Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Holiday happiness: food, fun, family and a cherished recipe

THE MARITIME history of Astoria, Oregon, is one of tumult, terror and triumph. Many a ship and sailor have been pummeled by the surf -- thrown against the shoals on the treacherous and notorious Columbia River bar. We learned at this fascinating Astoria maritime museum that the Columbia River has taken at least 2,000 vessels and nearly as many lives.

Perched where the broad Columbia River meets the Pacific, the historic port town of Astoria blends maritime heritage, artsy charm, and sweeping riverfront views into one unforgettable stop along the Pacific Northwest. Visitors arriving on a voyage with American Cruise Lines often find that the town feels both timeless and lively, where fishing boats, Victorian architecture, and coffee-roasting cafes share the same scenic streets.

MY GRANDPARENTS lived next door, so we didn't have far to go to enjoy their guidance and company. Holiday meals at their home were much loved tradition. We sang "Over the River and Through the Woods"with gusto to please Gran Olive, who taught us the melody and her revised lyrics. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. Coming shortly after her Nov. 19 birthday, it was an extension of that -- a bonus time together to play music, Scrabble, pinochle and cribbage, to visit, cook a

Founder and band leader of Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, Carlos Samaniego, is a talented, classically trained musician who formed the...

The Palm Springs home of Elvis and Priscilla Presley is a Celebrity Tours stop. Priscilla Presley talks about the couple's time in the...

The eerie and colorful formations of the Lewis and Clark Caverns await inspection. CLIMB INTO THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF LIMESTONE CAVERNS...

Acrobats and trapeze artists exhibit their prowess and daring in a jaw-dropping act. Zoppe Italian Family Circus is on tour in...

The Sacajawea Inn in Three Forks, Montana, honors one of the most revered women in the history of the United States. Whether spelled with...

THE PLEASURES of river cruising are many. First, you're close to shore. Because of your ship's size, you easily tie up at surprisingly beautiful -- even enchanting -- places. Each turn of the river offers changing landscape, bird life, deer, cattle, even a fox. They were right off our balcony stateroom, our home for a week aboard American Cruise Lines' American Pride.

If you think cruising means giant ships, thousands of passengers and international ports, American Cruise Lines offers another way to travel. Its small ships and riverboats explore America's rivers, coastlines and waterways, bringing travelers closer to historic towns, beautiful scenery, local culture and some of the country's most memorable destinations.

An annual autumn trip through Yellowstone National Park is a tradition we honor and enjoy. On this year's trek, we took along a California friend. Phyllis had never visited Yellowstone and although we didn't have time to give her a complete "immersion," we shared a few favorite nooks and crannies of this magnificent wilderness recreation area.

Finishing touches are complete as the Alberta Bair Theater, formerly the Fox Theatre, opens its doors once again. The 1931 building...

Located on eight acres of the 16-acre World Trade Center complex, the 9/11 Memorial is a place of remembrance and contemplation within the bustle of lower Manhattan.