Flower & Garden Shows

Whether you have a green thumb, or just want the experience of enjoying nature in full bloom, here are some ideas for planning a vacation around a flower show or botanical garden. Established in 1891, the 250-acre New York Botanical Garden is the largest in any U.S. city. Themed spaces include a Victorian-style greenhouse, a garden with plants native to the Northeast, a Home Gardening … Continue reading Flower & Garden Shows

Lynn’s Review of Norwegian Viva

In October 2023 Lynn sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line on the Norwegian Viva from Rome to Venice. The ship was just three months old and she was gorgeous. A few quick specs on Viva: 142,500 Gross register tonnage3,099 Guest capacity, double occupancy1,506 Crew capacity965ft Overall length133ft Max width beam2023 Year built Below is Lynn’s review of her time onboard Norwegian Viva. First ImpressionsWow, just, wow. … Continue reading Lynn’s Review of Norwegian Viva

2024 European Capitals of Culture

If you’re thinking about a trip to Europe this year but you want an experience that’s out of the ordinary, consider visiting one of the three communities being celebrated as a European Capital of Culture for 2024. While Europe’s biggest cities get lots of attention, the continent is home to smaller cities and towns whose charms, cuisine and attractions make them as worthy of exploration … Continue reading 2024 European Capitals of Culture

Valentine’s Day Inspired Trips

If Valentine’s Day has you thinking about a romantic getaway, here are some destinations that can serve as inspiration in February and beyond. For many people Paris, known as the City of Love, is synonymous with romance. You can spend hours wandering through one of the city’s beautiful parks, like the Luxembourg Gardens, a vast green space that includes an orchard, woodland and pond, as … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Inspired Trips

2024 Food Festivals

Food festivals can add fun and flavor to your vacation. Here’s a small sample of what’s coming up this year around the country. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival returns to Miami from Feb. 22-25 with a packed lineup of Food Network personalities, cooking classes, tastings and special dinners featuring culinary collaborations between master chefs. You can get tips on making everything from Cuban … Continue reading 2024 Food Festivals

Europe’s Second Cities

Europe’s capitals are exciting but they’re only the beginning of places to explore. If you have London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Lisbon, Vienna or Athens on your itinerary, consider visiting a “second city” where you’ll gain a different perspective. Here are a few examples. If you’re a fan of books by the country vet James Herriot, or the TV series based on them, you should visit … Continue reading Europe’s Second Cities