If you land at Sacramento International Airport, you might hear a voice over the public address system making the following statement. “We’re proud to offer a unique blend of big-city amenities and small-town charm that can only be found here.” I’m not above borrowing a good quote when I hear one, and I think it’s an apt description. Air Canada in July began direct, daily flights from Toronto to Sacramento, the capital of California and a city I think is heavily underrated. It’s an attractive city filled with towering, leafy trees, fun neighborhoods and a very good food scene. You’re Read more
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Stunning architecture. Fresh, local food and drinks. And the former home of one of Canada’s best-known writers. Not to mention trendy artists, family-friendly golf, a cool cabin in the woods, friendly alpacas, and a sunflower farm guaranteed to light up your social media accounts. I recently spent two days and a night in surprising North Durham Region. I was blown away by the creativity and cooperative spirit of local business people, as well as by their artistry and passion. Several times I found myself wondering if this region, which is less than an hour from Toronto, could become as popular Read more
Following the renovation of the 43rd-floor Club Lounge in October 2021, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel has completed the latest phase of its extensive transformation. This summer, the hotel will welcome travellers and locals to its fully reimagined lobby level which includes two new food and beverage offerings, private collaboration Studios and soundproof Booths, upgraded porte cochère, and an outdoor pool garden. Marking the largest renovation of the hotel’s almost 50-year history, the modernized look exemplifies Sheraton’s new design as part of its global transformation journey, drawing on the brand’s roots as a community hub for locals and guests to create Read more
Vienna is rightfully famous for its polished palaces and prancing Lipizzaner stallions, not to mention the rich, pure voices of the Vienna Boy’s Choir. There are historic churches from the Middle Ages and homes lived in by the likes of Ludwig van Beethoven and Johann Strauss. But there’s also a rich, vibrant modern side to this city, with rooftop bars that blast pulsating dance tunes, wildly inventive architecture, and funky shops based on Monty Python sketches. Tour guide Alexa Brauner, an engaging and enthusiastic art lover, recently took me on a three-hour walking tour that included both the old and Read more
A historic home once lived in by one of the world’s greatest writers. Fabulous food. Great, local wines. And wonderful, walkable downtowns. The Tri-Valley region of California is not only easy to enjoy, but easy to get to. The valley is roughly a 45-minute drive from downtown San Francisco, and easily reached on the Bay Area Rapid Transit System. It’s not an area that gets a ton of publicity, but that’s what makes it so much fun to explore. I grew up about 10 minutes from the area, and a post at the daily Tri-Valley Herald was my first newspaper Read more
