Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family…and food, lots of it. For many, it’s also a chance to travel, experiencing new places while enjoying the holiday with loved ones. Whether you want a traditional celebration, a unique twist, or just a change of scenery, these five destinations offer something special for Thanksgiving. New York, New
It’s official, after a summer long trial period, US citizens can now renew their passports online. A new national program from the US Department of State eliminates the need to visit a passport agency or post office to submit a renewal application. This new option simplifies the process, making it more convenient for travelers. Instead
Italian fashion is a dream for many women. The impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and classic silhouettes are simply irresistible. From the iconic designs of Gucci and Prada to the understated elegance of Brunello Cucinelli, Italian brands have a unique ability to elevate any wardrobe. Labels come with a hefty price tag, but I’ve discovered
The National Park system was established in 1916 by the federal government to protect our nation’s remarkable natural beauty. State parks were formed with the same concept, but on a smaller scale and run by the state in which they reside. All these parks are America’s playgrounds. While national parks have the blockbuster fame, state
June’s Culture Trip learning German games has taught me so much about the country and it’s residents. Our European friends are known for their beer, pretzels and lederhosen. But, further research revealed German families love to play games. Pubs provide boardgames and households have ongoing competitions. My friends and I tackled a couple spieles
What’s the difference between a Greek antiquity and an antique? An antiquity has been unearthed by archeology. An antique hasn’t. The former is usually much older, some pieces dating as far back as 4,000 years. I embarked on a month long project to replicate an historic Greek pot at a clay studio. Within the first
The dance instructor called out “forward treble, brush, brush, hop” to the room full of students. At least that’s what I think she said. This was my first attempt at the popular Irish jig. My fifth month into a yearlong culture trip exploring traditions from twelve different countries had me learning céilís (dances) of the
Taiwan is the size of Indiana, with a population of almost 24 million people. The island is located roughly 100 miles southeast of China. Although an independent country since 1949’s political strife with the Chinese Communist Party, China still claims Taiwan as one of it’s provinces. Despite the contentious relationship between these countries, their traditions,
Groovy hits the desert in a big way with Modernism Week. The annual 10-day festival hosts 350 events showcasing the best of all things mid-century. Architecture, art, fashion, decor, landscaping, talks and more provide inspiration for how to emulate the 1950’s in your own home. Over 100,000 people attend the festival. Events are spread throughout
“I want you to discover the joy of creations by your own hand…The possibility of creation from paper is infinite.” —Akira Yoshizawa This wise man was the grandmaster of origami. He developed the current standards for diagramming instructions and designed countless patterns. For the fourth month of my year-long Culture Trip I learned the Japanese