s Sweetgrass Baskets
Weaving the Past into the Future Beyond Charleston’s rich history, cobblestone streets, and elegant architecture lies a handmade treasure deeply rooted in the African American heritage of the Lowcountry — the art of sweetgrass basketry. Representing both a symbol and a lifeline for formerly enslaved people over three centuries, these intricately woven gold-and-brown masterpieces can […]
Discover Vintage Hawaii on Lanai
“Whoo, it’s lunar!” shouts my 11-year-old from the rear seat of the Jeep Wrangler Sahara. White knuckles gripping the wheel, I navigate the rutted, red-dirt track bouncing alongside mammoth boulders and rust-coloured rocks. Windows down, an earthy smell and sprinkle of dust float through the Jeep. We are exploring Garden of the Gods on the […]