In Central Portugal, Viseu is an old city of distinguished granite monuments on streets winding up to the magnificent cathedral square. Known as the Adro da Sé this plaza has a group of monuments from the Gothic to the Rococo periods, and each one deserves a visit for an hour or two. Down the hill …
When thinking of Southern California, what do you think of? Probably a mixture of Los Angeles, San Francisco and various coastal towns filled with Californians living their best lives and soaking up the sun. If I said Ontario, you’d probably think I was referring to the Canadian destination. However, there is a spot on the …
Clarksville is a perfect city to experience southern charm and the amenities you’ve come to expect as a traveler, while also enjoying the ability to simply get away from it all for the most part. The historic city is located in a spot that gives visitors expansive access to the gorgeous natural areas surrounding, including …
The enormous Alentejo region takes up nearly all of the lower third of Portugal. This is a farming region of wheat fields that have been feeding the country since the middle ages. Historically Alentejo was the main route into Portugal from Spain, and the dozens of medieval castles will tell you that the relationship between …
A popular day trip from Buenos Aires, the peaceful town of Tigre is known for its delta of hundreds of tiny islands and waterways as well as its large artisan market. Named for the tigres or jaguars that used to roam here, the area is now home to several boat companies ready and willing to …
In the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Amadora is a city within a metro ride of Portugal’s capital. As locations go, it’s very handy if you want to see the fine royal palaces on the outskirts of Lisbon. Queluz, Ajuda and Fronteira are all in your grasp, as are the astounding World Heritage Sites, the Belém Tower …
When you’re in the remote Atlantic Ocean on the same latitude as North Africa there are things that you wouldn’t expect to find in a European region. On the Madeira Archipelago that might be subtropical laurel forest tended by an eternal spring-like climate and soils that allow almost any flora to thrive. The island of …
On the high banks of the Mondego River, Coimbra is a city with the oldest university in the country. The prestige of this school will hit you when you step onto the Paço das Escolas courtyard. In this rich ensemble of buildings is one of the finest libraries you’ll ever set foot in. The university …
Sioux Falls has aptly been called a part of America’s fly-over country. South Dakota just isn’t a state that you happen to visit that often, for really any reason, whether business or pleasure. It’s out of the way, there aren’t even major cities and you probably won’t drive through it…so you fly over it. Unfortunately, …
Vizela is a spa town in Portugal’s Norte region, in a landscape of tall, coniferous hills capped with granite outcrops. The Romans were the first to take advantage of Vizela’s mineral-rich hot springs, but today the town has a Belle Époque air about its spa and the graceful park around it. Around this time the …