In 36 hours I held $600,000 in cash, sipped rice bourbon, and visited a world-renowned purse museum. I strolled through an urban sculpture garden along the river and hiked among the oak trees at the base of Pinnacle Mountain. Little Rock, Arkansas surprised me. You might know it as the home state of former President… Continue reading Why You Should Choose Little Rock, Arkansas for Your Next Vacation
Whether you are looking for an action-packed outdoor adventure with your tribe or a leisurely gal pal weekend in nature, Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge makes the perfect basecamp for a fantastic girls’ weekend. On a recent trip with four adventure-loving gals, I paddled, hiked and pedaled my way through a fantastic weekend. We sampled… Continue reading Why Roanoke Is the Blue Ridge Mountain Escape Every Girlfriend Group Needs
The Vibe Opened in 1882, the Hotel Roanoke is a designated National Historic Landmark. The impressive Tudor-style building perched above the city center welcomes guests into 327 luxurious guestrooms. Historic touches like old city maps and murals celebrate the hotel’s past. I enjoyed finding original Czech crystal chandeliers, an old-fashioned telephone booth and hand-carved Virginia limestone used… Continue reading I Stayed There: The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Vibe Set on the harbor in the heart of the city, the Boston Harbor Hotel is an elegant oasis. The Forbes five-star luxury hotel’s refined, yet casual vibe means tuxedo-clad guests feel just as comfortable as casually dressed sightseers. The property is punctuated by a striking archway and Foster’s Pavilion, a glass-paneled round gathering space overlooking… Continue reading I Stayed There: Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf
This story appeared in the 2025 Winter issue of The Local Palate These new Asian restaurants are fueling the city’s noodle obsession, one steamy bowl at a time Orlando turns 150 this year. What used to be a small town dotted with orange groves has grown into a world-famous entertainment hub with a flourishing food… Continue reading Orlando’s Hand-Pulled Noodle Revolution
Revere Hotel Boston Common is a 356-room luxury Back Bay hotel, steps from Boston’s theater district, Boston Common and Chinatown. The Boston Public Library, Newbury Street and Copley Square are within a 15-minute walk, or you can hop on the nearby subway. read more
Donkeys trotted toward me as I navigated around a vendor hawking roasted corn to passersby. Sellers offered me samples of khat, a type of leaf that’s chewed for its stimulating effects. Technicolor woven baskets, incense, and haggling shoppers had my senses firing on all cylinders. If there was a better way to combat jet lag… Continue reading Why Ethiopia’s Capital is More Than a Safari Stopover
Move over New York, Connecticut just proclaimed itself as the Pizza Capital of the country. Long revered by pizza aficionados and the culinary curious, New Haven alone attracts over two million visitors a year for its specialty pies. read more
The Vibe Staypineapple is an 89-room boutique hotel in Midtown Manhattan. It’s playful vibe and colorful artsy décor will appeal to travels looking for something fun and out of the ordinary. Staypineapple is pet friendly, welcoming all kinds of furry friends. The hotel is a short walk to the Javits Convention Center, and vacation travelers will… Continue reading I Stayed There: Staypineapple, An Artful Hotel, Midtown New York
Kirsten Harrington discover's Puerto Rico's rich coffee culture, one cup at a time. Appearing in Issue 28 Cacique magazine, the Spirit of InterCaribbean Airlines For over 300 years, coffee plantations have thrived on the island of Puerto Rico, with exports of the golden elixir making their way around the world. Rumour has it Puerto Rican… Continue reading Wake up and Smell the Coffee
From a luxury treehouse with a soaking tub nestled in the forest to a purpose-driven hotel in a historic firehouse, the collection of new hotels this fall are reason enough to book a trip. Whether you’re looking for an upscale, urban stay or relaxing nature retreat, why settle for a simple sleep when you can… Continue reading Hot Stays: The South’s Most Anticipated Hotel Openings This Fall
The smell of incense and coffee filled the air, mingling with steam and smoke as the clay pot brewed over charcoal. Rain fell softly at the open-air restaurant, and I moved closer to the fire. After 24 hours of travel from Atlanta to Addis Ababa, that strong cup of coffee revived me and welcomed me… Continue reading Ethiopia’s Coffee Ceremony: A Cultural Connection
On August 29, 2005, one of the worst hurricanes in United States history made landfall on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. Category 4 winds and massive storm surges caused catastrophic damage and loss of life in New Orleans and surrounding areas. In the devastating wake, thousands of Louisiana residents trickled into Nashville, hoping for a safe place to… Continue reading Twenty Years After Hurricane Katrina, This Nashville Non-Profit is Still Turning Houses into Homes
The Liberty Hotel is an upscale luxury hotel in the heart of Boston’s Beacon Hill. It’s hip, fun and relaxed, perfect for adult vacationers or business travelers looking for something out of the ordinary. Friend groups or special occasion parties would find this an excellent spot for a celebration. The property is a unique transformation of the… Continue reading I Stayed There: The Liberty, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston
When one of my besties turned 50, we wanted to celebrate. As a trio of fun-loving, adventurous women, we’ve hiked, skied and run countless miles together. What better way to celebrate than a budget-friendly weekend of hiking surrounded by spectacular scenery in Zion National Park? Looking forward to active days and evening sunsets with… Continue reading Girls’ Getaway to Utah’s Zion National Park
Nestled in 1,300 acres of forest near Charlotte, the Whitewater Center is the largest outdoor adventure center of its kind in the world. Multiple “lands” along the Catawba River invite people to paddle, pedal, hike, climb, run, jump, and play outside. From tot-sized treehouses to Olympic caliber white water rafting runs, this North Carolina facility welcomes outdoor-lovers of… Continue reading This North Carolina Adventure Park Has Whitewater Rafting, Treehouses, and Beer on Tap
Never heard of a slugburger? Before your imagination runs wild with images of a soft-bodied gastropod on a bun, let me fill you in on the truth of this culinary creation with a surprising name. A slugburger is a delicious, crispy burger made by mixing potato flakes, flour, or other extenders into ground beef or… Continue reading The Slugburger Story: A Depression-Era Burger That’s Still Sizzling Today
Excellence Riviera Cancun is the perfect escape for adults (18 years +) looking for an upscale all-inclusive resort that’s not just for lovebirds. Solo travelers, families with adult children, married couples and guys or gals looking for fun in the sun will feel welcome. Read more
Looking for an easy way to reduce stress, connect with nature, and make some fantastic memories? Check out our favorite animal encounters where you can get up close and personal with laid-back capybaras, silky lop-eared bunnies, and playful pygmy goats. Whether you grab your girlfriends to sip wine with horses or take the family on… Continue reading From Cow Hugs to Sloth Sips: The Best Animal Encounters in the South
Vibrant collards and slender asparagus pile tables in the spring. In summer, booths burst with juicy peaches, berries, and okra. Locals and visitors alike flock to farmers markets for the freshest bounty, but also to meet the makers, growers, and artisans that make each town unique. Here are a few of our favorites. read more
I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and stepped inside. I had been warned that I might feel overwhelmed on my first visit to Buc-ee’s. On a mission to understand what makes this Texas-based chain of mega-sized travel centers so popular, my husband and I hit the road to visit the Daytona Beach, Florida location.… Continue reading Road Tripping: Behind Buc-ee’s Fame
Some of Chef Melissa Araujo’s fondest childhood memories are of time spent in her grandmother’s kitchen in La Ceiba, Honduras. “She had a brick oven and cooked with firewood. Those were the best meals I ever had,” she said. The aromas and flavors of the traditional Honduran dishes permeated her soul. read more
While the word “honeymoon” might evoke images of tropical beaches and romantic luxury resorts, the real origin has a different meaning. Folklore has it that in medieval times, a bride and groom were often gifted a month’s (or a full moon’s) worth of mead to sweeten the marriage with happiness. read more
To celebrate Black History Month, we’re shedding light on some of North Carolina’s most popular Black-owned food purveyors. From fine dining and food trucks to sweet shops and fish frys, flavors run deep in this Southern state, and the personalities in the kitchen are as diverse as the culinary creations. Here’s just a taste from… Continue reading North Carolina’s Must-Try Black-Owned Food Spots
Indigenize Your Palate at Old Scottsdale’s First Indigenous-owned Restaurant. “Our whole goal for both the art market and restaurant is to give representation and opportunity for indigenous producers in Scottsdale. We want to create a safe space for Native businesses and food producers to sell to the public.” read more
As we rounded the final curve to the Hallerangerhaus, the Austrian flag came into view. After 12 miles of hiking, with some calf-burning steep sections, the high mountain lodge in the Karwendel mountains was a welcome sight. I’m not much of a cruise person, and I get restless after too long at the beach. My… Continue reading Austria’s Hike-In Huts: An Alpine Wellness Adventure
Sipping a glass of bubbly in the sunshine, I nibbled on frites from the walkup champagne window, reflecting on my good fortune. This delightful moment took place not in Paris, but in downtown Raleigh at French bistro, Jolie. read more
Nanny Cay Marina fades in the distance as the Lagoon 46 catamaran catches the wind and leaves Tortola Island behind. You’re at the helm, with the salt spray on your face and wind in your hair. Stingrays and turtles greet you during a lunchtime snorkel stop, and lobster dinners and sunsets cap the day. Sound… Continue reading With the Wind in Your Sails – Learning to Sail in the British Virgin Islands
Whether you’re seeking to challenge yourself on golf courses designed by legends, or just looking for a fun-filled resort close to the greens, Orlando has something for every player in your party. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to swing into action. read more
I dropped my bags at the hotel, laced up my shoes, and hit the trail. My destination wasn’t a mountain meadow or seaside walk, but an urban art trail. Raleigh’s new Outdoor Mural Trail digital passport gives visitors an easy way to wander the city and view some of the best artwork, guided by a… Continue reading See the Soul of Raleigh on the Outdoor Mural Trail
Alaska has a magnetic pull, attracting nature lovers, adventure seekers, and explorers. With millions of acres of wilderness, this remote 49th US state is a place teeming with rugged coastlines, majestic mountains, and playful marine mammals. It took me 20 hours to reach Alaska from my home in Florida. My trek to this former Russian… Continue reading Alaska: America’s Last Wild Frontier
Do you like the extra space of vacation rentals, but not all the extra fees? Are you looking for the upscale amenities and security of a luxury hotel with the privacy and comforts of home? The Docent’s Collection in Portland, Maine specializes in curated stays for discerning travelers. These sophisticated loft apartments are booked just like… Continue reading The Docent’s Collection: Luxury Lofts in Historic Portland, Maine
Why would you want to visit Portland, Maine in the winter? Well, for starters, Portland’s Victorian buildings, cozy cafes, and cobblestone streets glow with an extra layer of charm as temperatures drop. Also, cruise season is over, making it easier to snag restaurant reservations and enjoy the city without the crowds. So, pack your parka… Continue reading Winter in Portland, Maine is Magical – Here’s How to Experience It
Durham’s cocktail scene is as diverse as the bartenders pouring the drinks, from classic martinis to frozen tropical concoctions. Mix in a taste of gastronomy, a splash of locally distilled spirits, and a swirl of creativity for some of the best drinks in the South. Whether you want to dance all night or sip an… Continue reading DURHAM’S ULTIMATE COCKTAIL GUIDE: WHERE TO SIP AND SAVOR
Once a British Royal colony, the Bahamas commemorated 50 years of independence in 2023. The celebration continues as this collection of 700 tropical islands off the coast of Florida polishes landmarks, renovates infrastructure, and proudly displays their Bahamian culture. Relying mainly on tourism, the island economy took a hard hit during the pandemic. Several recent… Continue reading New and Notable in Nassau
Historic Nassau Hotel Restored to Glory After a $50 million transformation, the Grand Dame of Nassau is once again on the throne. Built by oil magnate Henry Flagler in 1900, the original wooden structure, the Hotel Colonial, welcomed wealthy tourists arriving by steamship to winter in paradise. Flagler is known for his luxurious lodgings, including… Continue reading British Colonial
Spanish moss hangs from live oaks, fluttering in the breeze from nearby Manatee River. Benches, a gazebo, and boardwalk along the water make this park in Bradenton a peaceful place. Pause a little longer to read the historical markers and you’ll learn that the area is more than a just a pretty place for a… Continue reading Back to Angola Festival
An American expat’s harrowing ride to two-wheeled freedom If you’d told me, soon after I arrived in Beijing, that I’d ride a bike through the streets of China’s capital during rush-hour, I would’ve asked you what you were drinking. Not that I’m green or timid. At 52, I’d visited over 30 countries and lived abroad… Continue reading Biking Beijing
When you live in Central Florida, summer can feel long. Days are filled with endless sunshine, soaring temperatures, and afternoon thunderstorms. The solution? Escape to the beach! read more
I tried an Alaskan cruise once – the kind with fancy buffets, towels folded like swans, and nightly magic shows. It wasn’t for me. I wanted to get up close and personal with this wild remote state, so I’ve returned several times to traverse Alaska by foot, bush plane, and small boats. In June, I… Continue reading SKIP THE BIG SHIP: WHAT I LOVED ABOUT ALASKA DAY CRUISING
The morning mist partially obscured the peaks lining Resurrection Bay as the Coastal Explorer pulled away from Seward. A bald eagle bid us farewell from his perch and a nearby sea otter floated peacefully in the harbor. The deckhands served fresh warm cinnamon rolls as we motored toward Kenai Fjords National Park. Dressed for winter… Continue reading Whale Watching in Alaska: Sustainable Tours Just Makes SENSE
Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest communities, named after William Seward, President Lincoln’s Secretary of State. We have Seward to thank for spearheading the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for two cents an acre. Windsong Lodge sits on the edge of the Resurrection River, just outside town. It’s close enough to be a convenient… Continue reading Seward Windsong Lodge: Gateway to Alaska’s Wild Beauty
Once one of North Carolina's top tobacco producing regions, Durham has reinvented itself as a lively, innovative city filled with award-winning restaurants and art-filled spaces. Historic red brick factories house galleries, theaters, and retail shops. read more
You've probably never heard of Lake County, Florida, but one visit to this hilly countryside 35 miles northwest of Orlando and you're sure to fall in love. read more
Florida is known for its beaches and thrilling theme park attractions. But did you know that one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations is rolling out some innovative transportation–rides that have nothing to do with Harry Potter or Mickey Mouse? It’s suddenly not all about automobiles in a car-dependent state in the U.S. By… Continue reading Self-driving Swans, Horseless Carriages, and Flying Taxis: Innovative Transportation All Around Florida
The Durham Hotel is a mid-century modern gem located in the heart of the city. Once known for playing a leading role in North Carolina’s tobacco industry, Durham celebrates its past while pivoting into the future as a leading technology hub. It’s a hot spot for innovators, scholars, artists, foodies, and those who love its quirky Southern charm. read… Continue reading The Durham Hotel: Mid-Century Modern Boutique Hotel in the City Center
Durham surprised me. As a smaller sibling to Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital, I was expecting barbecue, beer, and biscuits. Boy, was I wrong. Sure, you’ll find Southern favorites, but Durham offers so much more. Did you know it was once voted Tastiest Town in the South by Southern Living magazine? read more
Recently, my hubby and son went on a “boys’ trip,” so I decided to go on a staycation. The small town of MountDora, 35 minutes north of Orlando, met my criteria: close to home, relaxing atmosphere, nature activities, shopping and interesting dining. This compact, hilly town perched on Lake Dora is lined with historic homes, antique shops… Continue reading Small Town Treasures: Solo Staycation at the Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora, FL
The 50-acre Leu Gardens in Orlando sits on the edge of Lake Rowena, just minutes from downtown. Leu Gardens is a tranquil retreat and the perfect antidote to the high energy theme parks. The jungle-like feel of the lush foliage, year-round colorful blooms, and occasional alligator sightings along the lake give visitors an immersive Florida nature… Continue reading Visting Leu Gardens in Orlando
In January, when the rest of the country was in a deep freeze, I headed south to Miami. Miles of stunning beaches, colorful Art Deco architecture, and music drifting from every doorway were just what I needed to chase away the winter blues. With exotic Latin cuisine and cocktails by the pool, a weekend in… Continue reading Where to Eat, Sleep and Play in Miami
Kirsten Harrington 