While crossing the ocean for big international adventures is always exciting, the peak of summer demands a different kind of travel strategy. I am not a fan of heat. So in the summer, my favorite way to travel is by leaning into what the cool kids are calling a “coolcation,” deliberately skipping the sweltering, crowded … More A Perfect Midweek Finger Lakes Wine Vacation
Instead of cooking at home as I usually do, my family decided, for the first time ever, to get away for the Thanksgiving weekend, spending the holiday hiking, cooking and enjoying the outdoors. We chose the Red River Gorge area in Kentucky, which is just over a 2-hour drive from our home. The weather this … More A Long Autumn Weekend in Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Your complete guide to exploring Torch Lake, Michigan. Discover local insider tips on boat rentals, hidden gems, and the ultimate 1-week summer itinerary. … More Planning the Perfect Week in Torch Lake, Michigan
With two state parks, spectacular hiking, a lake and a state forest, the Hocking Hills region in Ohio makes you feel like you’ve left the state and entered another world. Starting with Old Man’s Cave, the most popular destination, you can wind your way through the 6-mile journey, connecting to two of the park’s other … More A Perfect Weekend at Hocking Hills, Ohio
In 2020 we embarked on what was supposed to be a complete EF Tours trip to Spain. We were able to finish about half of the tour before we found ourselves returning to the U.S. unexpectedly and without warning due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The itinerary was to include: At that time, the Coronavirus … More EF Grand Tour of Spain
For my 50th birthday I wanted to see Alaska, choosing to travel by cruise. I had my John Denver Alaska song list on loop, and chose Holland America Cruise Line‘s 7 day Alaskan Explorer cruise, which departs from Seattle, ports in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, BC, returning to Seattle with one day at sea … More Alaska Cruise Review: Holland America Cruise Line
Planning an EF Tour to Scotland and England? Get a real-world look at the itinerary, pacing, and hidden gems like the University of St. Andrews. … More Edinburgh and London | EF Tour Review
Located just a short 2 to 3-hour drive from much of the Midwest, Louisville, Kentucky is one of the most underrated weekend getaways in the region. Whether you are drawn by historic architecture, world-class bourbon, horse racing heritage, or underground cave exploration, Louisville offers a rich mix of Southern hospitality and Midwest accessibility. … More How to Spend A Perfect 3-Day Weekend in Lousiville, KY
In 2017 I once again embarked with my son on an EF Tour organized through Wilmington College, this time to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. I’ve shared in past blogs about my Irish heritage, being raised Irish Catholic with a mother whose maiden name is Sweeney. Read about that trip in my EF Tour review of … More Germany, Switzerland and Austria | EF Tours Review
First, you should know, I hate country music. Three chords and the truth is what they say, but since the lyrics annoy me so much I’ve never really noticed. Nevertheless, country music is America’s most favorite genre, according to a CBS News poll, and it seems like a country singer is picked, by America, almost … More A Rock and Roll Marathon Weekend in Nashville, Tennessee
