Become Part of The Nutcracker Story
The Nutcracker is one of America's endearing holiday traditions. An 1892 two-act ballet, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky penned its famous musical score. And the libretto, which is the text of an opera, was adapted from "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," a story by E.T.A....
Explore Málaga, One of Spain’s Most Popular Cities
I've visited Spain many times before, but never made it to Málaga. That's probably because on my second trip to the country, I fell in love with hiking the Vía de la Plata, or VDLP. The VDLP Camino is one of five main pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela,...
Hiking El Caminito del Rey, Once the World’s Most Dangerous Trek
When I first learned about El Caminito del Rey, I was incredibly intrigued. For this hiking path in southern Spain consists of narrow boardwalk attached to the sides of cliffs in many spots. Yikes! When I saw photos, it looked terrifying. Well, if you're afraid of...
A Crazy Hike Along the Arizona Trail (AZT)
The Arizona Trail, or AZT, is one of America's 11 National Scenic Trails. It runs from Arizona's border with Mexico due north to its border with Utah. During this northerly trek, the trail unspools nearly 800 miles (1,288 km), passing east of major cities such as...
Pickleball Is a Fast-Growing Sport
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America today. The game, popularized by seniors, is now played by folks of all ages. Some colleges, universities and even high schools have teams and/or are teaching kids to play. The game is a combination of tennis,...
Wisconsin River Also a Dells Waterpark
The Wisconsin River churns through Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton as it winds throughout the state. And it's here, along a five-mile (8 km) stretch, that the river passes the incredibly beautiful "dells" formations that first attracted tourists to the area in the...
Hike through the Boundary Waters on the BRT
The Border Route Trail is a 65-mile (105-km) hiking trail that runs through the Boundary Waters. And specifically, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, or BWCAW, which lies between Minnesota and Ontario, Canada. Many people canoe the BWCAW, but very few people...
Rim to Rim Hiking in the Grand Canyon
Some people dream of hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim. That is, hiking from its South Rim to its North Rim, or vice-versa. And some of these intrepid souls will eventually achieve their dream. I was once such a dreamer. I'd first read about people going "rim to rim"...
Why Hiking Is Becoming So Popular
Everyone is hiking these days. Especially on long-distance trails. Hiking is surging in popularity not only across the U.S., but all around the world. Experts aren’t positive why this is happening, but believe one reason is the popularity of the book “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed.
Exploring the Ice Caves at Kickapoo Valley Reserve
Ice caves abound every winter in Wisconsin's 8,600-acre Kickapoo Valley Reserve. That's because the reserve has an abundance of groundwater. And it's scarred with steep stream valleys, sandstone and limestone cliffs, and overhangs. Together, that's perfect for their...
The Surprises of Hiking Spain’s Vía de la Plata (Camino de Santiago)
There are five main Camino pilgrimage trails leading to the city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. They are the Camino Francés (French Way), Inglés (English Way), Portugués (Portuguese Way), Camino del Norte (North Way) and the Vía de la Plata (Silver Way). Just...
Five Places Most Tourists Miss in Washington, D.C.
Many people know what they want to see when visiting Washington, D.C. It's classic sites such as the Washington Monument, Congress and the Smithsonian museums. But there are many other really cool, but lesser-known, attractions. I first visited D.C. when I was 22...
Sundara Inn & Spa: What You Need to Know About Its Expansion
Sundara Inn & Spa is consistently ranked one of America's top destination spas. The spa sits in 90 wooded acres in the Wisconsin Dells area. In 2018, Sundara unveiled a major renovation and expansion that added new suites, a saltwater pool and loads of wellness...
Door County’s Sturgeon Bay Worth a Stop
Sturgeon Bay is the largest city in Door County. And Door County is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wisconsin and beyond. Yet visitors tend to ignore Sturgeon Bay, which also serves as the peninsular county's gateway city. And that's a shame, because...
How to Hike Through Mt. Grace State Forest
Fifty shades of green burst forth before my eyes as I emerge on the top of the 68-foot (21-meter) fire tower capping Mt. Grace. My metal aerie affords me sweeping views of the vast, remote countryside, which today is bathed in bright emerald, lime and mossy hues. A...
Hiking the Laugavegur Trail
Iceland's Laugavegur Trail is famed for leading hikers past lava fields and across glaciers. The route also showcases natural hot springs, black arctic deserts and lush valleys. Most impressive, the trail is considered one of the world's most beautiful hikes. I first...
