A series celebrating the joys of Boston in winter Boston, Mass – When the temperature drops, what’s the best way to warm the body and soothe the soul? Indulge in a delicious meal. Bostonian chefs and restaurateurs know how to…
9 Things to Do in St-Martin and Sint Maarten
This article is adapted from the Lonely Planet guide to the Caribbean Islands. (I didn’t adapt it, but I did write the original content. Read more about my adventures in St-Martin and Sint Maarten here.) At 96 sq km, St-Martin /…
Spam Musubi
Lāwaʻi, Kaua’i – Spiced, canned ham may not be universally appreciated as a culinary masterpiece. But in Hawaiʻi, Spam is a household staple, beloved for its versatility, affordability and long shelf life (ever since World War II, when meat was…
Where Food Comes From
Kīlauea, Kaua‘i – Kīlauea and nearby Moloa‘a are known for the fertile land and abundant small farms that blanket the landscape, producing fruit, chocolate, cheese and more. As a city girl, I sometimes forget that this is where food comes…
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,…
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…
My Kind of Place
Isla Holbox, Mexico – For the record, it is pronounced hol-bosh (rhymes with gauche). Two hours north of Cancún, Isla Holbox once attracted only windsurfers and beach bums. But now its swanky swing bars, beachfront yoga and lobster pizza are…
Boston vs Philadelphia
I go head to head with my Philly-based colleague to help you decide which city is best to visit: Boston vs Philadelphia. When I first moved to Boston, I thought I had landed in the smartest place on the planet.…
Paris vs Lyon
Lyon, France – We came to Lyon because Daddio was attending a conference, but then I noticed that travel writers (ahem) have been touting Lyon as an offbeat, affordable alternative to Paris–and also the culinary capital of France! I asked…
Big Green Monster Maze
Stow, Mass – Our annual trip to Honey Pot Hill apple orchard is one of our longest-standing fall traditions, which Daddio and I initiated well before we had kids. When the twins were little, we went for the farm animals…