West Edmonton Mall, North America's largest covered shopping and entertainment centre and Alberta's number one tourist attraction draws some 31 million annual visitors. In this gigantic structure tourists and locals alike can take their families to an amusement park, skate in a large-sized skating rink, play a round of golf on a miniature golf course, and shop and eat in the more than 800 stores and restaurants - and do this all under one roof. … [Read more...]
Starting Early with the Philly Cheesteak: The Delicious Icon of Philadelphia
"Philly cheesesteak! Philly cheesesteak! You're always telling me that you can't wait until your son is old enough to enjoy a Philly cheesesteak!" Many times my grandson, Laith, would repeat these words to me about initiating his son to the delights of Philadelphia's famous sandwich. This day I thought that I would bring his wish to a happy conclusion. I invited my grandson and his family - his wife Maria and their almost two-year old son … [Read more...]
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island
The late Rhode Island artist Maxwell Mays had long talked about giving the 300 acres he owned in that state's rural Coventry to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island upon his passing. Someone asked him why. Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge - cottage from across pond "I would like this land to stay open," he said. "I would like this land to breathe." He died in 2009, and gave the land that is now known as the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge. … [Read more...]
Commercial Coffee Production in California?
Organic farmer, Jay Ruskey has been at the forefront in California of commercially growing exotic and rare fruit species at his farm perched on the side of the Santa Ynez Mountains above Goleta since the mid 1990's. The 42 acre farm is about 650 feet above sea level about two miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and on a clear day (of which there are many at this elevation) there are great views of the ocean and the Channel Islands. For … [Read more...]
Matunuck Oyster Bar Rhode Island
Forget hands on. Think feet and bellies. When taking a tour of the aquaculture shellfish farm behind the Matunuck Oyster Bar restaurant in South Kingstown, R.I., you not only learn about where your food comes from, you walk through its breeding grounds, and if you're lucky, harvest a few oysters to eat later. Sometimes the nibbling is sooner. On a tour last summer, led by owner of the shellfish farm and restaurant, Perry Raso,who does them … [Read more...]
Chatham Vineyards Virginia
I recently ventured to Virginia to acquaint myself with this state's blossoming wine industry. Wine in Virginia has a venerable history, dating back to Jamestown and the ten vines that each settler was required to tend. Local boy Thomas Jefferson was on a life-long quest to produce a successful vineyard, and judging from my recent visit, he would be pleased with what today's producers are doing. There are nearly 200 wineries throughout the … [Read more...]
Mad Scientists at Raymond Winery
My first impression of Raymond Winery when I arrive for my "Winemaker for a Day" blending experience with my fiance, Tom, is that we are at a traditional Napa winery. The "Winemaker for Day" experience involves creating my own wine blend and bottling the wine to take home with my own label - which I am currently designing with a happy employee named Casey at the tasting room counter. The tasting room has beige walls and white counter-tops with a … [Read more...]
Touring Toronto: Bruce Bell best man for the job
In 1966 Toronto, you could smoke in elevators, but men had to doff their hats. In the early 19th century, when Canada was very much British, you could be hanged if caught singing the pro-United States protest song "Yankee Doodle Dandy,". In the now super-trendy and expensive Yorkville section of the city, folk legends like Joni Mitchell and Gordon Lightfoot got their musical start during that neighborhood's edgy bohemian days. And … [Read more...]
San Diego’s Best Beaches: An Insider’s Perspective
San Diego has acres and acres of coastline. With breathtaking views and free public beaches choosing the "best beaches" is very subjective. In most cases accessing San Diego's coastline also requires a car rental unless you are staying very close to the beach. San Diego's International airport is located minutes from downtown; consider an International Air Charter. Here are five on my favorite beaches and each is dramatically different in … [Read more...]
Ocean House: Luxury on a grand scale in smallest state
For a tiny state - the nation's tiniest - Rhode Island's got it all going on. There's the state's famous beaches (it is known as the Ocean State, after all), an incredible culinary scene, particularly in the capital city of Providence, world-class academia (think Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design) and a rousing arts scene which includes Trinity Repertory Company, the country's last full company theater. Photo courtesy of Ocean … [Read more...]
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