Whenever I am in Fort Myers seeing family, a visit to the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary is always at the top of my to-do list. It’s a beautiful spot with walking trails, bike paths, an abundance of wildlife, and over 245 species of birds. The refuge is located on Sanibel Island, a popular […]
Destinations, New York, North America, United States
Try the Hunter Mountain Zipline for An Exciting Day in the Catskills
26
Jun
Jun
One of the most memorable experiences you’ll have is one that frightens you at first then ends up being tons of fun. Such was the case with the SkyRider, the Hunter Mountain zipline in New York’s Northern Catskills, one of the fastest, highest and longest in North America Why was I afraid you ask? I […]
26
Apr
Apr
On a lazy summer Saturday, my sister Lisa and I subwayed our way to Brooklyn’s East River State Park in Williamsburg to check out Smorgasburg, a popular hipster-ish food market (there were a lot of man buns walking around) I’d read about but never explored. It was part gourmet, open-air food market, part culinary crystal […]
Destinations, New York, North America, United States
Celebrating the NYC Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival
12
Apr
Apr
No one would ever mistake Manhattan for being a touchy-feely city. People mostly keep to themselves and the pace can make even the most type – A personality long for a breath. But now and then a holiday comes along and the city softens. Crowds brim with laughter and smiles and the only goal is […]
Destinations, North America, Pennsylvania, United States
Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia: A True Crime Lover’s Nirvana
25
Mar
Mar
Updated March 2019 If you’re like me, fascinated by the criminal mind, fading ruins, and history in its most infamous, Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia will make your day. It’s an icon of the world’s early penal system turned tourist attraction. You may recognize its cavernous cell blocks and post-apocalyptic vibe from the 1996 Sci-Fi […]
Destinations, New York, North America, Photography, Photography Tips, Top Posts
Central Park in Fall – Best Places to See and Photograph Autumn Foliage
07
Mar
Mar
If I could only visit New York’s famous urban respite once a year to make photos, I’d choose Central Park in Fall. In winter, New York is a snow-capped wonderland. In spring and summer, a flower lover’s delight. But Central Park in Fall is utterly magical. There’s nothing like wandering the park’s winding paths and […]
Destinations, New York, North America, United States
A Handy Guide to the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) in the Bronx
02
Mar
Mar
I love Manhattan, but when I need a break from the concrete canyons I head to the Bronx and the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). One of the country’s most beautiful historic landmarks, the garden is filled with lush flora, intriguing exhibits, and exciting family-friendly programs and activities. The botanical garden is an ideal escape […]
Adventure Cruises, Alaska, Destinations, Top Posts, United States
Holland America’s Alaska Land and Sea Adventure
01
Mar
Mar
I was embarking on the second half of my Holland America Alaska Land and Sea adventure—the “sea” portion of my journey––and I couldn’t help but gape at the 10-deck Westerdam rising above the Seward pier. In the cruise industry, the Westerdam is considered a mid-sized vessel and carries a maximum of 2100 passengers. For me […]
Adventure Cruises, Destinations, Maine, North America, Travel Stories, United States
Finding Comfort and Camaraderie on a Maine Windjammer Cruise
11
Dec
Dec
Except for the gentle lapping of water against the hull, all is quiet and I am as content as I could ever hope to be. I’ve spent the afternoon dining on lobster with new friends, on a deserted beach no less, and now we’re being treated to a beautiful sunset. Susan Land, another guest — […]
Adventure Cruises, Alaska, Destinations, North America, United States
Dive Into The Unexpected – A Snorkel Ketchikan Excursion in Alaska
01
Jul
Jul
I’m trying desperately to pull on a 7mm wetsuit but it’s clinging to me like a surgical glove. We’d been warned it would take some effort but it’s so absurdly difficult that the other women in the dressing room and I can’t stop laughing. I’m convinced there’s a hidden camera and we’re being filmed for […]