Travel and Dish

Journey to the Water’s Edge—Talbot County and the Eastern Shore of Maryland

This spring, plan your escape to Michener’s Chesapeake with a weekend in Talbot County, Maryland. One iconic town in this gorgeous county is my personal favorite, Tilghman Island, Maryland on the pristine shores of the Choptank River. Tilghman Island is a scenic 20 minute drive from St. Michaels, and remains a true working waterman’s village with excellent fishing…

Top Six Experiences on the Potomac Heritage Trail

The ‘Grand Canyon of American Heritage’ The National Potomac Scenic Heritage Trail (PHT) has been nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of American Heritage” for having the highest concentration of nationally significant historic and cultural landmarks of any US National Park trail. It houses a number of extraordinary sites: Native American hunting grounds in Ohiopyle, Fort Circle…

Cherry Blossom Season in the Washington D.C. Suburbs

Expand the hunt for cherry blossoms beyond the National Mall this year with this list of celebrations and outdoor destinations. Since the Cherry Blossom Festival is mostly virtual this year, and there are limits to the number of visitors around the Tidal Basin, consider these alternatives for Cherry Blossom-themed experiences in the Northern Virginia and Maryland…

Neighborhood Walks in Washington DC With Springtime Blooms

Whether it’s a staycation, a day trip, or a week long vacation, my book The Unofficial Guide to Washington DC can help you plan your visit to the most beautiful neighborhood gardens and blossoming trees. I hope this excerpt from the book will inspire you to explore the Nation’s Capital this spring. For more ideas,…

Washington DC’s Hot Hotels

UPDATE: There are a few DC hotels that have closed or are under new management, but this list remains up-to-date and I thoroughly recommend them. For more information, please check the websites. The Line Hotel in Adams Morgan 1770 Euclid St. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-588-0525; thelinehotel. This trendy, new hotel was a 110-year-old historic bank in…

Plan a Gettysburg Getaway for Kids

Gettysburg is known as the turning point in the American Civil War. This small town, only 90 minutes from the Washington D.C. Area, is a well-preserved site of great conflict and reconciliation. Kids understand the gravity of these events, yet Gettysburg is also fun, packed with family friendly activities that trick kids into learning while…

Six Spring Walks Around Washington D.C.

Spring is in the air! The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer. After so many snowy, cold months, we are ready to be outside and exploring. In just a few weeks, the cherry blossom trees will begin to bud and bloom. The daffodils and tulips will pop their faces to the sun,…

Take a Walk: Civil War Landmarks Near Washington D.C.

From the number of battlefield sites, it would seem that the entire Civil War was fought in nearby Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania – and that is not all that far from the truth. Visitors with an interest in history and beautiful countryside can tour a number of Civil War sites within a day’s drive of…

It’s a Mardi Gras World – Visiting New Orleans and Eating King Cake

Two years ago, I took a fascinating tour of Mardi Gras World, a popular tourist attraction in New Orleans where I learned the history of Mardi Gras and saw the magnificent floats built by artisans who toil all year long to create them. This year, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. (Read to…