BUFFALO – One of North America’s most beautiful art museums. Texas BBQ with a South Asian twist. Former grain silos that now house poetry readings. And some of the nicest people on the planet. I recently spent a weekend in this western New York city and, not for the first time, drove home with a smile on my face. I hadn’t been in Buffalo for eight years, but I found the same entrepreneurial spirit and pride I’ve seen in previous visits. Not unlike Newfoundlanders, they’re quick to lend a hand, and don’t seem to take themselves seriously.I get the feeling Read more
New York
So, here is (perhaps) something of a surprise. A new study by WalletHub says the best state for a road trip in the U.S. is Minnesota. The study considered a wide variety of criteria, including “fun, scenery, and affordability,” and looking at everything from the number of attractions in each state, to the quality of its roads, and naturally, the average cost of gas. Travel and Leisure reports the North Star State has the fourth-highest spending per capita on parks and recreation, and the fourth-most fairs and festivals per capita during the summer, so there’s plenty to do. It’s also Read more
Dr. Beach, a Florida-based researcher who compiles a list of the best beaches in the USA every year, has come out with his list of top beaches for 2025. I’ll give him credit for not just including sun destinations, but I still take issue with some of his choices. Here’s his top ten for 2025: Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York (Long Island) Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida Main Beach, East Hampton, New York (Long Island) Beachwater Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida Kaunaoa Beach, Hawaii Read more
There are some new spots on the Dr. Beach list of top beaches in the United States and Hawaii takes three of the top seven places. Dr. Stephen Leatherman, who calls himself “Doctor Beach,” has put out his ranking of top beaches for 2024. And there’s a new King, or rather Duke, at the top. For 2024, Leatherman puts Duke Kahanamoku Beach on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu in the top spot. Wailea Beach on Maui (I was there last fall) was third, and Po’ipu Beach on Kaua’i (a long-time fave of mine) came in at number seven. I’m also Read more
When it comes to fun, California takes the cake. Mississsippi? Not so much. A new study by Wallet Hub compared the 50 states across 26 key indicators of a jolly good time that won’t break the bank. They range from movie costs to accessibility of national parks to nightlife options per capita. Here’s the top 10: California (beaches, nature, cities, food, theme parks and wine) Florida (beaches, nature, cities, food, theme parks and not so great wine) Nevada (can’t argue with Vegas for fun) New York (I’d rank it higher, but there you go) Illinois (Chicago is one of the Read more
