Stunning hotels, fabulous food and beaches are just the start. This island also offers up great history and fun, colourful locals. Pigeon Island National Park in the north of St. Lucia is a great place to explore the island’s French and English history and to soak up views of the mountains and beautiful coastline. Cap Maison is a fantastic hotel/resort on the north end of St. Lucia. It’s only a few mintues to the action in Rodney Bay but it’s quiet and serene, with lovely villas. Some villas at Cap Maison come with private pools. They’re both secluded and seductive. Read more
Sarasota is well-known for its beautiful architecture and stunning beaches. But I hadn’t spend much time in the area until last week, when I got to explore Longboat Key and Siesta Key and some of the downtown area. I came away hugely impressed with the natural beauty and with the artwork and museums, including one that features some cool, classic cars. I fell in love with the small city of Venice, which has a great, low-key main street and a terrific beach and lots of cool history. Check my photo blog below for some nice photos and useful information!
I started going to Dunedin back in 1993 when I covered the Blue Jays for the Toronto Star. And I’ve been in love with the place ever since. The town itself is a delight, with an adorable and tiny main street surrounded by lush landscaping, plus great restaurants and unusual shops and fun places to stay. The cycling is outstanding on the Pinellas Trail, and there are now two breweries in town to go along with the fine restaurants and shops. Honeymoon Island State Park features quiet, lovely beaches, and you also can take a ferry to nearby Caladesi Island, Read more
Downtown Tampa is undergoing enormous changes, with new condos helping bring in trendy new restaurants and shops. The Epicurean Hotel is a foodie’s delight, and there are tons of other great spots.
British Columbia is a true marvel, with sensational natural scenery of all kinds. Kamloops is an underrated destination with a pretty waterfront, good food and a great golf course in nearby Tobiano. Whistler, of course, is a world-class destination with great hotels, skiing and summer activities such as golf, hiking and biking. And be sure to check out the remarkable new Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, B.C.
A trip along the Sunshine Coast is an outstanding way to enjoy the beauty of British Columbia. This was my first time visiting, and it will certainly not be my last. I fell in love with the people, not to mention the craggy hills and zig-zag harbours. There’s excellent kayaking and boating, as well as hiking and shopping. And the resorts are terrific, too.
