February 6, 2012

Appreciating Autumn in New England

Foliage

Photo credit: nealaus New England is a great place to visit year round, depending on whether the tourist is looking for beach, skiing, sightseeing, history, or whatever.  Autumn, however, is the natural tour de force up here.  We do it really well, in many ways, and not like anywhere else. FOLIAGE Viewing autumn foliage in [...]

Lessons Learned on a Snowy Day in Boston

Boston-Skyline

My sister Regina and I always spend a day together for our birthdays. Since mine is in July, the options are better for play. Hers is in January, and the best options — those involving sun and warmth — also involve substantial planning and cost. So, this year, she decided she wanted just to go [...]

Restaurant Review: G’Vanni’s Ristorante of Boston

North-End

A trip to Boston, for me, necessarily includes a trip to the North End. It’s a flashback both to my childhood and my college years in Cleveland, Ohio. Listening to the residents interacting, walking through the close streets, smelling the amazing aromas that abound in the North End all bring me back to very  happy [...]

My Favorite Places to Snowshoe

snowshoe

Here’s the rub. The best thing about showshoeing is that, as long as there’s snow, you can shoe there.  That being said, I do have some favorite spots. I put on my winter gear, grab my shoes and poles, and here’s where I go. The first spot, and the most used by me, is out [...]

Deals in South Lake Tahoe

South-Lake-Tahoe

Tahoe’s early snowfall has blanketed South Lake Tahoe with nearly 4 feet of snow at lake level, and 5-6 feet on the mountains. The winter season is looking good. Snow enthusiasts anxious to visit Tahoe and book their winter trips should take a look at Zephyr Cove Resort. Unlike the hectic and almost urban ski [...]

$20.10 Rates for the Rest of 2010 on the Olympic Peninsula

Lake-Quinault-Lodge

Olympic National Park and surroundings set the  stage for a relaxing winter getaway. This year, that getaway is more affordable  than ever.  For November or December travel with the End 2010 with $20.10 Deal, visitors to the area can stay one night at Lake Quinault Lodge (pictured above) or Kalaloch Lodge for $99 and get [...]

Christmas in Portland, Maine

Xmas-Portland

There are several traditional Christmas events in Portland. I’ve been to all of them several times, but generally not all in the same year.  They are all well done and worth the time to pursue.

Restaurant Review – Charleston’s

Charlestons

I had never heard of this restaurant ’til a recent visit to Phoenix.  I had been hearing from a friend about an amazing salmon dish included on their menu.  He couldn’t use enough positive words to describe it. So, when I was in Phoenix, we included dinner at Charleston’s, and being a big fan of [...]

Five Items I Never Travel Without

gorillapod

Portable Tripod Sometimes you just want to be in front of the camera, instead of never in a pic because you’re the one behind the camera.  If only you had a tripod.  A traditional tripod just is not practical for most people. It’s large, cumbersome, and not always convenient to have on hand. This is [...]

Restaurant Review – Manuel’s Phoenix

Manuels

It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Phoenix. When it comes to food, first thoughts lean toward Tex-Mex or Mexican. Decisions are not easy.  However, having a local help with the picking makes all the difference. My first meal in Phoenix was at Manuel’s on Cave Creek. Manuel’s is a mid-priced restaurant, has 7 locations [...]