The Arts

There’s something about Martha’s Vineyard in August that feels like a reunion — not just of families, but of ideas, artistry, and culture. Tucked inside this summer tradition is one of the most important cultural gatherings happening anywhere: the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF).

Agua Fria National Monument protects nearly 500 ancient Native American homes within four distinct settlements. Between about 1250 and 1450, the high desert landscape was divided by dozens of well-worn footpaths leading to neatly-built stone homes with tiny entrances that reflected the small stature of the Pueblo who lived here. Later, the Pueblo people abandoned them, leaving behind jars, pots, utensils, and household tools. Today, items like these are precious, studied by experts, treasured by local tribes, or housed behind glass in museums to inspire gawking middle schoolers on field trips. Sadly, however, most of these clues to ancient history have been lost due to natural factors as well as centuries of looting.

Famous globally, the Uffizi Gallery boasts a rich repository of Italian Renaissance art. The grandiose Florentine building was commissioned in 1560 by Cosimo I de’ Medici, known as Cosimo the Great and first Grand Duke of Tuscany. Perched regally on the banks of the River Arno in Florence, the 16th-century edifice houses a staggering collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative art in its storied interiors. The curated collective embodies the high Renaissance artistic style, representing an impassioned period of cultural, artistic, political, and economic rebirth of classical philosophy and art following a rather stoic Gothic period.

March is Women’s History Month. Celebrated in the UK, the USA, and Australia to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8th, this month highlights the contributions women have made to events in history and contemporary society.

The best way to travel with the intent of exploring diversity is to ditch the touristy places. Sometimes, tourist attractions bring people from all over the world — the Grand Canyon or Disneyland, for example.

The surprising southern town of Aiken, South Carolina’s intriguing history includes Native American culture, defining Civil War battles, and a railroad, once considered the world’s longest, that arrived here from coastal Charleston in 1833. After the Civil War, Aiken became a magnet for wealthy northerners. Among them were the Whitneys and Vanderbilts—who were keen on equestrian sports. They called Aiken the “Original Winter Colony.” Southerners flocked here, too, as monied folks from the coast fled malarial areas seeking a wellness retreat. In the name of charm, they all left their mark here.

A picturesque four-season getaway, Manchester, Vermont (pop 4,500) typifies classic Vermont small-town charm. It possesses an edge that moves it beyond historic architecture in a beautiful mountain setting. All within close proximity, there’s way more to do here than meets the eye. You'll find luxe resort options, fine and healthy dining, wellness offerings, world-class art, beguiling American history, and a new way to interpret off-roading.

Two hundred years of Argentinean creativity and talent cannot be easily summed up. However, visitors to Buenos Aires, a major Latin American cultural hub, can appreciate and learn about Argentinean art at some of the city’s art museums.

Panama City, Florida's vibrant art community tells the city's story well. For some places, art is new. But here it began some 13,000 years ago when primitive people began drawing designs on the pottery found in the long-gone mounds that served as their homes.

The Romanov family was infamously and brutally murdered by the Bolsheviks at the end of World War I. Czar Nicholas II, his wife, and their five children were executed to make way for the new ruling hierarchy under the communist leadership of Vladimir Lenin.

Lyon, France, is the nation’s second-largest city, strategically located between Paris and Marseille. While it is celebrated as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon offers an abundance of attractions beyond its culinary delights. The city is steeped in history and culture, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a rich and immersive experience.

All roads seem to intertwine here in San Cristobal, making this destination a booming town for emerging artists from all over the world. It's the type of place where you can sit back and stay awhile taking in the sights, sounds, and colors passing through the bustling Andador Real de Guadalupe – perhaps over tapas and a cheap glass of Malbec at La Viña de Bacco, a long-time favorite.