Reconnecting with the ancients in Athens
On top of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, the wind was gusting so hard that parents grasped their children's wrists to anchor the little ones, as jackets billowed and hats sailed away.When the dust swirling around the ruins made me "achoo" loudly, a woman nearby responded, "Zeus bless you!" Zeus blessed me many times over in Athens, as I peeled away layers of... READ MORE
Branson, Mo. has something for everyone
At first glance, Branson, Mo., looks like any other small town in the scenic Ozark Mountains. The downtown area features a main street that is lined with quaint shops like Dick’s Oldtime 5 & 10 and the House of 1000 Clocks.But take a closer look, and you will find one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the country. Billed as the Live Music Capital of the World,... READ MORE
Where wildlife (and tourists) take refuge
Years ago, a group of onlookers applauded enthusiastically as a ceremonial shovelful of dirt launched construction of a golf course overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Just then, a southern bald eagle flew over the crowd, landed on its nest in the forest that was about to be razed, and settled onto a pair of eggs. Today, the aptly named Sanctuary housing community, and its magnificent golf... READ MORE
Branson, Mo. has something for everyone
At first glance, Branson, Mo., looks like any other small town in the scenic Ozark Mountains. The downtown area features a main street that is lined with quaint shops like Dick’s Oldtime 5 & 10 and the House of 1000 Clocks. But take a closer look, and you will find one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the country. Billed as the Live Music Capital of the World,... READ MORE
Easton’s lively arts scene near the shore
Maryland’s Eastern Shore attracts boaters, crabs and tourists galore. But Easton, the historic seat of Talbot County, has neither beaches nor marinas. Unlike other towns near the bay, however, it has lots of art. Movie buffs will flock to the Chesapeake Film Festival, Sept. 24 to 26. The third annual edition of this homegrown event promises a mix of independent productions,... READ MORE
Eclectic New Orleans endures and entices
Just after the Deepwater Horizon well blowout started spewing crude oil across the Gulf of Mexico in April, New Orleans native Joe Kimbrell had reason to moan. “We don’t need this. Why can’t we just relish being the Super Bowl champs?” Southeastern Louisiana, with New Orleans its heartbeat, has been battered time and again— Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi River floods, Formosa... READ MORE
