Last year I spent two weeks in Coastal North Carolina working on the new version of Lonely Planet’s guide to Georgia & the Carolinas. Upon my return from Alaska, I was happy to see that this beauty is now an…
Coffee in Costa Rica
If you like to drink coffee, you’re going to love Costa Rica. Thanks to its rich volcanic soil and varied topography, this small country produces coffee beans with impressive depth and a variety of flavors. And, in true Costa Rican style,…
World War II History in Kodiak
Kodiak, Alaska – Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is a 221-acre state park expanse of peaceful forested trails, expansive views and surprising historical artifacts from World War II. I feel like I should have known about this. Apparently, during WWII,…
Where Cultures Meet & Mingle
Kodiak, Alaska – I always love the places where cultures meet and mingle. Kodiak Island is the ancestral homeland of the Native Alutiiq and site of the first Russian settlement in Alaska. Lots of cool history here (which of course…
Teens in Alaska, Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay, Alaska – After four days in Juneau, we flew with Daddio and the twin-agers to Gustavus to visit Glacier Bay National Park. Here’s how it went down with the teens in Alaska, Glacier Bay edition. Glacier Bay Lodge…
Teens in Alaska, First Stop Juneau
Juneau, Alaska – Daddio and the twin-agers left the bachelor pad, and came to have some fun with me in Alaska. Let’s go! Here’s how it went with the teens in Alaska. First stop: Juneau Douglas Island We booked the…
Train to Trail
Skagway, Alaska – The big thing in Skagway–besides (but related to) the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Site–is the White Pass & Yukon Route Scenic Train. WPYR is an all-day train ride from Skagway to Dawson, on the historic railroad…
Gold Rush Boom Town
Skagway, Alaska – Skagway has a wild story. When gold was discovered in the Klondike in 1896, tens of thousands of stampeders set out to strike it rich, traveling over land and sea to reach the remote Canadian territory. The…