I had long dreamed of sailing Maine’s ruggedly beautiful coast on a rustic windjammer. It sounded like the perfect back-to-nature panacea for my urban existence in New York City. This July, I booked a three-day cruise on the schooner Stephen Taber. First launched in 1871, it’s the oldest documented sailing vessel in continuous service in the United States and a tribute to 19th century craftsmanship. I had already spent time in Maine, so I … [Read more...]
Should I stay or should I go? Bonaire
I mean you can’t beat hanging around a great Caribbean resort like Harbour Village Beach Club on the island of Bonaire. It’s got a great restaurant, stunning sunsets, a long puffy sliver of silky white sand for a beach, and tons of stuff to do, from diving to snorkeling to kayaking and more. There are also the super comfy ocean-facing rooms set amid tropical gardens, and an ever-gracious staff, never leaving you wanting for … [Read more...]
Maine Park Rangers Offering Free Guided Fall Foliage Tours: Maine
Augusta, Maine –September 26, 2013 In anticipation of one of the brightest seasons yet for Fall Foliage, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Division of Parks and Public Lands has announced that it is offering free guided fall foliage tours at several state parks and public reserved lands beginning Friday, September 28th. The first tours of the season will take place at Mount Blue State Park in Weld (Zone 5), Little … [Read more...]
What Makes Me Get Up and Move
I have been married to a wonderful man for 25 years. We got married very young so as he said we could: "have our children and still play with them." We had three children in 4 years - worked hard and played hard. My husband Wes worked 2 jobs when the kids were little so I could be home with them. Life was not always a bed of roses but we managed to get 3 children into college, two of which also became soldiers. When our youngest … [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...]
The Bride, the Priest and the Maniac
We both sighed when the gate agent announced our flight would be delayed - again. Only twenty more minutes the agent promised. My stomach gurgled as I slumped into my seat and returned to my book. Great. I'd probably have to run like a crazy woman to make my connecting flight at the next airport. These kinds of delays are one of the reasons I dislike traveling alone. My mind inevitably churns with all the "what ifs," especially if re-routing is … [Read more...]
Governor’s Travels
Governor's Travels by Angus King Angus King had just ended 2 terms as Governor of the State of Maine and watched a state trooper drive away - leaving him alone for the first time in 8 years. Within 12 hours of that moment he and his family were on the road. They purchased a large RV and spent the next 5.5 months exploring and discovering America. From small towns to big cities, Mr. King offers insights and reflections about history, a … [Read more...]
James Kaiser: Photographer, Guidebook Author
James Kaiser is an American travel photographer and guide book author currently living in Costa Rica. Recently we had a chance to ask him a few questions about his guidebooks, interests and travels. Q. Tell us about your background and your International travels to date. I grew up in a family that loved to travel. My first trip was to Tahiti when I was six months old. When I was seven, my family spent a summer in Tanzania while my … [Read more...]
Ventura’s The Cliff House Inn: Close to LA but Worlds Away
We heard the surf pounding the rocks in front of us, though we couldn't see the waves in the inky blackness. Far out on the water's surface a flame flickered and glowered, illuminating the edges of a wooden pier. Festive white lights ran up and around the palm trees next to our table, and I read the menu by the dim light of the candle. It was too beautiful not to sit outside, though my dress-up skirt and cute jacket were obscured by layers of … [Read more...]
Cooling Kids Camp – Hidden Pond – Maine
Sweet Sound of Leisure Mixed with Nature equals Blissful Summer Getaway at Hidden Pond Kennebunkport on Maine's Privileged Coast KENNEBUNKPORT, ME, March 2010 - Think the sweet sound of leisure, then stir in the Maine coast's Hidden Pond, the exclusive private and boutique resort nestled in the woods of Kennebunkport. This summer vacation formula is as good as it gets, especially with such options as cooking classes in your own private … [Read more...]