Freelance writer and photographer specializing in vivid, deeply reported stories about food, travel and family.
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…
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…
Read more Cherry Blossom Season in the Washington D.C. Suburbs
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,…
Read more Neighborhood Walks in Washington DC With Springtime Blooms
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Read more Take a Walk: Civil War Landmarks Near Washington D.C.
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…
Read more It’s a Mardi Gras World – Visiting New Orleans and Eating King Cake
Best known as “Amish Country,” Lancaster, Pennsylvania is surrounded by bountiful fields and farmland, making it a perfect getaway for foodies looking to sample hearty Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and the best soft pretzels anywhere. To learn how these iconic snacks are made, check out the Lancaster pretzel tour! Lancaster’s historic downtown has perfectly preserved 18th and 19th century architecture…
Read more Road Trip to Pennsylvania Dutch Country-Lancaster, PA
Travel and Dish