New River Gorge’s Endless Wall of Nuttall Sandstone is much harder than regular sandstone and provides a stunning border for the Gorge There are all-season reasons to roam among the Northern Appalachians in W.Va. But springtime has its own special allure: the riotous blooming shrubs known as Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons (they are different) scattered…
Let the Wild West inspire your next culinary adventure! Once the snow really starts to fall in December, the entire ranch becomes so festive with decorations and nature’s touches. Story and Photos by Julie Bielenberg Recipes and Photos courtesy of the Dude Ranches It’s no secret that one of the most amazing perks of dude…
Solvang's famous Round Tower (Rundetaarn) shines bright behind The Solvang Bakery, and the highly photographable Alisal windmill. Photo courtesy of SolvangUSA. Tucked away in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley, about 30 miles north of Santa Barbara, is the charming village of Solvang, founded by Danish immigrants early in the 20th century. It is known for…
The Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn in Riverside, California The city of Riverside, California, nestles along the Santa Ana River. A large metro area, Riverside is situated 50 miles south of Los Angeles in the area known as the Inland Empire. Founded in the 1870s, this vibrant community is a destination for arts…
Ice skating in San Diego? "Skating by the Sea" ice rink at The Del! Few people think of San Diego as a winter holiday destination. But, for me, there is no place more magical during the holidays than San Diego's Coronado Island. Coronado sits directly across San Diego Bay from Downtown San Diego. As my…
Hit the slopes in Idaho for a relaxed and budget-friendly skiing experience. Empty groomed slopes at Lookout Pass, Idaho Panhandle. We went straight onto the lift after popping on our skis and admired the 100-mile views on the way up. We swooshed down the mountain for more than a mile, making fresh tracks, then skied…
Downtown St. Pete skyline from Whitted Park “This is the reason we live in Florida,” I exclaimed to my husband when we were recently stuck in a blizzard in New York City. “I’ll take heat over cold any day.” He rolled his eyes because as much as I love warm weather, I always said I…
Rafters getting ready to brave the Colorado River rapids The American West is famous for its breathtaking beauty, with the red pinnacles of the Arches National Park rivaled only by the Rockies’ snow-capped peaks. But driving through these gorgeous gorges—often on narrow, winding roads edged on precipitous cliffs—is not for the faint of heart. Too…
Vineyards in Santa Ynez First Cluster – Photo by Karen Steinwachs Bud Break In wine speak, the cycle of life for the vine begins in the spring. The vineyard starts to come to life as bud break approaches after laying barren and dormant during the winter. It is a new beginning and a new vintage…
Take in this quintessential coastal Maine scene. The popovers at the Jordan Pond House in Maine’s Acadia National Park are famous. But until you try them, you might be skeptical of their reputation. After all, they’re popovers. How good could they be? It only took one bite of my Jordan Pond House popover to know…
