Boston, Mass – I have always said that Boston sports fans take the “fanatic” part of their job seriously. And I always encourage guidebook readers to go to a game to experience this energy first-hand. If you can’t make it…
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…
Nāpali Coast, Two Ways
Nāpali Coast, Kaua’i – Pristine and hauntingly beautiful, the Nāpali Coast is a 16-mile-long stretch of soaring green-clad cliffs, white-sand beaches, turquoise coves and gushing waterfalls. Each of the five major valleys – Kalalau, Honopu, Awa‘awapuhi, Nu‘alolo and Miloli‘i –…
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…
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei, Kaua’i – The town of Hanalei wraps around its namesake bay, flanked by three magnificent mountains – twin-peaked Hīhīmanu, pyramidal Māmalahoa and soaring Nāmolokama (4421ft). The three emerald giants are famously laced with waterfalls and often adorned by rainbows.…
Garden Island
Princeville, Kaua’i – There is a reason they call Kaua’i the Garden Island: today was the first of many garden tours to come over the next two weeks. Princeville Botanical Gardens is a private property in the Anini Stream valley.…
Osa Peninsula
Even before first light, the growl of howler monkeys echoes through the trees. A lumbering tapir retreats into the cover of the forest for its daily rest, while a pair of scarlet macaws emits an unsonorous squawk and alights in…
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…
Ketchikan for Cruisers
Ketchikan, Alaska – When we were in Ketchikan three years ago, we were doing research for Last Stand of the Raven Clan. We visited every totem park and totem museum in the city (which is a lot), learning much about…