by Deborah BurstThe faint sound of a harbor bell tolls in the distance as an early kayaker glides his oars through a shimmering river embraced by towering trees. Down the road, an ancient stone fence curls its way through a 19th century whaling village. A town of proud people eager to share their storied history, Mystic, Connecticut welcomes guests with open arms and a generous … [Read more...] about Mystic, Connecticut
Destinations
A Day Trip to Bruges: Belgium’s Medieval Canal City
by Roy StevensonPlan on spending a long day in Europe’s other canal city, Bruges. Some say it’s prettier than Amsterdam. Start early on the train from Brussels; they leave every hour or so from Brussels Central Station. Walk from the Bruges Train Station across the river onto the narrow cobblestoned streets, and you’ll soon get a strong impression of what it … [Read more...] about A Day Trip to Bruges: Belgium’s Medieval Canal City
Santa Cruz Trek near Huaraz, Peru
by Michael ZurakhinskyThe Cordillera Blanca Mountains are what trekking is all about. Beautiful views, friendly natives, and the optional comforts of guides, porters, and cooks make trekking these mountains a delight all around. The trail takes you to altitudes ranging from 3,000 meters to 4,800 meters, which provide gorgeous views of snow-capped peaks, emerald lakes, and … [Read more...] about Santa Cruz Trek near Huaraz, Peru
The Folly of it All: 5 of Ireland’s Best Architectural Oddities
by Steenie HarveyIreland’s wealthy Georgian and Victorian landowners developed a taste for erecting architectural oddities known as follies. Here are five places open to the public where you can admire (or perhaps despair over) their romantic visions of a folly-dotted "Arcadian Landscape." … [Read more...] about The Folly of it All: 5 of Ireland’s Best Architectural Oddities
Fishin’ in Alaska with Manly Men
by Stan SinbergI have now gone fishing twice in my life, both in the past three weeks, and I’m happy to report that I still haven’t caught anything. When it comes to food, my philosophy is: the further away I am from the "how" it arrived on my plate, the better. I like restaurants, where my animal generally arrives already diced, cooked, and smothered in … [Read more...] about Fishin’ in Alaska with Manly Men