I first visited Alcatraz in 1983. Forty-two years later, seeing the island again from San Francisco Bay brought the memories back—and made me want to return with my old photograph in hand.
Alcatraz Then and Now: My San Francisco View 42 Years Later Read More »
Photography, US Travel Adventures
A spontaneous stop in Jackson, Georgia, became a few hours of exploring Stranger Things murals, filming-location markers, and downtown Hawkins connections—with free parking and an easy walk around the square.
A Stranger Things Surprise in Jackson, Georgia Read More »
Outdoor Adventures, Photography, Street Art, US Travel Adventures
Explore the real Georgia locations behind Stranger Things, including downtown Hawkins in Jackson, Starcourt Mall, Hawkins National Laboratory, the Creel House, Hopper’s cabin, and more—with firsthand insight from my visit to Jackson and practical tips for planning your own filming-locations road trip.
Stranger Things Filming Locations in Georgia: A Fan’s Guide Read More »
Road Trip, US Travel Adventures
A coffee stop in Watkinsville, Georgia, led to an intriguing roadside discovery: a weathered old service station with a vintage gas pump, Coca-Cola sign, and plenty of small-town character.
A Surprise Old Service Station in Watkinsville, Georgia Read More »
Road Trip, US Travel Adventures
A World Cup match, a long conversation with owner Don Dugan and a hearty dinner turned our visit to Dugan’s Pub into more than another restaurant stop. The warm woodwork, stained glass, Irish-inspired menu and neighborhood energy made this River Market pub feel closely connected to the community around it.
Why Dugan’s Pub Is Little Rock’s Most Authentic Taste of Ireland Read More »
Restaurants, US Travel Adventures
Our stay at The Empress of Little Rock turned an overnight stop into one of the most memorable experiences of our Midwest road trip. Inside the restored 1888 Hornibrook Mansion, Victorian architecture, stained glass, a distinctive guest room, hidden spaces and quiet time on the porch made the hotel feel like a destination of its own.
Step Back in Time at Arkansas’s Most Beautiful Historic Bed & Breakfast Read More »
Architecture, Photography, Road Trip, Travel Tips, US Travel Adventures
My first presidential library surprised me. The Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock combined American history, architecture, diplomatic gifts, White House exhibits and an Oval Office replica into one of the most memorable museum stops on our Midwest road trip.
Why Every Traveler Should Visit at Least One Presidential Library Read More »
Architecture, Family Travel, Road Trip, Travel Tips, US Travel Adventures
Factory Obscura’s Mix-Tape turned an Oklahoma City road-trip stop into a hands-on exploration of light, sound, hidden details and locally created art. Here’s what I discovered, how long I’d allow and why your smartphone may be the best camera to bring.
Factory Obscura: Where Curiosity Comes to Life in Oklahoma City Read More »
Architecture, Family Travel, Photography, Road Trip, US Travel Adventures
A second day at Tanganyika Wildlife Park gave us more than additional animal encounters. Returning to favorite habitats, meeting penguins, feeding a lioness and watching a snow leopard decline a scheduled interaction gave me a deeper perspective on animal behavior, keeper education, conservation and ethical animal experiences.
Why One Day Isn’t Enough at Tanganyika Wildlife Park Read More »
Eco-Tourism & Conservation, Family Travel, Outdoor Adventures, Photography, Road Trip, Travel Tips, US Travel Adventures
After a full day at Tanganyika Wildlife Park, we walked from Hotel at Old Town to Public at the Brickyard for dinner. The historic warehouse setting, locally focused menu, relaxed service and memorable ribs and dessert made it an ideal ending to our first day in Wichita.
Public at the Brickyard: The Perfect Ending to a Day of Adventure in Wichita Read More »
Architecture, Restaurants, US Travel Adventures
My first day at Tanganyika Wildlife Park included a keeper-led tiger feeding, giraffe and rhino encounters, lorikeets, lemurs and more. Beyond the close animal experiences, I also looked at how the park approaches animal welfare, conservation education and responsible wildlife interactions.
Two Feet From a Tiger: My First Day at Tanganyika Wildlife Park Read More »
Eco-Tourism & Conservation, Family Travel, Outdoor Adventures, Photography, Road Trip, US Travel Adventures
Hotel at Old Town became our Wichita home base during a nine-day Midwest road trip. Its historic warehouse character, dramatic multi-story atrium, spacious suite, covered parking and walkable Old Town location made it a memorable place to recharge between two full days at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.
Hotel at Old Town: A Home Away From Home in Wichita’s Historic Old Town Read More »
Family Travel, Road Trip, US Travel Adventures