Category: United States
This Tour Reveals Secrets About Servant Life in the Gilded Age
Did you see my first post about “Newport Mansions – The Perfect Tours for Downton Abbey Fans“? There I shared a little about what life was like “upstairs’ for the wealthy families and their guests in Newport, Rhode Island during the Gilded Age. Today we’ll walk through The Elms Mansion in Newport “downstairs” in the […]
Newport Mansions – The Perfect Tours for Downton Abbey Fans
If you’re a fan of the British TV series and recent movie, Downton Abbey, written by Julian Fellowes, you won’t want to miss touring the Newport Mansions in Rhode Island. In fact, you’ll find some interesting ties between the Guilded Age Newport culture in America and the Crawley household. 2020 Tip: If you’d like to […]
How to Cook a Turkey Upside Down – Amazing Every Time!
Do you want to learn how to cook a turkey that is moist and delicious every time? You’ll get rave reviews from your family and guests on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or whenever. This is one of my most popular posts and when you try the recipe you’ll see why. The secret to the best turkey […]
Don’t Miss Out on This Hyde Park Airbnb
If you’re looking for a place to stay that goes over and above what you might normally expect from an Airbnb, the Harvest Guest House is waiting just for you. This Hyde Park Airbnb suite in upstate New York’s Hudson River Valley is the perfect hideaway to relax and rejuvenate from the busyness of life. […]
My Heart Aches for Fall Leaves
Seasons…those subtle changes in weather, light, and life that signal the turning of the page to a new adventure. Fall leaves, winter snowflakes, spring blossoms and summer fireflies, each shout of the arrival of transitions, the never-ending cycle of growth and new life. Growing up along the lake in northern Ohio brought crisp changes in […]
Where to Find the Best Burger in Ohio
I’m not sure I’d limit this accolade to the best burger in Ohio. It’s the best burger that I’ve had in years – anywhere! If you know me, you’ll know that I’m not one to declare much of anything “The Absolute Best”. I’m not a person of extremes. Generally in my rating book, something can […]
When to Go and Things to Do at Gettysburg Battlefield
Many historians agree that the hallowed ground of the Gettysburg Battlefield is where our nation was saved during the Civil War. If you have any interest in history…actually if you have any interest in America, the historical Battle of Gettysburg is an important event to understand. So, the next time you’re near Pennsylvania, make plans […]
Thoroughly Virginia – Fredericksburg Historic Garden Tour
What do Stonewall Jackson, farming, fox hunting, flowers and fund-raising all have in common? They all have deep roots in Virginia culture and were all highlighted on the 2019 Fredericksburg Historic Garden Tour, hosted by the Rappahannock Valley Garden Club. Spread across the countryside along the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary War Route, outside of Fredericksburg, the club […]
Grand Canyon National Park Celebrates Centennial Throughout 2019
Did you know that Grand Canyon National Park is celebrating its Centennial this year? The park continues to look amazing even on its 100th Birthday. There are so many awesome events in 2019 that you’ll have a hard time deciding when to go. Check out our downloadable list of events (so far) to find your […]
Google Earth Celebrates Black History Month
Do you ever read that small print below the search field on your Google search page? I don’t always pay attention to it, but today it caught my eye. It invited me (and you) to, “Take a journey through Black History with Google Earth“ Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month in the […]
How You Can Participate in Historic Garden Week
Part 4 of 4 in our series “Behind-the-Scenes at Virginia’s Historic Garden Week (HGW)”! Today we’ll discover the people behind this state-wide event and how you may be able to participate in a variety of ways. But first, if you missed the previous posts, you can find them here. Part 1 – All You Need to […]
10 Ways You Can Help After a Hurricane
Watching the massive damage from recent hurricanes across the Eastern United States and Florida on The Weather Channel brings to mind another fulfilling way to Travel with Purpose. Volunteer travel. Disaster relief is not a comfy or glamorous vacation, but a challenging and crucial service that can save lives and help bring a ravaged area back […]
What You Need to Know About Virginia Historic Garden Week
One of the highlights of my year in search of educational traveling with purpose is coming up next week. Do you love gorgeous floral arrangements, history, architecture? What about interior design, outdoor gardens or even just supporting a worthy cause? If so, you’ll LOVE any of the Historic Garden Week Tours hosted throughout the Commonwealth […]
Fanciful Foods at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
In December, we visited Orlando, Florida for the FIRST TIME (yeah, I know – it took us long enough) and our family spent the last day in town discovering the magic of The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. For those of you who’ve been living under a […]
5 Great Reasons to Attend Monticello’s Heritage Harvest Festival
I’ve said before how impressed I was on my first visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello (on a normal day). I’m here to say that after the 10th Annual Heritage Harvest Festival last weekend I’m recommending it even more fervently. Over the coming days I’ll share 10 big reasons why you should reserve the date on […]
Chef’s Table Cooking Class – A Southern Picnic
Have you ever taken a cooking class while on vacation? When planning a trip, research the restaurants and regional cuisine before booking your flight. Do you love fresh ideas for cooking, entertaining, and serving? If so, then a cooking class may be perfect for you, whether you’re a Hampton Roads local or merely visiting the area […]
Isle of Wight Historic Garden Week Tour – Historic Homes
Several years ago, when I was new to Virginia I learned about the state-wide Historic Garden Week. I love gorgeous gardens, as well as lovely historic homes. Plus I thought I could learn a thing or two about the Commonwealth, history, and gardening by checking out a few of the tours. Over the years I’ve had […]
