United States Travel
The United States is nothing if not vast and varied. From the West's open spaces and soaring mountains to the sprawling plains of the Midwest, the lush swamps and everglades of the South, the sophistication and beauty of the Eastern cities and quaint villages, to the vast lake regions of the Great Lakes region, this country is breathtaking.
Here we bring you an eclectic serving of stories, adventures, places to see, and things to do in this great nation. Enjoy!
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Oyster Crazy in the Florida Panhandle
Okay, probably the majority of you out there aren’t going to get to eat oysters two minutes fresh from the water aboard an oysterman’s boat. But you can come close.
Julian, CA: Pie Town and So Much More
The daffodils were in bloom when I ascended 4,235 feet out of the Anza-Borreno Desert into Julian, a historic California mining town established in a fertile valley beneath Vulcan Mountain.
Portland, Maine: Good Eats in “The Other Portland”
Portland is Maine’s largest city whose sophisticated urban skyline overlooks beautiful Casco Bay. Even for a long-time resident like me, Portland still delights and astonishes.
Quest for Good Joe: Eight Offbeat California Coffee Houses
Inevitably, part of my rambling involves the constant quest for good Joe. Not that I’m an addict. I just figure if I’m going to bother drinking the stuff, it might as well knock my fleece socks off.
Daytona Beach, Florida: More than NASCAR Racing
Fans flock by the thousands to Daytona Beach, Florida to watch race cars compete in the Daytona 500 and other international auto races at the Daytona Speedway. If you’re not a race fan, is there anything else to do? You bet.
Emerald Downs: Exciting, Affordable Family Fun
With the trumpet’s traditional starting call, the thoroughbred racing season begins at Emerald Downs on a misty Friday night in Auburn, Washington.
Mauna Kea: To the Top of the Hawaiian World
We pull into the headquarters of Hawaii Forest and Trail (HFT) with a few minutes to spare and sign on the dotted line that we accept the risks of our upcoming nine-hour star adventure to the top of Mauna Kea on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Downtown Plano: An Undiscovered Gem
Historic downtown Plano is an undiscovered gem filled with pubs and interesting restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and antique malls, and even a rail museum.
Kauai, Hawaii, USA: Ahh to Whahoo!
Kauai, the birthplace of the Hawaiian Islands, challenges the body, engages the senses and renews the spirit.
Beaumont, Texas Highlights
Beaumont has more to offer than just terrific food. Gushers, gators, collectibles, orchids and more!
Hawaii: Learning to Appreciate Underwater Wonders
Okay, I admit it, I’m not particularly comfortable in the ocean. I’m not a great swimmer, salt water burns my eyes, and, hey, I don’t really know what’s UNDER THERE.
Shreveport, LA: Much more than Riverboat Casinos
Shreveport is a town people come to for riverboat gambling. But travelers should take some time out from the slots and gaming tables to really see what this “other side of Louisiana” is like.
