26 Incredible Things to Do During New York City Winters

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, that first year, I called the airline and changed my return flight by three days to walk on the beach while 18 inches of snow...

15 Reasons to Explore the Amazing Azores Islands

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 stop while traveling on long international flights! Azores Airlines (formerly known as SATA) has direct flights to the Azores from...

Wine and Chocolate Make the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

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 extraordinaire! And, honestly, a significant other is not required to enjoy chocolates and wine. It can be shared with roommates, friends, fur...

Touring Half Moon Bay – What a Wonderful Day

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 coastline. We sailed into town, narrowly missing the bridge’s underside, and docked early. Soon, everyone scattered to explore this...

20 Ultimate Delicious Halloween Candy Wine Pairings

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! Halloween was fantastic as a kid, but now I enjoy the adult version of Hocus Pocus Fright Night even more! Halloween night arrives at...

My Amazing Adventures on the Yadkin Valley Wine and Shine Trail

My Amazing 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 State Road (yes, that is the town's name!) Believe me, visiting the Yadkin Valley is a real treat! Plus, it is a short drive from...