They say a city’s soul lives in its public places. If that’s true, then Northern California’s Sonoma Plaza rivals any of Europe’s grand squares or parks. Only eight acres, it’s still California’s largest plaza. And it’s where California began....
COVID, Cancellations, “Cave” Syndrome…and Return to Travel
COVID, cancellations, “Cave” Syndrome…and return to travel? When? How? I love to travel. Live for it, in fact. That’s what I always said–and did. One trip would barely end before I was planning the next…and the one after that....
American Writers Museum Celebrates Words–of All Kinds!
When the American Writers Museum opened in Chicago in 2017, I wondered, “What took so long?” The only museum that is dedicated to American writers–a category that is expansive–it’s puzzling to think that someone didn’t come up with the...
Anthony Bourdain’s “World Travel” Will Make You Miss Him Even More…
How fitting that Anthony Bourdain’s final book is actually titled “World Travel: An Irreverent Guide.” Isn’t that just like him?!? Unabashedly insolent, even from the grave. I guarantee that “World Travel” will make you miss him even more. Just...
State Parks: Something for Everyone!
State parks, you say? Something for everyone? Really? Not national parks? Sure, America has a dazzling variety of national park sites–423 of them-and that will be a great blog post for another day. But for now, let’s consider those...
Craving Europe? Try These US Destinations!
Are you craving Europe and all its magic? Me, too. But sometimes we can’t get there, whether a pandemic has us confined to our own borders, or the timing simply isn’t right. (Then there’s that dang budget.) Try these...
What to Do While We Wait to Travel: 21 Awesome Ideas
It’s been a year since Covid-19 went from a scary-but-remote sickness to a full-blown shutdown around the world. Even then, I was deliberately stubborn/naive about the possible effect on travel. Now, we still wonder what to do while we...
10 Resolutions for Future Travel
It’s January as I write this, but I believe any time is a good time for resolutions, goals, plans…or even wishes. The world shut down in 2020. Writing about travel–beyond the local grocer–seemed ridiculous. But now it’s a new...
5 Reasons to Visit Prague in the Autumn
Update May 13, 2021: Before planning a trip to Prague or Czechia, be aware of travel restrictions. Get the latest information from the U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are...
Wisconsin Rustic Roads: Take an Old-Fashioned Drive
Raise your hand if you remember–or have heard of–Sunday drives. Families would pile into the car and set out to…well, just drive. Often, there was no particular destination, just a chance to roll down the windows and see the...