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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


HOLIDAY DOUBLE-HEADER: Brilliant 'Berlin'; Hornblower hooray
Hershey Felder channels the great Irving Berlin at La Jolla Playhouse, in a spirited, fast-paced and engaging program. It's set in...

Christene Meyers
Dec 24, 20153 min read


Santa Catalina - the island of romance, fine dining, adventure and fun
Escape to Catalina Island in summer 2026 and discover why this Southern California gem is the perfect getaway. From scenic coastal views and the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden to the Catalina Island Museum, the Airport in the Sky, and delicious waterfront dining, Catalina offers adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable island charm.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 17, 20154 min read


City Cruises: Fantastic feasting, celebrating on the water
City Cruises offers a refreshing way to experience some of the world’s most iconic waterfronts—where the journey itself becomes the destination. Whether gliding past city skylines at sunset or drifting along historic rivers rich with culture, each voyage blends sightseeing with a relaxed, immersive atmosphere. Passengers can expect thoughtfully curated experiences, from casual daytime excursions to elegant dinner cruises complete with panoramic views and local cuisine.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 4, 20154 min read
Talking turkey with a "weekend wiggle" and a bit of feasting history
Wild turkeys cavort and forage at our Montana place, High Chaparral, in Stillwater County on the river. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS...

Christene Meyers
Nov 27, 20153 min read


William Dennis Jones: Celebrating a life lived with gusto on a tenth anniversary
Bill Jones was a wonderful painter, whose one-man shows drew crowds in Phoenix and Los Angeles galleries. Here is a favorite self-portrait. Here's looking at you, kid: Artist, writer, traveler, funny guy BILL JONES --- a TRIBUTE By CHRISTENE MEYERS A DECADE HAS elapsed since Billy’s passing. This week, we celebrate his rich, but brief life: Bill and Cookie traveled the world, here in Portugal in 1997. BILL WAS BORN in Indiana and liked to say he moved his pare

Christene Meyers
Nov 13, 20153 min read


Spicy 'Chapatti' sizzles in San Diego, Montana's bold Bair museum takes public behind scenes
A beautifully acted comedy drama at North Coast Repertory Theatre features Anabella Price and Mark Bramhall as Dubliners Betty and Dan....

Christene Meyers
Nov 10, 20153 min read
World Trade Center: Moving memorial built to honor victims of the 9-11 tragedy
The new Tower represents endurance and recovery, while honoring lives lost. Its mission is "to preserve freedom and inspire an end to hatred, ignorance and intolerance." NEW YORKERS, GLOBAL VISITORS PAY HOMAGE TO THE FALLEN AT NEW, ELEGANT TRADE CENTER MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM Names of victims are placed near names of people with whom they worked. The names are inscribed in bronze around waterfalls and two beautiful pools. This family visited the memorial after a subway ride with

Christene Meyers
Nov 3, 20153 min read


New York's CityPASS is the ticket for making the most of a few days in the Big Apple
Action-packed CityPASS maximizes precious time, gives options that show off a dozen of the world's most lively cities

Cookie & Keller
Oct 28, 20154 min read


Montana black bear encounter reveals a surprising guest
A black bear leaned against our window, broke into our Montana home, ate an entire cube of butter, and left buttery paw prints on the glass while trying to escape. What began as a startling return home became a powerful reminder that in Montana, nature is never far away. This unforgettable wildlife encounter taught Cookie & Keller about wonder, respect, and living in harmony with the wild.

Cookie & Keller
Oct 20, 20153 min read


Faroe Islands Travel Tips: Why Visit this exotic, clean, North Atlantic destination?
Looking for a destination beyond the ordinary? The Faroe Islands deliver dramatic cliffs, scenic hikes, puffin colonies, and peaceful Nordic charm.

Cookie & Keller
Oct 13, 20153 min read


Karen Blixen's home Rungstedlund, Denmark: Famed writer's home draws global clientele
'Out of Africa' author wrote 'Gothic Tales,' reflected on a life with lions and her lover after returning to her Danish homeland

Cookie & Keller
Oct 6, 20153 min read


Norway Farm Visit: Come explore a Norwegian wood with farm, flowers, family rural Scandinavia - Skol!
TIME IN THE COUNTRY YIELDS CONNECTION WITH FAR-AWAY COUSINS IN SETTING OF RURAL BEAUTY

Christene Meyers
Sep 29, 20153 min read


Lively Livingston Gil's Goods spices up Livingston, Montana dining
BRIAN MENGES is an amiable entrepreneur who loves what he does and enjoys watching lively people appreciate the delicious food he prepares. The ambitious 43-year old is proud of his eatery, Gil's Goods, and the inventive way he "recycled" the old Gil's Gifts sign to read "Gil's Goods."
While Livingston is embracing the eatery, Menges is giving back. He employs over six dozen people, making his one of the largest operations in town.

Christene Meyers
Sep 22, 20153 min read
Family reunion boasts talent show, fabulous food, renewed relationships
Comings and goings at High Chaparral in the Northern Rockies: another fabulous family reunion features talent galore. Some had to leave the night before, but these cousins and close family said farewell until next time on the last morning. RAINY DAY GIVES FORUM TO GARAGE BAND, WITH FAMILY TALENT SHOW OFF THE CHARTS Great nephew James, above, practices his whistle, and great-niece Elliana, in green hat with Nora, previews her costume while cuddling our Yorkie. STORY By C

Christene Meyers
Sep 18, 20153 min read
Family reunion features foodie fest, favorite recipes, kitchen frolics***
"Food, glorious food," as the lyric from "Oliver!" goes. The appetizers are being devoured as the main course is prepared. FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD AS CLEVER KITCHEN CAPERS PROMOTE QUALITY FAMILY TIME STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS The family gathers to nosh and talk and play -- here niece Aurora with her daughter, Elliana, and at right, James, chasing Yorkie Nora. PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHEN ONE MENTIONS food and music, our family "comes big." That's the expression my grandfather us

Christene Meyers
Sep 15, 20154 min read
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