A view of the Village of Calheta on Sao Jorge Island with a tall church steeple in the center of town © Jo Clark My First Visit to São Jorge Azores Island The spectacular scenery of the oblong island that is São Jorge begins from the air. A long mountain range...
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26 Incredible Things to Do During New York City Winters
Even during the coldest months, there are incredible things to do during New York City winters—without freezing in the Big Apple! I have spent time in the city during early January for the last three years. See? It wasn’t so bad that I didn’t go back again! Of course,...
15 Reasons to Explore the Amazing Azores Islands
15 Reasons to Explore the Amazing Azores Islands The Azores Islands consist of nine large islands that float lazily in the Atlantic Ocean, midway between Portugal and the United States. Are you thinking, “pit stop”? Hold that thought—it’s a good place to make a quick...
Wine and Chocolate Make the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, not to mention my birthday, so wine and chocolate are on my mind! Same day! *smile* Why not impress the object of your affection (or me!) with your chocolatier skills, or at least your pairing skills...
Touring Half Moon Bay – What a Wonderful Day
Author taking photo of Golden Gate Bridge as Discovery Princess sails underneath Full disclosure: I only had half a day to explore Half Moon Bay. But it was a fantastic excursion during my Discovery Princess cruise down the Pacific Northwest...
Is Amazing Discovery Princess 360 Experience Worth the Money
The Discovery Princess 360 Experience is so rare and remarkable that I invited seven other seasoned travel writers to join me and tell you the story of the extraordinary affair! In fact, 360: An Extraordinary Experience is offered exclusively on the Discovery Princess...
20 Ultimate Delicious Halloween Candy Wine Pairings
The Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairings: red wine and chocolate kisses © Jo Clark Get Your Fright On! You have to try Halloween candy wine pairings. Wait. WHAT??!! Halloween candy and WINE?? Yep, that’s what I said! It will rock your world!...
My Adventures on the Yadkin Valley Wine and Shine Trail
I set out to explore the Yadkin Valley Wine AVA (American Viticultural Area.) The Yadkin Valley AVA consists of seven counties in western North Carolina, with the Yadkin River as its Southern border. Nearby towns are Elkin, Dobson, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, and...
Unordinary Lodging Found at Exceptional Hotel Zed Tofino in BC
Hotel Zed is Alive with Mid-Century Modern Colors © Hotel Zed Hotel Zed Tofino is proud to say they “Rebel against the Ordinary” and offer an unconventional and fresh perspective on hotel amenities. It is unlike any other hotel and raises the bar for family hotels....
Roanoke VA – Visit the Glowing Star City of the South
Roanoke is the largest city and largest municipality in Southwest Virginia, and it is often called the Star City of the South—it has a nice ring to it, right? While Mill Mountain, crowned with a star, surrounds the city like a big blue hug, wrapping its arms around the Roanoke Valley. And that enormous star is right up there to remove any doubt about where you are!
Namibia – Unique Recipe for Friendships with New People
Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world. I’m always looking for hidden gems, but I don’t believe you can get more “hidden” than that! Located in southern Africa, just above South Africa on the Atlantic Coast, Namibia was a delightful spot...
Historic Georgetown SC Will Surprise You – In All the Best Ways
Historic Georgetown SC will surprise you in the best possible ways! Named America’s Best Coastal Small Town in 2018 by USA Today, Georgetown is the third oldest town in South Carolina. Interestingly, historians believe the first European settlement on...
Savoring Chocolate Tofino – Amazing Flavors on Vancouver Island
Chocolate Tofino Tasting on a Plate © Linda Sheppard On a trip to Tofino, British Columbia, found on Vancouver Island's beautiful west coast, I savored chocolates at Chocolate Tofino. Chocolatiers Kim and Cam Shaw were recently recognized by Lonely Planet's Global...
Tofino Will Make You Fall in Love With Vancouver Island
River on the Drive to Tofino © Linda Sheppard Tofino will make you fall in love with Vancouver Island’s beauty. Whether you drive or fly, you will see magnificent mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and gorgeous log-strewn beaches as you approach the Tofino area....
Victoria: 21 Best Things to Do on Vancouver Island
Victoria Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings © Linda Sheppard Victoria, the Capital of British Columbia, is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The city has a vibrant downtown area, Inner Harbour. And it has stunning views, a fantastic food scene, and...
RAMP IT UP!! Best Ways to Eat Ramps – A Unique West Virginia Delicacy
A mess of ramps, ready to be cleaned and cooked © Blake Borchardt Ramps (Allium tricoccum) are a unique West Virginia delicacy that gets mixed reviews; people are either fans of wild ramps or not; I say, ramp it up! Now, maybe you’ve never heard of...
Best Ways to Have the Most Fun in LaGrange Georgia
Lafayette Square in LaGrange Georgia The best way to have the most fun in LaGrange Georgia is to stay downtown and be able to walk everywhere. LaGrange, Georgia, is a fantastic place to visit. It’s a small town in western Georgia with plenty of history and charm....
The Best Things in Cannon Beach
The best things in Cannon Beach include surfing and whale watching. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Cannon Beach is easily recognized by the iconic Haystack Rock, one of the tallest intertidal monoliths in the world. Haystack Rock is flanked by sea stacks, which is...
Review of an Amazing Princess Alaskan Cruise and Excursions
Enjoy reading my review of an amazing Princess Alaskan Cruise and Excursions. The 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess was the newest ship in Alaska, and we were on her! Departing for an inside passage along the Alaskan coast, the Royal-class Discovery Princess eased...
Floyd – Unique Funky Town in the Blue Ridge Mountains
In the 1970s, hippies and artists moved to the unique funky town of Floyd, Virginia, to “live off the grid.” They made a great choice! This cute town is filled with historic buildings and sits on a magnificent Blue Ridge plateau in the mountains. Floyd holds a...
Peter Cottontail Cocktail
This is a great cocktail to make in advance. Have a pitcher filled and cold. You can even "paint" the rim in advance and dip in coconut, since the fluff is so thick and sticky, it won't run down the glass. Then when your guests arrive, just pour the cocktail into...
Peter Cottontail Cocktail
This is a great cocktail to make in advance. Have a pitcher filled and cold. You can even "paint" the rim in advance and dip in coconut, since the fluff is so thick and sticky, it won't run down the glass. Then when your guests arrive, just pour the cocktail into...