Editors’ Picks

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.

The popularity of this valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also its greatest drawback. If you visit during a busy part of the day, it may take two to three hours to drive the single-lane loop—especially if cars are stopping to view American black bears or other wildlife that have wandered near the roadside. Instead of an awe-inspiring commune with nature, you might end up feeling like you’re stuck in traffic.

One of my all-time favorite quotes reads, “Well behaved women rarely make history!” The women in this article didn’t necessarily behave badly. But they certainly stepped out of their comfort zones. From a self-taught folk artist to a heroin of the Underground Railroad to a determined wife, each of these women brought something unique to the world.

Few events capture the vibrancy of Indigenous artistry and heritage, like the Annual Indian Market at S'edav Va'aki Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. As a professional photographer and seasoned travel writer, I'm always looking for authentic cultural experiences that tell a story—through people, places, and tradition.

The next time you watch the extravaganza that is the modern Olympic Games, consider this: It all started with a simple footrace. To history lovers like me, the Sanctuary of Olympia — the religious site used for the ancient competitions — is almost as legendary as the games. The archaeological site of ancient Olympia is rich with history and littered with intriguing ruins, making it an irresistible stop on my road trip around the Peloponnese Peninsula. To add to the fun, ancient Olympia's history reads like a Hollywood script — full of drama, parties, and even one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Even in its ruined state, the site inspires awe.

This may seem a little strange but Women’s History Month always has me thinking about travelling to Malta. It is the birthplace of my grandmother; my mother’s mother. Like many women in my family, Malta is small but feisty. And again like my family, it is filled with stories about strong women and great respect.

The limestone buildings shimmer in the blazing Texas sun. A Franciscan friar emerges from the parish office behind the church. I briefly wonder whether he’s melting under his brown habit. I know I am, and I’m wearing shorts. Weather considerations aside, the sight conjures images of a once-bustling religious community. Brown-robed monks give religious instruction in Spanish and teach practical skills. Coahuiltecan Indians weave on the looms or hammer away in the smithy—an ordinary day at one of the San Antonio Missions in the 18th century.

Yolanda ‘Yollie’ Copeland is a woman with a mission. The retired sheriff’s deputy, who moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 2013, is committed to making sure that the city’s rich Black history isn’t erased. She does it by tooling around town in an advertising-covered, low-speed electric vehicle, wearing a bright yellow shirt, shoes, and hat, and sharing her love for the area and the people who shaped it.

There’s no denying John Ware lived a legend-worthy life. Born into slavery in the American South, he rose far above his humble beginnings to become a Black cowboy with a successful career as a rancher in the Canadian province of Alberta. Throughout his journey, Ware faced racism, prejudice, and the numerous challenges that came from a white-dominated industry. John Ware overcame those obstacles as he managed thousands of cattle and horses for highly successful ranches, ultimately developing a ranch of his own. His renowned skills and experience in the industry, along with his remarkable character, earned him a solid place among the legends of the Canadian West.

Travel used to be slow. Granted, it was slow because there was no other way...Somewhere along the way, we got (very) lost.

It was about 10:30 pm, the darkness so inky you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. The leafy boughs of late-spring trees blocked even the starlight. My friend whispered, "Do you want to see the blue ghosts? They live near the cemetery up the trail."

One of the best aspects of travel is stumbling on interesting stories. I discovered one highlighting Native American history during a photography tour of Antelope Canyon X with Taadidiin Tours. Antelope Canyon X is one of several slot canyons that inspire millions to visit the Navajo Nation near Page, Arizona, each year.

Imagine a communal farm founded in 1942, where sustainability is put over profit and a Christian community that welcomes all people of any, or no faith, to join their community. I recently visited Koinonia Farm in Americus, Georgia, and discovered a way of life I thought died in the 19th century.

Even the dogs in Toronto wear coats. Whether you’re shopping on Yonge Street or in Kensington Market, puffers don’t just appear in one-of-a-kind vintage stores or the sprawling Eaton Centre mall. Rather, they also cloak Toronto’s dachshunds and greyhounds, who strut through the city as unphased as their owners. On a weekend in December, a particularly spoiled French bulldog dons an embroidered Maple Leafs jersey, not unlike Carlton — the hockey team’s polar bear mascot.

On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN. Now the home of the National Civil Rights Museum, this historic structure not only immortalizes this unforgettable moment in time but showcases more than 400 years of African American history.

In the town of Plains, Georgia, President Jimmy Carter was affectionally referred to as “Mr. Jimmy.” Everybody in the tiny town was related to or knew him personally. Never before has a president devoted so much of himself to his hometown both before and after his presidency.

Creating 19 prosthetic limbs for 13 children in under a week might seem like a daunting task, but Robert Schulman has never shied away from a challenge. The certified prosthetist and founder of US-based nonprofit Limb Kind Foundation arrived in Davao City, Philippines in September with a team of 11 and a big goal. And he definitely delivered.

As we rounded the final curve to the Hallerangerhaus, the Austrian flag came into view. After 12 miles of hiking, with some calf-burning steep sections, the high mountain lodge in the Karwendel mountains was a welcome sight. I’m not much of a cruise person, and I get restless after too long at the beach. My way of unwinding from the stress of daily life is to push myself into action. Trekking to one of Austria’s high mountain huts was an adventure that strengthened my body and spirit.