All The Write Places

Amid the energetic vibe of a Jimmy Buffet-themed cruise, what delighted me most was the Great Towel Animal Parade of soft sculptures made from bath towels and face cloths. On the first night of my cruise on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, I retreated to my Breezy Balcony stateroom to find a cute little penguin, or maybe it was a puffin, fashioned from terry towels and propped on my bed. A…

Rogers, Arkansas, is redefining what small-town growth can look like. Once a quiet railroad town, it has evolved into a thriving hub where Walmart’s influence fuels world-class art, nationally recognized BBQ, and big-city opportunity — all while holding onto its hometown charm. Check out my story in Loop North News here: https://www.loopnorth.com/news/rogers0421.htm Crystal Bridges Museum of…

If you’re thinking about your first trip to Thailand, you’ll probably hang out in Bangkok (like I did), and then head south to the internationally famous beaches. I headed north to the province of Korat, officially named Nakhon Ratchasima, about 200 miles northeast of the country’s capital city. It’s about a one-hour flight or a three-hour drive, which will be shortened considerably with the…

For many travelers with the goal to visit all 50 states in the U.S., North Dakota is the last one. Maybe it’s because the 39th state is pretty far north and not really on the way to somewhere else. Unlike the famous Route 66, which passes through eight states, for instance. Or maybe it’s the lack of mega-attractions like the Grand Canyon or Disney World. My story, Explore the Rich History,…

An ambitious pastry chef with big-city dreams visits her hometown in Door County, Wisconsin, for Christmas. While there, she runs into her former love and learns her family’s cherry orchard is struggling. What happens next? You’ll have to watch the adorable indie film, A Wisconsin Christmas Pie on the Great American Family network (also streaming under the alternate title A Cherry Pie Christmas)…

All-inclusive resorts have gone upscale, as I discovered at Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen in Mexico. The adults-only gated community features 485 luxury suites, robust amenity program, a dozen dining options, and live theater within a magnificent tropical setting. Located on México’s Yucatán Peninsula, the AAA Five Diamond resort is part of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection. I spent five glorious…

(Many thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Chicago, which made this amazing trip possible.) Most travelers and tourists, when they visit Thailand, head south of Bangkok, where the beautiful beaches are. We headed north, to Chiang Rai province, all the way to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River. Along the way, the sights were astonishing:…

(Many thanks to Visit Gulf County for hosting my visit!) Gulf County, at the heart of the panhandle, beckons with spectacular scenery and an Old Florida vibe. It’s a quieter side of the Sunshine State, but that’s great news for travelers who appreciate powdery beaches, walkable downtowns with charming shops, gracious hospitality and a slower pace of life. Some people call it the “Forgotten…

The World’s Largest Ball of Sisal Twine sits in an open-air pavilion in Cawker City, Kansas, where it has drawn visitors from around the world. It’s just one of the many quirky museums, roadside attractions and grassroots artworks that dot the vibrant cities and rural byways. Like the Pizza Hut Museum in Wichita and the Largest Czech Egg in Wilson. My story, “Quirky Kansas,” and photos as…

Fargo, North Dakota, is a city of quirks and charms, of pioneer history and ongoing creativity. It’s got connections to the infamous woodchipper scene in the film noir of the same name, legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, Viking explorers and Dairy Queen’s iconic Dilly Bar. It’s all part of the reason the city playfully refers to itself as “North of Normal,” a reference to a way of life that…

Andalucia in Southern Spain stands as one of Europe’s top travel destinations. With its balmy weather, over 500 miles of stunning coastline, UNESCO World Heritage sites and diverse landscapes, it is easy to understand the appeal. Andalucia, or Andalusia as it is spelled in Spain, is home to eight provinces, with Seville as the capital. The region was under Islamic rule for almot 700 years before…

The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with bigger, brighter, bolder shows. I’m always thrilled to visit Music City, and this year is extra welcoming with new hotels and restaurants, and new experiences. During my latest getaway, I attended a show at Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running live radio program in the country, in celebration of is 100th anniversary.…

A beachfront getaway to Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast is even more alluring now that the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa has completed its $35 million makeover. And just in time for the luxury resort’s 40th anniversary and a premium destination on Miramar Beach in Northwest Florida. I recently had the opportunity to visit the resort and experience its delectable dining venues and…

As a long-time traveler, I know a food tour is the fastest and most immersive way to experience a city’s culture and flavors. When in Toronto, Ontario, the must-do food tour is the VIP Early Access Food Tour of St. Lawrence Market by Culinary Adventure Co. This intimate, two-hour tour, capped at just eight guests, takes you through one of the city’s finest indoor food hubs. You’ll sample…

Wisconsin’s rich agricultural heritage continues to thrive through its cheese, beer and chocolate traditions. Whether you’re sampling award-winning cheeses, exploring innovative craft beers, or indulging in decadent chocolates, Wisconsin offers a palate-pleasing adventure rooted in its storied past. Let me help you plan your culinary road trip through Wisconsin: The Big Cheese Home to more…

Music, sports and outdoor adventure crown Glendale, Arizona, the entertainment hub of Metro Phoenix, and just possibly the entire state. Check the schedule at State Farm Stadium for an impressive array of mega-events, take in a MLB spring training game at Camelback Ranch, and float above the Sonoran Desert in a hot-air balloon at sunrise. I did all that and much more, which I wrote about in my…