Santa Rosa has always been one of those interestingly remote places for me. I grew up just an hour away from it, but it always felt as distant as places three or four hours away, as if it were more suited to a long weekend trip than a quick visit. Where I live now is […]
Culture
Paris Luxury Window Shopping and Riverside Book Buying
Paris is, of course, world-renowned for its shopping. I’ll admit, though, that I’ve never been much into shopping as a hobby in its own right; for me, it’s more of a necessity that can occasionally be fun under the right circumstances. Imagine my … [Read more...] about Paris Luxury Window Shopping and Riverside Book Buying
A Réveillon Dinner and the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris
The last time I was in Paris, I happened to be here for New Year’s Eve. Of course, that meant going out for a traditional French réveillon at a nice restaurant in the city center. It’s incredible, isn’t it, when an event lives up to the … [Read more...] about A Réveillon Dinner and the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris
Built Up Expectations and Seeing the Reality in Paris
The first time I went up the Eiffel Tower, I was three years old -- an awestruck young child who believed the tower was tall enough to touch the sky. Maybe that early experience is why every time I go back, there’s a moment of disappointment; of, … [Read more...] about Built Up Expectations and Seeing the Reality in Paris
Two Different Meals Two Nights In Krakow
As with most cities I visit, aimless wandering served as my primary activity. All of Krakow’s self-contained Old Town was worth the wander and I often found myself in the main market square, which is the largest medieval town square in Europe. It was … [Read more...] about Two Different Meals Two Nights In Krakow
Checking Out Snakes and Battleships In Wilmington
While the U.S. Civil War looms large in Wilmington’s history, the city’s biggest piece of history is the battleship USS North Carolina. Located just across the Cape Fear River from the city’s Riverfront Park and River Walk, the battleship serves as a … [Read more...] about Checking Out Snakes and Battleships In Wilmington
Suppose Its Worth Mentioning A Few Napa Wineries
I mentioned in the intro to Napa that many of the wineries here could have followed Coco Chanel’s advice to “take one thing off” before going out in public. The Castello di Amorosa is a perfect example. As you’ve likely inferred from the name, the … [Read more...] about Suppose Its Worth Mentioning A Few Napa Wineries
Annual Reminder Of Art Basel Miami
It isn't even Halloween yet and we're telling you to make your plans for Art Basel? Well, sort of, if you remember our reminder from last year, you know how we feel about the event, not our favorite. But as good internet citizens we'll keep you … [Read more...] about Annual Reminder Of Art Basel Miami
Winters Identity Crisis Festivals Fun And Celebrations
Winters isn’t exactly sure of its identity. An authentic agricultural town or a hipster haven? Down-to-earth and laid-back or deliberately, almost pretentiously, charming? Keeping up with the times, or a relic of mid-20th century Americana? If … [Read more...] about Winters Identity Crisis Festivals Fun And Celebrations
Checking Out The Kenmare Stone Circle
Waiting to get eviscerated on this one, but here goes. A visit to Kenmare is not complete without a visit to the Neolithic stone circle, it’s cool, but it’s a circle of stones, nothing more. Odds are if you go there, you will see people of all sorts, … [Read more...] about Checking Out The Kenmare Stone Circle
There Is Something About Sonoma California
There’s something about Sonoma that sets it apart from Napa, but it’s hard to define quite exactly what that is. Despite being full of tourists, it feels less touristy. It’s just as focused on wine, but there’s somehow less pretentiousness about it. … [Read more...] about There Is Something About Sonoma California