Detroit reflects America’s changes
If you visit Detroit, don’t be surprised to hear the names Henry Ford and Motown in the same sentence. After all, the city is famous for both cars and music. A trip to Michigan’s largest city reveals how much these influences have changed American life in little more than a century. A good place to start a tour of the area is the Henry Ford Museum, located in Dearborn, 20 minutes... READ MORE
Check out Greensboro’s history and hospitality
If I didn’t know better, I might think Greensboro, North Carolina, was named for its abundance of trees and parks, one of the reasons I’ve visited four times and plan to return again. Nature lovers will feel right at home here. With beautiful parks, gardens and trails, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them active and engaged. In reality, however, Greensboro, founded in ... READ MORE
Romania’s thrills include ‘Dracula’s castle’
At the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe is the surprisingly beautiful, sophisticated and affordable country of Romania. The picturesque Carpathian Mountains dominate the landscape, cutting through Romania’s center and most famous region, Transylvania. My husband, Chris, and I love exploring new-to-us countries, so we were excited to sail the lower Danube River with Avalon... READ MORE
Why Lisbon should be on your bucket list
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, is often passed by for Paris, Barcelona and other touristy counterparts. Yet with its historic castles, public squares and amazing cuisine, the charming riverfront city is perfect for a short jaunt. I recently had the opportunity to enjoy my second visit to Lisbon, this time with a group of six friends. Our gang of curious travelers discovered quite a... READ MORE
Recharge, learn and play at Chautauqua
Last summer, I plunked myself in a classroom with 50 other adults and learned that bats’ wing bones are human-like fingers. The next day, I was immersed in a talk titled “Middle East Chaos.” The Chautauqua Institution in southwestern New York is like college without essays or exams — a week of screen-free indulgence in academics, arts, nature, recreation, meditation and... READ MORE
Whale watching up close is big in Baja
The large gray whale drew close to our boat. Crusty barnacles on its skin stood out like dense clusters of thread woven into an abstract tapestry. Several people scrambled to the side to lean over and touch the majestic beast as it sidled alongside. I could have either joined them or sit back and take photos. I opted for the latter, and I’m not sure I made the right choice. Whales of... READ MORE
This year is a good one to visit Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island’s capital city, aims to live up to its moniker as “The Creative Capital,” with an exceptional March — and year — planned for its visitors. The city’s Providence Culinary Collective, a four-day food and wine festival, returns March 26 to 29, celebrating the chefs, restaurants and makers shaping the city’s dining scene. Providence is positioning... READ MORE
SoCal’s Catalina Island has a magical vibe
Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is a-waiting for me. In 1957, the Four Preps crooned about an “island of romance” off the coast of southern California. Back then, the song caught the imagination of this anxious, tortured, barely pubescent 14-year-old with visions of swaying palm trees, balmy breezes and California blondes. Now, 70 years later, an older, wizened... READ MORE
Ride the new Maya Train through Mexico
A new rail line spanning the circumference of Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula now offers easy access from Cancún to many of the lovely, less-visited towns of the region. Called Tren Maya, the rail line was completed in December 2024 at a cost of $20 billion. Among its 24 stations are Cancún International Airport; Izamal, with its Mayan pyramids; and Valladolid, a Spanish colonial city... READ MORE
Why Chesapeake Beach is my go-to escape
Sometimes you just need a getaway that doesn’t require a plane ticket, a strategy or more than a small suitcase. For me, that place is Chesapeake Beach, Maryland — a town where I can breathe, write and remember what peace feels like. I discovered Chesapeake Beach about four years ago, when a friend invited me down for the day. As we drove south from Baltimore, the scenery turned... READ MORE
