Freelance writer and photographer specializing in vivid, deeply reported stories about food, travel and family.
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
Middleburg is best known for its horses and vineyards, but it’s also a fun place for shoppers on the hunt for holiday gifts. Middleburg has nearly 40 independent retailers that stock everything from couture clothing and home décor. Find whimsical antiques inspired by Middleburg’s horse and hound culture, and don’t be surprised to meet friendly…
Read more Plan a visit to Middleburg in Virginia’s Horse Country
The U.S. has many celebrated destinations, but few rival the city of Asheville, in my opinion. Located in the dazzling Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville beckons strangers to slow down and savor. To revel in the bucolic countryside, dine on superb cuisine, and absorb its romantic history and culture. The bountiful farmland surrounding the city has inspired…
I sat mesmerized, as Aretha Franklin played piano and sang a sultry version of “A Song For You.” Next, bandmates from Lynryd Skynyrd twanged through “Sweet Home Alabama.” Followed by Kurt Cobain whose soulful voice matched the scream of guitars on “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” As the years rolled by, I watched the quality of…
Read more See Your Guitar Hero at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Loudoun County is home to 33 craft breweries, and the owners have joined forces to create the Loudoun County Ale Trail. You can sample a glass at these innovative breweries from a bike seat (or by foot) via the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD). These breweries and eateries are found in the stretch between…
Read more Loudoun County Breweries Worth a Visit on the W&OD Trail
As we face extensive weeks of quarantine, it’s still possible to see some of the world’s great destinations from the comfort of your home. Planning to visit the Nation’s Capital someday? How about a virtual visit to Washington D.C.’s world-class museums and famous cherry blossom trees right now? Check out these links below for immersive…
Read more Staying at Home? Take a Virtual Tour of Washington D.C. Landmarks
Here’s what D.C. Visitors can do during the Coronavirus Pandemic It’s cherry blossom season, the busiest time to visit Washington D.C. But today, precautions established to stop the spread COVID-19 (Coronavirus) have drastically altered the region’s landscape in new and far-reaching ways. Pretty much everything is closed after Stay at Home orders from Mayor Muriel…
Read more What’s Open and What’s Closed in the Washington D.C. Region?
Cumberland, Solomon’s Island, Leonardtown, Savage, Thurmont, Chestertown and Westminster Are you planning a spring getaway? Maryland has so much to offer, whether you’re looking for time on the water, historic sites, country roads, adventure and outdoor recreation, educational activities for the family or a romantic escape. Here are seven charming Maryland towns worth a visit.…
Read more Seven Spring Getaways in Maryland’s charming towns
Travel and Dish