TerriM
Wondering who is the Godfather of horror stories? Edgar Allan Poe leads the pack. Poe revolutionized the genre in the 1840s with his first-person narrative stories like “The Black Cat,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” and “The Tell Tale Heart." He was one of the first to use psychological horror. Visiting the Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia provides a good understanding of who Poe was and how he wrote such masterpieces.
Don’t be afraid to roam out of bounds–especially when a peak international experience awaits nearby, without hassles. Canada, the world’s second-largest country, boasts an endless array of geographic personalities and numerous undiscovered cultural gems.
Have you ever dreamed of bringing a personal chef on vacation with you? Someone who could prepare elegant, flavorful meals for you to enjoy without ever leaving your beach house? I had that experience while vacationing with a family friend who is a retired personal chef. Not only did I enjoy an array of delicacies and pick up a lot of cooking tips. I also learned a great deal about slow travel and the importance of being willing to try new things.
Expedition cruises extend to some of Earth’s most fragile and captivating lands with itineraries that focus on nature and culture. Traditional cruises may offer a robust choice of onboard activities and a seemingly endless number of food options, but expedition cruises provide a very different motivation: Scientists, marine biologists, historians, and other experts lead expeditions. And no two cruises are ever the same.
Hydro-therapy circuits, infinity pools, Mayan-inspired culinary delights, a kids club, and even a PGA-sanctioned golf course all await travelers anxious to unwind at The Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal, along Mexico’s pristine gulf coast. An all-inclusive villa-style retreat located directly between Tulum and Cancún, Akumal features exceptional amenities for families of all ages. The property also includes an attentive staff that values the importance of genuine hospitality
Known for its incredibly biodiverse rainforests, Borneo, the world's third-largest island, offers a walk on the wild side. Borneo also boasts the distinction of being the only island in the world controlled by three countries: Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. I took a deep dive into Malaysian Borneo's jungle by experiencing three wildly different and rustic lodgings. An exceptional family runs the lodges. The inspiring family also makes a difference by protecting this part of Malaysia’s most precious resource: nature.
Gift shops are my guilty pleasure. I’d love to say that the cultural and personal enrichment of new knowledge, experiences, relationships, and flavors was enough for me, that memories and photos were all I’d take home. But if there’s a gift shop, I’m making a beeline for it. That said, as a frequent traveler, I must take a mindful approach to souvenirs. I don't want to be the cause of waste or clutter. Below are some of my favorite souvenirs that don’t take up space or collect dust, as well as ones I (almost) always avoid.
Did you know we once had a state named Franklin? I learned the fascinating story in Washington County, Tennessee. Beyond the lost state, the site has a fascinating history from before the Revolution to the Civil War.
The smell of incense and coffee filled the air, mingling with steam and smoke as the clay pot brewed over charcoal. Rain fell softly at the open-air restaurant, and I moved closer to the fire. After 24 hours of travel from Atlanta to Addis Ababa, that strong cup of coffee revived me and welcomed me to Ethiopia.
I live in New York State's Adirondack Mountains half the year. Here, there are two semi-touristy places, Lake George Village and Lake Placid. I'll always have a soft spot for slightly tacky Lake George Village because my dad took the family there every July 4th for fireworks. He'd yell, over and over, "Thank you, Thomas Jefferson! Thank you, Benjamin Franklin!" However, far greener and atmospheric, Lake Placid feels genuine and provides a real sense of community. And it’s home to a really fun, unassuming place to stay, the sprawling High Peaks Resort. But more than just a fun getaway location, the land it sits upon boasts an amazing history dating back to 1850.
The 1970s television series The Waltons bridged generations in my family. The story was set in my grandparents’ youth, and my parents were teenagers when it premiered. Reruns were the reason I decided at an early age to become a writer, like the character John Boy. The summer I turned sixteen, Dad and I watched The Waltons on TV Land together every morning. One day, as John Boy took his Model AA Ford pickup to Richmond and Charlottesville, Virginia, Dad asked, “I wonder if any of those places still exist?” After all, the fictional stories were based on real events in author Earl Hammner’s life.
Saying the mainsail on the 100-year-old schooner Zodiac is big is like saying Babe Ruth knew how to play ball. A massive understatement, at 4,000 square feet, the Zodiac's mainsail is not just the largest working sail on the West Coast — it's larger than the average American house.
