One of our stops on a 3-week vacation in Spain was to the mystical city of Granada. It's the home of the Alhambra palace and fortress, which Moorish poets have described as "a pearl set in Emeralds." It began as a small fortress in 889 AD and was converted into a palace for the Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada in the mid-13th century. Its intricate … [Read more...]
Enjoy a Slice of Germany in New Ulm, Minnesota
As a Southern Californian, Minnesota wasn’t exactly on my travel bucket list. We don’t hear much about that part of the U.S. here, other than it’s an icebox in the winter. But while I was there for a conference, I was both surprised and impressed with Minnesota's immense beauty and down-home hospitality. We took a side trip from Minneapolis to the town of New Ulm, a … [Read more...]
Mouzon House: Saratoga’s Winning Longshot
Today, it sits tucked in the far corner of a huge parking lot, on the backside of Broadway and honestly, it's kind of tough to find. After a winning ( or losing ) day at the track, though, you will want to find this hidden gem, as it has a unique history of its own, with strong ties to Saratoga's race course. The History of Mouzon House Mouzon House … [Read more...]
Richardson-Bates House: Oswego, New York
Understated opulence. Is there such a thing? Seems like a contradictory statement, right? But, as we drove up and parked curbside at the Richardson-Bates House Museum, in Oswego, New York, this was my very first thought. It stood silently at the corner, like a sentinel, guarding the past, protecting the treasures that lay within. The Tuscan Villa, designed and built … [Read more...]
Pass-a-Grille, Florida: Laid Back Fun and Kitsch
Pass-a-Grille, Florida, is on the southernmost tip of St. Pete’s Beach, outside of Tampa. A visit there is a venture back in time to the era of Pez containers, pink flamingos, and kitschy surfboards. It’s almost like being in a time capsule of old Florida nostalgia. This tiny piece of Paradise makes a charming getaway for those wishing to disappear, a romantic nook for … [Read more...]