Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

TONY BENNETT PLAYS VEGAS WITH LADY GAGA TO KEEP HIS TALENT TUNED UP Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga took the stage in Las Vegas to usher in...

MINSTREL, TEACHER PLAYS ENGAGING RANGE OF STYLES, PERIODS Greatly gifted Josiah Diallo plays and teaches in the San Diego area. STORY By...

La Casa Del Zorro (home of the fox) encourages a peaceful and magical stay from registration until reluctant departure. The fox logo, giving Zorro its name. LA CASA DEL ZORRO: CHECK YOURSELF IN FOR AN EXCLUSIVE HIDE-AWAY DEEP IN THE DESERT NEAR BORREGO SPRINGS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Five-star accommodations are enhanced by a fine restaurant with terrific service. YOU KNOW you're at a class-act resort as you bask in understate

Cygnet Theater in Old Town is a fantastic night out, with a stop at nearby Hacienda de las Rosas Winery before or after. 'A CHRISTMAS...

WRITERS TOOK TO BACKROADS, MUSEUMS, RANCHES, HOTELS IN SEARCH OF LOCAL COLOR The gorgeous Parker Ranch in Hawaii inspired a passage about paniolo life in "Lilian's Last Dance." STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS RECENT PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Click here ==> Lilian's Last Dance ON THE TRAIL of local color and detail for the book, "Lilian's Last Dance," my late husband Bill Jones and I traveled to Hawaii, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois and many other states. We learned so

Red Lodge, Montana, offers spectacular scenery and one of the world's most stunning drives.

IF YOU HAVE ONLY A BRIEF TIME, MAKE EVERY ROMAN MINUTE COUNT BY HIRING A TOUR GUIDE One of Rome highlights you must-see Trevi Fountain has been drained and fenced off, and a $3 million bridge project financed by Fendi, the big name fashion house, is underway with a renovation project to allow visitors to view the famed fountain from above! The Colosseum is of Rome's highlights you must-see . A private guide will give you time to enjoy it, ask questions and never be rushed.

Glacier National Park is widely considered one of the most beautiful places in the United States, often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent". Summer is the most popular time to visit because it is the only season when the entire park is accessible, the trails are snow-free, and all facilities are fully open.

Commodore Everette Hoard welcomes the public aboard the Queen Mary this Friday for an 80th birthday party. HAIL AND LONG LIVE THE LOVELY QUEEN MARY Guests still check in as they did decades ago, in a glamorous lobby. Aboard the Queen Mary, a sea gull may be attending Friday's party! HISTORIC OCEAN LINER HAS PROUD HISTORY, IMPRESSIVE ROSTER OF LINER-LOVING CELEBRITIES STORY BY CHRIST

HISTORIC HOTEL LURES VACATIONERS FOR A DAY, A WEEK OR A FINE MEAL The venerable Pollard, with the year's first snow, welcomes visitors from around the world. Below, a sampling of its atmosphere, where diners sip cocktails, and await the feast. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER RED LODGE – Since the Pollard Hotel began a serious spiffing up more than a decade ago, its inviting atmosphere continues to lure vacationers, locals and regulars for fine food and a s

Rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and timeless villages—this Tuscany travel guide explores the best itinerary for first-time visitors, from Florence’s Renaissance treasures to hidden countryside gems.

Lisbon, Portugal delightful city awaiting your discovery and our stay in the renowned Altis Belem Hotel in the Belem district, near famed Belem Tower.

Sacramento's Old Town offers fun, frolic, history, horses, railroad and food food

Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle is a dazzling blend of opulence, history, and coastal beauty. From its grand rooms filled with European art to sweeping ocean views along the rugged California coastline, this iconic estate offers a glimpse into a world of luxury unlike any other.

BEAUTIFUL SUNDIAL BRIDGE IS THE CENTERPIECE FOR YEAR-ROUND RECREATION, ART, NATURE VIEWING, FABULOUS DINING The Bridgehouse Bed and Breakfast in Redding is a unique B&B. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I'D NEVER SPENT time in Redding, Calif., but the opportunity seemed too good to miss when our travels took us to Mount Shasta for a friend's 60th birthday party. Dara Engelhardt and Logan Engelhardt are part of the family enterprise that is G

PERFECT SETTING, CALM CALIFORNIA WATERS HELP GIRL GET BACK IN THE BOAT Pelicans at Moss Landing were part of the lure to get Cookie back in the kayak after an accident derailed her. Cookie musters her intrepid bravery chip and prepares to kayak again. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A KAYAKING KID am I now, thanks to friends who coaxed me back onto the water. They knew I'd had a kayaking accident on my one and only attempt at the sport -- hit by a wave in

PURPLE MARTIN'S MAJESTY GROWS FINE ORGANIC FARE James Walker Hayes washes freshly picked produce at the organic farm he and his partner, Kelle Martin, run. The historic Point Arena Lighthouse, above, is a few miles back toward town from the farm, then up the road a bit. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE APPROACH to a gardener's Eden is a good half hour outside of Point Arena, Calif., down a winding country road dense with fir, cedar, pine and redwoods. Yo

Looking for the perfect mix of beaches, adventure, and nightlife? This Cabo San Lucas travel guide covers why this Baja destination is a must-visit from iconic views to unforgettable ocean experiences. And don't miss a side trip to Todos Santos and Hotel California

RIGHTLY PROUD of its critters and birds, Guatemala hosts more than 10 per cent of all registered species on planet Earth. Handsome people, gorgeous lakes and forests and extraordinary handicrafts complement swimming, hiking and delightful cuisine -- fish, lobster and tasty spiced veggies -- make it appealing to tourists. Well heeled Americans and Europeans mix with yuppies from the British Isles and South America to ride horseback, frolic on the beaches, and enjoy spelu

THREE MAJOR WORLD RELIGIONS LIVE MEANINGFUL LIVES IN HISTORIC ISRAELI CITY Cookie takes a moment to meditate and give thanks for her return to a favorite city at the Western Wall, Jerusalem. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS The Dome of the Rock , sacred Muslim shrine, circa 685, offers gorgeous mosaics and is an Islamic architectural monument. PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER NO CITY on the planet makes such an emotional impact on so many people. Jerusalem, the proud capital of Israel,