Lahaina might be my fave small city in the world. It’s a delightful, tropical town perched on the dry side of the West Maui mountains, with a colourful history and a fun, engaging charm. This was the center of the Pacific whaling industry for some time, and you’ll find remnants of old jails that housed rowdy sailors. The town center also features one of the world’s largest banyan trees, which has dozens of trunks and spreads over an entire city block. It’s a great place for kids to explore and dream about being a member of the Swiss Family Robinson Read more
surfing
Sensational Santa Cruz: Wonderful wine, towering redwoods and a stunning coastal drive in California
It may not be the best time to visit California. But here’s a prior blog posting of mine to keep in mind for when you next visit. SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA – Sip wine on a patio overlooking the Santa Cruz Mountains. Ride a steam train through a forest of towering redwoods. And stroll glorious, empty beaches on a perfect spring day. The Santa Cruz region of California doesn’t get the attention that places like the Napa Valley or Big Sur tend to attract. But it should. If you’re looking for a great getaway that’s an easy (and beautiful) drive from Read more
With Tahiti reopening for tourism today, here’s a post from a wondrous visit to Tahiti Iti in February. There’s no sign that says “Welcome to Another World” when you turn onto the section of Tahiti island called Tahiti Iti. I’m thinking there should be. A driver who makes the turn south on Tahiti’s main, road (there doesn’t appear to be a name or a number for this two-lane stretch of asphalt; the map I grabbed at the airport in Papeete didn’t provide a number, and the woman at the rental car counter merely called it “the road”) won’t notice an Read more
This is a story about a glorious part of Nova Scotia that I originally had published in CAA magazine a couple years ago. Since we can’t travel right now, I’m posting some stories of mine from the past in the hopes of providing a bit of inspiration. The Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia is only a short drive from Halifax, but it’s another world. When I was there a few years ago I didn’t see a chain hotel or a franchise restaurant anywhere. What I did find were beautiful, quiet bays, goofy but inspiring folk art places and a lovely Read more
This story originally appeared on Postmedia and Sun Media websites in Canada… HALIFAX – This is one of the great cities of Canada; a vibrant but super-friendly spot where people aren’t in a rush and where drivers stop to let crazed Torontonians jaywalk across a busy street at rush hour. You’ll also find a wonderful waterfront, terrific food and trendy neighbourhoods to explore in a city that’s seeing a big boom in downtown condos. DINING 2 Doors Down is owned by the same folks who run the popular Chives restaurant. It’s modern and airy but also cozy, with lots of Read more
