My Latest Adventures
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 […]
D-Day Tour – Remembering the Humanity of World War II
I hope we can all agree that war is abominable and not something to be glorified. However, on the anniversary of the D-Day battles in Normandy, France, I realize that sometimes war is inevitable. In order to make sense of the horrors, all I can do is focus on a few of the individuals of […]
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 […]
Great Airbnb near Normandy Beaches
Recently we celebrated our anniversary in France and Germany. It was all that I hoped for and so much more. France hadn’t been at the top of my list of countries to visit, merely because of the reputation of not being so friendly to visitors, but my husband was interested in going on a tour […]
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 […]
Free Money for Travel from Rotary International
Did you know that there are 1.4 million Rotarians in the world committed to helping others? Do you have an interest in humanitarian service? If so, they might have free money for travel available to help you with your dream. Of course, they’re not going to fund your next Disneyland trip, but if you’re interested […]
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 […]
3 Reasons to be Thankful
In honor of Thanksgiving in the U.S. on Thursday, I thought I’d share a little of what I’m thankful for this year. There are so many blessings in my life that I won’t be able to list them all, but here are a few of the highlights… Thankful for Our Freedoms I’m so thankful to […]
Travel Quote – The journey…
Here’s a travel quote that’s a precious reminder of the importance of those who share our journey in our travels and in life. I snapped this photo while in Amsterdam. The bike paths are wide there and people of all ages make good use of two-wheeled transportation. It was so sweet to see this older […]
Quote of the Day – Our Job is to Love
This quote is by Thomas Merton. Mr. Merton became a monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani at Trappist, Kentucky, on December 10, 1941. It was one day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. His writings covered a range of controversial issues, involving social problems and Christian responsibility: race relations, violence, nuclear war, and economic […]