by Lauren Beck
Laguna Beach. What’s not to like? Pristine white sandy beaches. Alluring hidden coves. Tide pools begging for exploration and cliff-hugging Heisler Park. A touch of the Mediterranean on the Southern California coast.
by Deborah Burst
Along the Appalachian Ridge, pioneers braved the Kentucky wilderness in what became the first great gateway to the west. James Clark burned the first trail in 1813, journaling the region’s virgin forest, mountain streams and waterfalls dispersed with infinite prairies filled with grazing herds of Bison.
by Dean Bartosh
Looking to stay on budget while vacationing in Cancun, Mexico, we went grocery shopping at the “mega-mart” downtown. I found all the usual food that I was accustomed to, but soon realized that this was a store where you had to bring your own bags for your groceries. No big deal. I’ll just buy some bags. I found a clerk and asked him the location of the bags. “Yo no hablo inglés, señor,” the clerk said. Then it hit me. We were the only Caucasians in the store.
by David James Allan
Wishing to avoid the crowds on commercial Shop Street, I dart down Kirwan’s Lane, passing under the Liberator O’Connell’s window (so called because he supposedly stayed there when in town on court business) with a reverential nod. I am on my way to Merchant’s Road and the best cup of coffee in town. Focused on the need for a jolt, I lower my eyes to the irregular pavement, careful to avoid the many hazards before me.
by Nancy Pitman
If you want to explore Paris without the crowded buses and trains, walking isn’t your only option. The city of romance now offers a pick up, drop off bike venture. Just look for the large bicycle racks bursting with new street bikes. Once you find one, take a bike out and your first half hour of riding is free. When you’re finished, drop it off at any of the 1,450 locations found throughout the city. It’s as easy as that.
by P. Taylor Huff
If you enjoy staying at historic inns and hotels, but also prefer modern lodging conveniences, the St. James Hotel in Red Wing, Minnesota, will meet your expectations and more.