If you’re going to a show at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in the near future, you may wonder where to have dinner. There are countless restaurants in the area, but here are my favorites.
Where to Eat Near Carnegie Hall
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Articles by
Melanie Votaw
Travel News & Advice – December 15, 2024
Read the latest travel news! UK’s new ETA requirement, new Alaska Airlines routes, no more cruises in Amsterdam?, Virgin Voyages news, and more…
Photo Essay: Yosemite National Park, California
I had occasion to visit Yosemite National Park in California recently. The only downside to seeing the park in fall is that it’s quite dry, which means the famous waterfalls are almost nonexistent. You have to be there during the spring to see the falls in all their glory. Still, there’s plenty to love about Yosemite year-round.
Travel News & Advice – November 30, 2024
Bullet hits Southwest plane. A Southwest Airlines plane was struck by a bullet on November 15th at Dallas Love Field airport. The plane returned to the gate and was taken out of service, and there were no injuries. Spirit Airlines bankruptcy. Spirit has filed for...
Oregon Wines of Ghost Hill Cellars
Ghost Hill Cellars is a fifth-generation farm in the Yamhill-Carlton District of Willamette Valley, Oregon. The land was purchased by the Bayliss family in 1906 and started as a dairy. Then, it became a sheep farm, followed by a cattle farm. Today, the combination of the Bayliss and Bower families is devoted to wine, but they do rent a substantial amount of the property to other farmers.
Where to Eat in Times Square
lmost daily in Facebook travel groups and Broadway show fan pages, people ask where to eat in Times Square. Part of the problem is that there are so many restaurants that it can be hard to choose. So below are nine restaurants that I personally recommend. All are mid-range in terms of price, so these aren’t luxury, nor are they bargains. But they’re all good and in the Times Square theater district.
NYC Theater Review: Merchant of Venice Starring T.R. Knight of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
If you’ve always thought Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice was missing a bikini-clad, pole-dancing Portia, cast members in Batman masks, and puppets fellating each other, the Arlekin Players Theatre production at Classic Stage Company will be tailor-made for you.
Norwich, England: Hip and Historic
When my friend told me he was leaving New York City for the much smaller city of Norwich, England to take over his dad’s fish & chips shop, I couldn’t imagine why. Wouldn’t he get bored? Then, I visited him in his idyllic town with a population of just over 200,000 and an excellent location near the central eastern coast of the country.
Hotel Review: Le Meridien Fifth Avenue, NYC
This 4-star property is located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan between East 30th and East 31st Streets. That makes it’s a stone’s throw from the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Macy’s, and the West 34th Street shopping district. It’s also quite close to Times Square.
Travel News & Advice – November 15, 2024
Apple AirTag news, gunfire in the air, new Chase airport lounges, canned air from Lake Como, a Wicked inspired hotel suite, and more.
Liverpool – More Than Just the Beatles
Liverpool has plenty of Beatles memorabilia to lure you, but you might be surprised to learn that it has much more to offer the traveler – even those who aren’t fans of the Fab Four. An old city with both new and historical architecture, Liverpool is big enough to give you plenty to do but small enough that you don’t have to endure London-like congestion.
Hotel Review: The Exquisite Langham Hotel, London
The Langham Hotel in London is as close to perfect as you can get. A 5-star property that could easily be given 6 stars, my experience there – from the facilities to the staff – was nothing short of exquisite. And I don’t use such words frivolously.
Travel News & Advice – October 30, 2024
Notre Dame reopening in Paris. After the devastating fire in 2019, the famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris will reopen December 8, 2024! Notre Dame in Paris. Photo by Melanie Votaw. Las Vegas Sphere news. You might have heard about The Sphere in Las Vegas. Well,...
Airport Lounge Review: Delta Sky Lounge, Kansas City International (MCI)
The Delta Sky Lounge in the Kansas City airport is fairly new – opened in February 2023. The entire airport was refurbished not long ago, and this is its only lounge. The space spans more than 11,000 square feet to hold 200 guests, but the Monday morning I was there recently, it was virtually empty. I have to admit that was a treat, as most of the lounges I’ve visited in other airports, whether Delta or otherwise, have been packed.
Travel News and Advice – October 15, 2024
Read the latest travel news from new borders being drawn in Europe, to new high tech trains in Spain to new United Airlines routes to new Einstein museum and more!
Hotel Review: Loews® Kansas City Hotel
This beautiful 4-star hotel in Kansas City is located downtown right across the street from the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. It’s surprisingly large for an inner city hotel with a sprawling lobby that contains many comfortable seating options, including a partially enclosed space with a fireplace.
Travel News & Advice – September 30, 2024
News from Delta, SAS, American Airlines, JetSmart, JetBlue, British Airways, and Eurostar.
Hotel Review: Artezen Hotel, Downtown Manhattan, NYC
Most tourists stay in midtown when they come to New York City, but even if you’re not in town for business, you might want to consider staying in other areas of Manhattan, including the Financial District. This area is where you’ll find the current World Trade Center and Trinity Church, where Alexander Hamilton among other luminaries is buried. You’ll also find the Artezen Hotel, dubbed the newest 4-star property in the Financial District.
Avoid Bedbugs While Traveling
Unfortunately, bedbugs are a reality these days, and they can be very difficult to get rid of them. But don’t panic! I even got them in my apartment (presumably from a package that was delivered, as I hadn’t traveled recently), and spraying killed them.
Photo Essay: The Sahara Desert
Tea in the Sahara? Well, I didn’t have tea, but I did enjoy myself in the remarkable desert of Morocco. It was a landscape out of the movies, and the bright colors of the guys leading the camels just made it all the more beautiful.
The Bronx Zoo: One of the Best Zoos in the World
If you’ve ever watched the TV show, The Zoo, on the Animal Planet channel, you’ve seen behind the scenes at the Bronx Zoo, which is currently celebrating its 125th year. Covering 265 acres, it’s one of the largest and oldest zoos in the United States. But did you know that you can go there and have an in-person experience behind the scenes?
Travel News & Advice – September 17, 2024
American Airlines and Delta Airlines news, the truth about plane safety, what’s up with free Wi-Fi on planes, a new tourism tax in Greece, and an iceberg collision.
Hotel Review: The Spectacular Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa, Amalfi Coast, Italy
There is a lot to love about Monastero Santa Rosa, the luxury hotel on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. It’s the gardens that are my favorite part of this property, however. They’re spectacular, and I don’t use that word frivolously.
Photo Essay: Morocco’s Stunning Atlas Mountains
I’ve seen the Rockies, the Andes, and the Himalayas, but honestly, Morocco’s Atlas Mountains may be the most beautiful range of them all. Judge for yourself!
Where to Eat in Cayuga County, NY (While Visiting Harriet Tubman Sites)
I just published a piece about the Harriet Tubman historical sites in Auburn, Cayuga County, New York, including her home, church, and gravesite. Besides visiting the numerous wineries in this Finger Lakes region, there are many wonderful restaurants where you can sample some truly special cuisine.
Tracing the Steps of Harriet Tubman in Auburn, New York
I’m sure you know about Harriet Tubman, who famously saved many enslaved people during the Civil War Era by personally transporting them through the Underground Railroad. But I’ll bet there’s a lot you don’t know about her, such as the fact that she settled in Auburn, New York in Cayuga County and lived there until her death in 1913.
See Broadway Stars in Concert in Small NYC Venues
Tourists are often unaware that they can often see some of their favorite Broadway stars up close and personal in small cabaret rooms in Manhattan.
Whale Watching from New York City – You Read That Right!
A lot of visitors and locals aren’t aware that you can watch whales from Manhattan and Brooklyn in NYC. And I’m talking some major whale watching!
Travel News & Advice – August 31, 2024
Want to see North Korea? Will Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines merge? What new international routes have just begun? What airport has the worst TSA experience? How can you know if you’re too close to an animal in a national park? Read our Travel News to find out.
Need to Store Your Bags? This Might Be the Answer!
I just discovered a new service called Bounce that has a luggage storage network around the world. They work with local businesses that are willing to hold your bags for a set period of time.
Travel News & Advice – August 14, 2024
Dispute with a travel-related company? Whenever you have a problem with a travel-related company that you're struggling to resolve, check out the contact information for executives in Christopher Elliott's handy list. Don't waste more time - go right to the top!...
Travel News & Advice – July 30, 2024
Check out our latest travel news. How did Delta mess up after the power outage? How can you avoid the worst turbulence and stay safe in extreme heat? Where are bedbugs showing up these days? Would you have a robot massage?
Searching San Diego for the Largest Mammal of All Time
I have dreamed for decades of seeing a blue whale – the largest animal that’s ever lived (as far as we know at least). When I first investigated the possibility, the only places to see them were remote and usually in very cold waters. Since then, they have become much more widespread, increasing in numbers in southern and northern California.
Quito’s Nuema Restaurant Named in Top 100 Restaurants in the World
Conde Nast Traveler has named its top 100 restaurants in the world, and Nuema in Quito is number 61. Nestled in the Illa Experience Hotel, I had the extraordinary opportunity to experience this restaurant firsthand.
Hotel Review: The Luxurious Illa Experience Hotel & Spa, Quito, Ecuador
The 5-star Illa Experience Hotel opened its doors in December 2017 by Latin Trails in the historic part of Quito just a few blocks from the Plaza Grande and surrounded by artists’ workshops.
NYC’s One World Observatory and Museum of Ice Cream
If you’re looking for something fun to do in New York City this summer, try the One World Observatory, which boasts the highest observation deck in the city with three floors and 360-degree views (sorry, Empire State Building). And this summer, it’s collaborating with the Museum of Ice Cream so that you can buy a single ticket for both.
Travel News & Advice – July 8, 2024
Read the latest airline news, find out the cheapest place to visit in the world, look into helicopter flights between the Greek Isles, discover why you shouldn’t fly at night in summer, and much more.
Yakima Valley, Washington Wine Country
If Washington State wines are not on your radar, they should be. It has a particularly ideal climate for winegrowing with 17 hours of sunlight and cool nights that help maintain the acidity of the grapes.
Restaurant Review: La Grande Boucherie, New York City
When I want a fine dining experience in Manhattan that's still within reason from a price perspective, La Grande Boucherie is my go-to restaurant - and has been for years. The French menu changes periodically, but everything we've ordered has been excellent without...
Broadway Guide: What To See in NYC This Summer
I see almost all shows on Broadway (some more than once), and I can rattle off the names of numerous Broadway creatives from actors to choreographers to ensemble dancers to composers and more. I also used to photograph the Tony nominees every year for another publication. So I thought you might find it useful to hear my recommendations for Broadway shows to see this summer if you’re coming to New York.
Tony Awards 2024 Recap
I sat down to watch the Tony Awards Sunday night, June 16, with trepidation. It had been a particularly stuffed season, especially with musicals, which is my favorite genre. I expected to be disappointed by some of the decisions.
Travel News – June 17, 2024
Read the latest travel news from a new hiking trail in Italy’s Dolomites to why you shouldn’t drink the water on airplanes (including tea and coffee) to the new cheese museum in Paris and more.
Louisville, Kentucky: Much More Than the Derby
When you think of Louisville, Kentucky, you probably think horses and bourbon, but the city has a great deal to offer the traveler at any time of year – not just during the Kentucky Derby. You might be surprised to learn that it’s a large metropolitan city with a long tradition of supporting the arts. It has its own award-winning orchestra, opera, and ballet companies, as well as one of the country’s top regional theatres, Actors Theater of Louisville.
How to Avoid Seasickness
I have struggled with motion sickness my whole life, and sometimes, I can be miserable on a boat, even while others think the water is nice and smooth. So over the years, I have found that a triple threat strategy works well for me.
How to Avoid Ear Pain and Popping on Airplanes
I have been plagued with severe ear pain and popping on airplanes for many years, so I’ve found a few tricks that work well for me. Hopefully, they’ll work for you, too.
Travel News – May 27, 2024
Read the latest travel news about American tourists being arrested for traveling with ammunition, Georgia’s possible first national park, a lawsuit over an airport name change, Paris’s high line, better meals on Alaska Airlines, deadly turbulence, and more.
Two Must-See Museums in Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal has many wonderful museums, but my two personal favorites are the National Coach Museum (Museu National dos Coches) and the Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha).
Travel News: May 15, 2024
Read the latest travel news about the Mona Lisa moving, the cleanest airports in the world, the only airport that’s never lost a bag, airlines behaving badly, the upcoming tallest building in the world, and a possible train between two continents!
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is a Magical Place
The day I had to leave Rapa Nui, I teared up. I so wanted more time there. While the island is part of the country of Chile, it’s actually in Polynesia and is similar to Hawaii in that it’s tropical, very green, and filled with volcanos. But it also has the amazing Moai statues that are not to be missed!
Hotel Review: Nayara Hangaroa Resort in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
The 5-star resort property of Nayara Hangaroa on Easter Island, which I will call Rapa Nui for the rest of this article, is an exceptional experience that I can’t possibly recommend enough.
Travel News: April 25, 2024
Read the latest travel news about the new Department of Transportation rules, the new bullet train coming in the U.S., “smooch cabins” on German trains, Bark Air for dogs, lifetime bans at Disney, and more.
Iguassu Falls, Brazil: A Magnificent Spectacle
I visited Iguassu Falls in the late 1990s, and I have wanted to go back ever since. I finally got my chance. As someone who has traveled the world and seen many awe-inspiring places, I have to say that Iguassu is still one of the most spectacular of them all.
Hotel Review: Hotel das Cataratas by Belmond, Iguassu Falls, Brazil
Not only is Hotel das Cataratas the only hotel within the national park where you find Iguassu Falls, but it goes beyond five-star service for a luxury-plus experience.
Monterey Bay Aquarium – Jellyfish, Otters & Sharks, Oh My!
Monterey Bay Aquarium is perhaps the most celebrated aquarium in the U.S. and for good reason. Not only are there rare animals and other sea life on display, but all you have to do is walk outside and look out on Monterey Bay to see an area that is teeming with life because it’s a protected sanctuary.
Museum of Broadway in Times Square
It’s hard to imagine that there was no museum about the history of Broadway until late 2022, but that’s the truth. Thankfully, we now have the Museum of Broadway to commemorate the wonder of New York’s theater and located in the Times Square theater district where it belongs.
Escape the Strip: 2 Lesser-Known Las Vegas Sites
Even my Lyft driver didn’t know about the Hollywood Cars Museum in Las Vegas, which is just a short drive from the strip. This little-known museum has a host of vehicles from TV and movies, as well as a room filled with cars and costumes once owned by Liberace.
Travel News: April 8, 2024
Read the latest travel news from TSA PreCheck scams to American Airlines AAdvantage Miles changes to an alert about Cozumel to increased baggage fees and more.
Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution
Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution opened in the spring 2017, focusing on the movement and the war that resulted in the United States. Considering that some people didn’t recognize the Declaration of Independence July 4th when National Public Radio tweeted it 140 characters at a time, this museum is needed! I hope those who are unfamiliar with our country’s history will visit it.
Restaurant Review: La Mafia se Sienta a la Mesa in Lisbon, Portugal (and Dessert Down the Street at L’Eclair)
My friend and I were wandering around Lisbon one day and stumbled upon a beautiful Italian restaurant called La Mafia se Sienta a la Mesa. We couldn’t have made a better choice for lunch.
Travel News: April 1, 2024
United Airlines news – safety incidents and the ability of customers to combine miles with others. An assassination in Ecuador. New airlines added to TSA PreCheck, and Four Seasons gets ready to enter the cruise market.
Hotel Review: The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo, Japan
The ultra-modern, 5-star Capitol Hotel Tokyu is located in the trendy Akasaka area of central Tokyo, not far from the Imperial Palace. The locale couldn’t be more convenient. There’s a subway station just under it where several Metro lines converge, so you can take an elevator or escalator from the subway to the hotel.
Travel News: March 25, 2024
The latest in travel news! When will Notre Dame Cathedral reopen? What has Boeing done now? Why is Paris upset about wild rabbits? JetBlue cuts some of its flights.
Sometimes Travel is for the Birds: The Ecuadoran Andes
It was a dizzying way to start our trip – especially after a late night landing in Quito and only four hours of sleep. But here we were standing on a mountain more than two miles high. We were on a slope of the Pinchincha Volcano, part of the Yanacocha Reserve in the Ecuadoran Andes. It was our first stop on the way to a week at Tandayapa Bird Lodge, an all-inclusive accommodation built precisely for bird enthusiasts like me and my traveling companion, Jean.
Hotel Review: Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey
The Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel is true to its name in more ways than one. Not only are the building and grounds palatial, but so is the ambience and the service. Of all the fine hotels I have had the good fortune of experiencing across the world, the Ciragan Palace is the finest. The property is allowed to call itself “5-star luxury,” but it is far superior to most 5-star hotels.
Photo Essay: The Andes of Ecuador
I did the “trifecta” in Ecuador, visiting the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, and the Andes. It was my second time in the Andes region (the first time was about 13 years before), and it didn’t disappoint.
Hotel Review: Tokyo’s Glorious Hotel Chinzanso
The main draw of Tokyo’s Hotel Chinzanso is its 17-acre garden, and while that garden is nothing short of spectacular, there’s certainly a lot more to love about this hotel. Formerly a Four Seasons, Hotel Chinzanso has quite a history. The area was known for its wild camellias for six centuries, and the word “Chinzanso” means “guest house on Camellia Hill.”
Photo Essay: The Ancient Wonder of Jordan
In only a few days, I covered a lot of terrain in Jordan. I was able to see several historical sites. Petra isn’t all there is to see by a long shot! It’s a stunning country with friendly people who are deeply saddened by the turmoil happening in the countries that surround them. My guide told me that he used to take tourists into Syria, for example, on a regular basis. He misses being able to go there.
Visiting Beijing in Winter
January may be an odd time to visit Beijing because it’s very cold and dry, but the plus side is that the crowds are seriously reduced from the warmer months, when I’m told you can barely walk at the most popular sites. Since crowds are not my thing, I was happy to visit the city in January (even if my toes felt numb by the end of the day).
Travel News & Advice: March 11, 2024
Don’t use Google to look for airline phone numbers! It turns out scammers are putting bogus numbers on Google and posing as airlines. When you need a number, ALWAYS go to the official website of the airline!
Singapore: An “Asia Lite” Experience
If you’ve never been to Asia, Singapore is a great introduction to the continent. I think of it as “Asia Lite.” Yes, you’re in Asia, but English is universally spoken and written on signs. Some Asian cities have given me a bad case of culture shock, so there’s a lot to be said for a city that’s easily navigated on foot, by taxi, or public transport – even if I sometimes felt more like I was in Europe than Asia.
Top 10 Reasons to Make Japan Your Next Travel Destination
A couple of my friends have told me they wouldn’t want to visit Japan because of how the country came across in the 2003 Bill Murray film “Lost In Translation.” Well, I had the opportunity to go to Japan, and I can say from first-hand experience that the film did the country a grave disservice.
Travel News: March 4, 2024
Bunk beds in the air? A cruise that will go to all 7 continents! a new Centurion lounge. A crime alert for Mexico during spring break. and more…
Recipe: Kentucky Colonel Candy
This is a recipe handed down in my family from my paternal grandmother. It’s an unusual version of bourbon balls. While I know we usually make these candies during the Christmas holidays, I enjoy them at any time of year.
Recipe: Chewy Brownie Fudge Squares
This is my mother’s recipe and the only brownie recipe we ever made in our family. If you like your brownies chewy, you’ll love this one.
Travel News: February 26, 2024
Read the latest travel news from TSA PreCheck scams to American Airlines AAdvantage Miles changes to an alert about Cozumel to increased baggage fees and more.
Getting Around Japan: 25+ Crucial Tips for Navigating Subways, JR Trains & More
Before traveling to Japan, I highly recommend that you do considerable research. Otherwise, you’ll waste a lot of time trying to figure things out. I did a lot of research, but there were still moments when I found myself confused. I can’t imagine the amount of time I would have lost if I’d done no research at all. This article is my effort to spare you some of the confusion I experienced while there, thus allowing you to spend more time enjoying Japan rather than wandering at random. I also hope to save you some stress!
NYC Travel: Don’t Overpay for Broadway Tickets!
Most of the time, when tourists tell me how much they’ve paid for Broadway tickets, I cringe. Yes, sometimes, you have to shell out the big bucks if you only have a few days in town and want to see shows that are usually sold out. But if you plan ahead, you can pay a lot less by checking out just a few resources.
Travel News: February 19, 2024
Read the latest travel news from new rules in Italy to a new tourist levy in Bali to maggots on a Delta flight.
Travel News – February 4, 2024
Those Boeing 737s are in the news again. But you can now filter out flights that use them. And where will the new season of “White Lotus” be filmed? What are the longest flights and the world’s most welcoming cities? What’s the latest scam on hotel guests? Read now!
Travel News – January 27, 2024
Are you ready to get back on a Boeing 737 Max 9? Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are going to resume service soon on the Boeing aircraft that recently lost a door. If this makes you nervous, check what kind of aircraft your next flight will be on.
National Building Museum Opens Building Stories Exhibition
On Sunday, January 21, 2024, the National Building Museum in Washington, DC opened its new, multigenerational exhibition called Building Stories. The exhibition, which will be on display for ten years, is an immersive exploration of the world of architecture, engineering, construction, and design found in the pages of children’s books.
Travel News – January 20, 2024
Romania and Bulgaria are joining the Schengen Area at the end of March 2024. This means we can travel between these and other Schengen countries without passport checks.
Travel News – January 11, 2024
Is it too much to ask for our airplane doors to stay ON while in flight? I assume you heard about the Alaska Airlines accident in which a Boeing Model 737-9 MAX aircraft lost a passenger door.
Travel News – January 4, 2024
Check out the latest travel news from around the world!
Chips ‘n Pints: A Norwich, England Pub Partners with a Fish ‘n Chips Shop
To a Brit, the only thing better than fish ‘n chips is fish ‘n chips with a pint. That’s why Grosvenor F’sh Bar in Norwich, England partnered with The Birdcage across its cobblestone street in the picturesque medieval city in Norfolk. Both businesses are housed in historic buildings at St. Gregory’s Green, Pottergate, in the heart of the well-known Norwich Lanes.
Even When Alabama Isn’t Home, It’s Sweet
When I told friends I was planning to tour Alabama, some of them said, “Really? Why?” The belief that the state has little to offer the traveler could not be further from the truth. I found out what the song, “Sweet Home Alabama,” really means.
Illa Experience Hotel in Quito Named Best Luxury Hotel in South America
I was excited to learn today that the Illa Experience Hotel in Quito, Ecuador won the 2021 Travvy Award for Best Luxury Hotel in South America. In December 2017, I was the very first guest at this wonderful 5-star hotel opened by Latin Trails in the historic part of Quito just a few blocks from the Plaza Grande and surrounded by artists’ workshops.
Japan’s Ashikaga Flower Park – A Paradise of Color and Scent
During my almost 2-week trip to Japan in the spring, I visited Ashikaga Flower Park, a botanic garden that is filled with color. Even though I loved every day I was in the country, my day at Ashikaga was my favorite. I chose my dates of travel specifically to get to see the wisteria festival at Ashikaga.
Hotel Review: Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden, Germany
Some hotels deserve superlatives, and Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden is one of them. The original building was built by Saxon king August the Strong in the 18th century to pledge his love to his favorite mistress, so it’s quite literally an opportunity to stay in a palace. No surprise that it’s a coveted wedding location. Any bride who arrives there in a horse-drawn carriage will fulfill her childhood Cinderella fantasy.
Is Nara, Japan Worth a Visit?
Nara, Japan is one of the most popular day trips from Kyoto. Should you bother? In my opinion, yes! Nara is mostly famous for two things – wild deer and a large Buddha.
The Wine and Chocolate of… Indiana? You Bet!
Indiana might not cross your mind first when you think of wine or fine chocolate, but the state is making a mark in both arenas. Country Heritage Winery & Vineyard in LaOtto, Indiana has developed a partnership with DeBrand Fine Chocolates based in Fort Wayne, and they recently gave me a chance to sample some of their delicious wine and chocolate pairings.
Photo Essay: France’s Camargue is a Bird Paradise
The Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau in the Camargue region of southern France is a bird paradise in the spring. I had always wanted to visit it, and I finally got my chance. It did not disappoint.
The Graceland Experience
The number one spot to visit in Memphis is, of course, Graceland – Elvis’ home. It’s so much more than his mansion, however, or even his estate. There are several exhibits, restaurants, a theater that holds live concerts, a soundstage, and an exposition center that houses exhibits unrelated to Elvis. When I was there, it had a space exhibit and dinosaur exhibit.
Hotel Review: Grand Hotel, Oslo, Norway
One of the main advantages of visiting cold Oslo, Norway, in winter (on the way to the even colder Tromso in the arctic circle) is that you get to visit the Christmas markets and see all the festive decorations. When I arrived at the Grand Hotel in Oslo, I was greeted by two nutcrackers at the doorway and a Christmas tree and gingerbread replica of the building in the lobby.
Tracing the Delta Blues Trail in and Around Clarksdale Mississippi
“Who’s your favorite blues singer?” Abe Hudson, the owner of Real Delta Tours, LLC, asked me when he picked me up from the Clarksdale, Mississippi Greyhound station.
Berlin – A City with Everything
Berlin is a city with a rich history, some of it truly horrific, of course, but it’s also a city of modernity, culture, and energy. It has more than 175 museums, seven symphony orchestras, and three opera houses, besides a vibrant nightlife.
Harry Potter Sets at Warner Brothers Studios in London Bring the Films to Life
What if you could take a walk down Diagon Alley? Well, you can! I did, and it was a thrill. Warner Brothers Studios Studios just outside of central London opened its doors on March 31, 2012 so that fans can experience the world of Harry Potter up close and personal.
2 CDC Apps Help You Stay Healthy While Traveling Internationally
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have mobile apps that can help you stay safe when traveling, especially when in developing countries.
The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky – an Extraordinary Place Created by an Extraordinary Man
The Muhammad Ali Center had a star-studded opening in November 2005 attended by Brad Pitt, Jim Carrey, and Bill Clinton, among other celebrities. Of course, now that Ali has passed away, the center will take on even greater significance as part of the legacy for someone who should never be forgotten.
London’s Indigo Restaurant at One Aldwych Hotel – All Gluten & Dairy-Free (But Not Vegan!)
The One Aldwych Hotel in London has a unique restaurant called “Indigo.” It’s the only restaurant I’ve ever heard of, in fact, that serves an entirely gluten-free and dairy-free menu. No, it isn’t vegan. There is meat on the menu, but no gluten and no dairy products.