Travel

I love to explore the natural features of a region and delight in discovering the qualities that make each destination unique. Having climbed the mountains of North Carolina, stairs of the D.C. metro rail to the White House portico, the ladders of Florida's dolphin charters and the never-ending steps on the Mediterranean hillsides of Malta, I look forward to exploring the Pacific Coast, the rainforests and the universe! I recently interviewed world-renowned ecolodge designer Hitesh Mehta for Hemisphere’s Magazine, inspiring me to want to travel and explore green travel destinations around the world.

I’m author of an eco-guide to Florida's Gold Coast: Palm Beach, Miami and the Florida Keys (Countryman Press, 2005), which I’m currently updating for release in September 2008); co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Campgrounds of the Southeast (Wiley, 2002), contributor to the Mobil Travel Guide to NASCAR (2004) and hotel inspector for The Unofficial Guide to Florida (2003) and The Unofficial Guide to South Florida (2005). I enjoy exploring the world and chronicling the adventures for others to enjoy. My favorite traveling companions are my children Rachel and Bud (who once shared bylines) and my faithful terror, Teddi (a Yorkie).

Here are a few of my travel stories – these and many others are available for reprint with updates, and I’m available to explore the destinations of your choice. I always carry my Canon PowerShot SD800 and I’ll happily add photos to the package.

Hudson Valley, New York, Drive Magazine, Spring 2001
Vintage inns and venerable wineries speckle this picturesque valley just a few hours away from the nation’s most bustling metropolis - the perfect weekend getaway. Tour mansions of the rich and famous from the gilded age and gather secrets from the taste experts at the Culinary Institute of America.

The Zen of Shelling on Sanibel, Florida, Drive Magazine, Spring, 2000
Join us on this visit to one of the world’s best places to find shells - is the take still as good as it always was? Photos available.

Salem, Massachusetts, Drive Magazine, Oct. 1999
There are still lots and lots of witches in Salem, but they’re of the friendliest sort. There are many wicked attractions to entertain the kids but there is much more to enjoy in this quaint seaside town with stunning historical architecture spanning the centuries of the nation. Photos available.

Slabsides, Catskill Mountain retreat of John Burroughs, Meridian Magazine, May 2000; Log and Timber, May 2001
Explore the stomping grounds of one of America’s greatest fore-thinkers- John urroughs, father of the conservation movement, whose 100-year-old writing cabin, Slabsides, is still open for visitors in May and October each year. Photos available.

Amelia Island, Florida, Meridian Magazine, April, 1999; Toronto Sun, May, 2000
This small town with a huge historic district featuring Florida’s oldest hotel and pub makes a great family getaway. Shop, sail or relax in one of many bed and breakfasts. Photos available.

Winter Golf in Florida, Meridian Magazine, January, 2000
Looking for the best place to rest your head and play golf too? We give you the lowdown on a few resorts - you figure out the turf tale. Photos available.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Meridian Magazine, February, 1999
Think of Florida as a winter-time treat but summer-time heat? Think again. There’s much to be said for our summers - we’ve got the beach! Photos available.

West Lake Park, Florida: Canoeing, Meridian Magazine, March, 1999
Explore mangrove estuaries by self-propelled kayak or canoe, on your own or with a guide - there’s even a moonlit tour! Photos available.

Dania, Florida: Antique District, Meridian Magazine, July, 1999
Sandwiched between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the county’s oldest city celebrates it’s historic heritage as home to an antique district that makes treasure hunting a stroll along main street. Photos available.

Indianapolis, Indiana, Meridian Magazine, April, 1999
Insiders Guide: Take your turn as a race car driver or cruise the scenic countryside in this honest and friendly convention town.

Washington D.C., Meridian Magazine, September/October, 1999
Visit the capital city with a little girl who wonders if someday she might have the chance to get into the White House. Meanwhile, we’ll help you find some of the city’s unheralded treats. Photos available.

Sugar Mountain, Boone, North Carolina, Meridian Magazine, Oct. 1998
Climb the sweet-smelling mountain and ski or bike back down, depending on the season. This is a beautiful, culturally sophisticated pocket of paradise. Photos available.

Arts and Craft Trail, North Carolina Mountains, Meridian Magazine, Nov., 1998
Something about these peaceful winding roads spawns the creative spark. Join us on a tour of the best local finds in and around Boone, North Carolina. Photos available.

Boston: The Freedom Trail, Meridian Magazine, Sept. 1998
Maybe it takes only a couple of hours for most hikers, but this middle-aged mom spent two days tracking 350 years of the nation’s founding history. Photos available.

Dining Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Meridian Magazine, 1997
A review of the restaurants of Old Town, aka Himarshee Village. Photos available.

Downtown Miami in a Day, Where Miami Magazine, November, 2001
Should you check out the local art galleries? Interior Design District? Who has the most unusual atmosphere? Best fish? Widest variety of brews? We hike all around the Magic City checking out the most unusual offerings to help visitors plan their itineraries. Photos available.

Tropical Drinks of Miami, Where Miami Magazine, July, 2001
Where can you find the best mojito? We visit a variety of restaurants to sample and report on the unique tropical thirst quenchers of each. Photos available.

On the Town, Where Miami Magazine, April, 2001
First-hand report on various tours offered in and around Miami - we give you the full scoop so you can choose the best way to spend your time to get the most from your vacation. Photos available.

Ichetucknee Springs, Florida, Miami Herald, Sept., 1998
There is nothing more refreshing than a relaxing dip in the cool, pure spring waters of Ichetucknee. Make time to canoe or tube the crystal waters through the lush forest - while you still can. Photos available.

Jacksonville, Florida, Miami Herald, Sept., 1999
Often undiscovered by travelers whizzing through town on their way to or from South Florida, the historic riverside city buried under the interstate is peaceful, cultural, quaint yet opulent. Worth a stop. Photos available.

See it Like a Floridian: Pigeon Forge, South Florida Parenting Magazine, May 2001
A quick tour of a Tennessee tourist mecca.

See it Like a Floridian: North Carolina, South Florida Parenting Magazine,
May 2001
A sampler that offers just enough info to let you know that North Carolina is one destination you don’t want to pass up - fresh mountain air, local crafts, forests and waterfalls make this the perfect place for a getaway. Photos available.

Cable Beach: Pirates and Junakanoo in the Bahamas, South Florida Parenting
Magazine, June 2000
Cable Beach is a resort community in Nassau - I’ve detailed some of the off-beat attractions in the area as well as a quick overview of some of the accommodations.

Swimming with Dolphins, South Florida Parenting Magazine, June, 2000
A round-up of opportunities to swim with dolphins - at a facility in the Bahamas, at Discovery Cove in Orlando and in the wild in Key West. Photos available.

St. Augustine, Florida, South Florida Parenting Online, September, 1997
Quick tour of Florida’s oldest city - a great historic stopover for road-trippers on the way in or out of long Florida.

South Florida Botanical Gardens, South Florida Parenting Magazine, May, 1999
Home to some of the most exquisite subtropical flora, South Florida’s lush botanical gardens offer a sublime opportunity to relax with nature. In this story we tour Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach, Flamingo Gardens in Davie and Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami. Photos available.

Swimming with Dolphins in the Wild, Key West, Florida, City Link Magazine, 1997
We didn’t feed them, they didn’t bite us. When wild dolphins joined our swimming party an inexplicable excitement permeated the water. The dolphins slipped smilingly among us, turning to mirror a chosen few - a truly memorable experience.

Cassadaga, Florida, Florida Travel Magazine, Spring, 2000
Sick of Orlando’s theme parks? Take a half-hour drive into the country for some real spooky fun. Cassadaga is a town settled by spirtualists - have your fortune told or palm read. Photos available.

Going to Camp with the Kids: Be a Chaperone, South Florida Parenting, March, 2000
Put your skills to use as nurse, instructor or chaperone and consider joining the kids for a week or summer in the woods.

North Carolina Mountains with the Kids, South Florida Parenting Online, August, 1997
The kids share their perspectives when we manage a low-budget mountain getaway in a remote cabin. Photos available.

2001.7.12 Easy-to-manuever Rialta RV perfect for short getaways

2003.4.23 Hit the Tamiami Trail for a drive into history

2007.4.30 Florida, naturally: The unspoiled beauties beyond Disney's borders