SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – Glamorous and casual hotels seconds from the beach. A farmer’s market where some of the country’s best chefs pick through selections of super fresh, lemons and Genovese basil to serve that night at local restaurants. Super cool neighborhoods, art galleries, and perhaps the most famous pier in North America. Santa Monica is a gem that embodies all the best things about the California lifestyle, an open-minded city that welcomes visitors of all types and embraces sustainability and inclusiveness. It was only three months ago that fires ripped through parts of southern California, destroying hundreds of homes. Read more
art galleries
I posted this story a couple years ago after a visit to Burlington, Ontario. Now that Canadians are seemingly determined to stay close to home for their 2025 vacations, an easy getaway like this from the nation’s biggest city is even more attractive than ever. From trails with fabulous on-high views from the top of the Niagara Escarpment to fine dining, and from one of Canada’s greatest gardens to a stylish hotel on the shores of Lake Ontario, here are some great options in Burlington. THE GREAT OUTDOORS Mount Nemo Conservation Area The Mount Nemo Conservation Area is one of Read more
It’s been a tough ride for Hawaii, and for Maui. Visitor numbers are down sharply since the August 8 fires that destroyed most of the Maui town of Lahaina. But the island is open, and they’re welcoming visitors with open arms. I’ve been compiling lists of some of my favorite things to see and do, and here are 20 more Maui tips from someone who’s been nearly three dozen times. Please visit responsibly. Do NOT try to visit Lahaina and do NOT take photos of damaged areas. Please do not pry into people’s personal lives. LA PEROUSE BAY AND SOUTH Read more
For my next “Canada Shorts” item, here’s a brief look at a truly amazing and inspiring outdoor art gallery near Peterborough, Ontario that displays Zimbabwean stone carvings. Truly magnificent, and so unexpected. One of the truly amazing attractions in O ntario is the Zim Art Rice Lake Gallery in Bailieboro, south of Peterborough. I was asked to check it out a few years ago and had no idea what to expect. I turned down a shady, quiet country road not much bigger than a standard SUV and there it was, a lush green lawn filled with polished, black sculptures of Read more
Amazing history. Glorious outdoor adventures. Stunnning architecture. Lively art galleries. And terrific food and drinks. St. Augustine, Florida has been entertaining visitors for half a century, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Here’s a way to spend a great couple of days in the city. DAY ONE A CITY TROLLEY TOUR A ride with Old Town Trolley Tours is a delightful way to get to know the city, and get your bearings. You can hop on and off as you like, and there are nearly two dozen stops, including the Castillo de San Marco, the Fountain of Youth, Read more
