Kauai, the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, is a treasure overlooked by many travelers to Hawaii. It trails Oahu, Maui and the big island as the first choice for most tourists, but it’s a worthy …
October 26, 2009
North America
The Garden Island: Kauai
Sunset Crater National Monument, Arizona
If you're planning to visit the Grand Canyon, you should check out Sunset Crater National Monument as well. Sunset Crater is just 30 minutes north of Flagstaff, Arizona on Highway 89. The crater was formed …
Exploring Unspoiled Dominica, West Indies
Enjoying the lush scenery and fair but humid weather, we rounded a tight mountainous curve on the way to Carib Territory. A small blue Toyota popped into sight coming from the opposite direction, fast. We …
Unforgettable New Orleans
New Orleans is the most unique city in the country. Having grown up there, I may be biased when I say that, but I believe the evidence is apparent. The music — primarily jazz and …
October 14, 2009
Baja California Sur – like Leucadia of the ’70s
Not long after the New Year, my friend and neighbor here in Zacatitos, Marilyn Z, sent me an email saying that, at 81 years of age, she had lost her battle with cancer and had …
October 7, 2009
Puerto Nuevo, Mexico: Lobster Camp
“Hay langosta aqui! Tres por quince dolares!” Ten legs jut out from a slender form. It’s dark red in parts and golden in other sections. Your salivary glands are jolted. Yes, Puerto Nuevo lobster times …
October 7, 2009
Lake Tahoe, California: Summer or Winter?
If it came down to visiting Tahoe in the winter or the summer, I’m not sure I could pick one over the other. While Tahoe is commonly praised for its impressive winters, I’d argue that …
October 6, 2009
San Francisco, California
Time with good friends is something that nurtures even the most stressed-out overachiever. Especially when that time is spent in the Bay Area on a sun-filled Sunday. Recently, I met with two friends in San …
September 27, 2009
Grand Tetons/Yellowstone National Park
The national parks have been described by Ken Burns as America’s best idea. I doubt that many visitors to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park would argue with that. I journeyed there in late …
September 27, 2009
Muir Woods National Monument, California
Less than 15 miles from San Francisco is the beautiful Muir Woods National Monument. Walking among giant coast redwoods, you get a taste of what it must be like to be an ant crawling among …
September 22, 2009
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Once an exclusive getaway for America’s elite, Jekyll Island was purchased for public use in 1947 by the state of Georgia. Sixty-five percent of the island will never be developed. Jekyll is the smallest of …
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park rises out of the vast Utah desert almost without warning. Comprising 120 square miles of red sandstone cliffs, spires and canyons, the park feels like the ruins of an ancient city. Its …
September 17, 2009
Space, Death, and Memory: My Summer Vacation in Quartzsite
Past the Coachella Valley, where the desert floor pushes the mountains out of sight, my grandfather levitates above a steamy I-10, alternately stiff-arming the grill and checking the coolant level of my eastbound station wagon. …
September 10, 2009
Colonial Mexico: Zacatecas
Our plane flew into Zacatecas in the midst of rainfall. The airport had one runway surrounded by red unpaved dirt, the smallest baggage claim I’d ever seen, and the most charming people I’d ever met. …
September 10, 2009
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Known for its year-round festivals, Lake Charles is located in the heart of Cajun Country, a few miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. Amidst swamps, rivers, bayous and marshes, Lake Charles boasts a number …
September 10, 2009