Wildwood: Doo-Wop, Boardwalks, and Wide Beaches
The Wildwoods of New Jersey are a beach community unlike any other. Few towns have such an extensive claim to parts of music history, not to mention one of the best boardwalks and beaches in New Jersey. But those outside of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic may have no idea that this treasure of a town even exists. So let’s take a closer look at the beaches, boardwalk, and of course, Wildwood Doo-Wop style that has made the area a summer destination for decades!
Continue reading “Wildwood: Doo-Wop, Boardwalks, and Wide Beaches”Monday Morning Moment: Truth or Consequences, NM
Good Morning. Truth or Consequences is a small, south-central New Mexico town with a big name. It’s also got a surprising amount of charm, style, and fun – not to mention some of the most underrated hot springs in the country. We’re taking a trip there today in our Monday Morning Moment.
Continue reading “Monday Morning Moment: Truth or Consequences, NM”Cape May Lighthouse and the Lost City of South Cape May – State Park Spotlight
At the very southwestern tip of New Jersey, you’ll find the Cape May Lighthouse. The 157-foot tower has protected ships in the area for more than a century and a half, and seen the rise and fall of military defenses and even an entire town! So let’s take a walk and learn more about this structure and the area that surrounds it.
Continue reading “Cape May Lighthouse and the Lost City of South Cape May – State Park Spotlight”7 Days On Amtrak’s California Zephyr
The California Zephyr is one of Amtrak’s most popular long-distance trains – and with very good reason. It’s Amtrak’s longest route, cutting a westward track from Chicago, across the plains and the Rockies, to California. Join us as we hit the rails on a seven-day journey through the iconic American cities and scenery that line this historic route.
Continue reading “7 Days On Amtrak’s California Zephyr”Monday Morning Moment: Lauritzen Gardens
Good morning. If you’d like to see one of Japan’s natural wonders but can’t make it across the Pacific, try Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE. The botanical gardens include 100 acres of year-round plant displays, including this part of the Japanese Garden.
Continue reading “Monday Morning Moment: Lauritzen Gardens”Park Views: Theodore Roosevelt Side Trail and Pulpit Rock
Teddy Roosevelt loved to hike, and Rock Creek Park was his favorite place to do it while president. We’re taking a look at one of his favorite spots and the trail that leads there and bears his name in another installment of Park Views. Let’s head on down the Theodore Roosevelt Side Trail and see what we find.
Continue reading “Park Views: Theodore Roosevelt Side Trail and Pulpit Rock”Going For A Walk – One Week Out
Just over a week from today, I’ll head off on the first leg of my walk from Cape May to Atlantic City, and ultimately, the entire Jersey Shore. I’ll be heading out to Lewes, Delaware, on Friday night and spending Saturday in Delaware with Morgan. I’ll catch an afternoon ferry from Lewes to Cape May, and we’ll be off.
Continue reading “Going For A Walk – One Week Out”Amtrak Long Distance Service: Finally Back To Normal!
As the threat of COVID-19 continues to recede and the country re-opens, Amtrak is following suit with its long-distance routes. And the changes mean easier travel planning for your next trip!
COVID-19 Forces Amtrak Long Distance Changes
Like every other form of travel, Amtrak saw ridership plummet following the nationwide COVID-19 lockdowns. By their own estimates, 80% fewer passengers took the train in the first half of 2020. This forced the rail service to reduce trains on some of its less-traveled routes, including long-distance favorites like the California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Crescent, and City of New Orleans. All of these and a half-dozen others were reduced from daily service to tri-weekly in October 2020.
Continue reading “Amtrak Long Distance Service: Finally Back To Normal!”Monday Morning Moment: Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Good morning. This picture was taken along Wildlife Drive at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, Florida, in March 2019.
Sanibel is really a unique place within Florida and the United States. In a different universe, developers covered the island in high rises, chain restaurants, and waterparks, all taking advantage of the unbelievable beaches and world-renowned shelling. But it isn’t. There are a few larger condo buildings and resorts, sure, but they’re low and spread out. By and large, the island remains gloriously unspoiled. There are no stoplights, almost all local stores and restaurants, and a vast amount of preserved nature. Ding Darling is part of this.
Continue reading “Monday Morning Moment: Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge”10 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials For Your Next Vacation
Ah, road trips. The allure of the long white line drawing you into the distance and toward adventure. But forgetting some crucial road trip essentials is an easy way to turn your dream vacation into the car ride from hell. We rounded our list of the must-have, can’t forget items that will keep you and your fellow travelers happy, entertained, safe, and fed no matter how far the road takes you.
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