Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Malta's famed Blue Grotto is an enchanting series of caves accessed by small boats to the delight of worldwide tourists. Mesmerize: to...

WE SPENT a few delightful days here, on the northwest edge of Italy's boot," recharging after a week of hectic touring. We jumped ship after a rejuvenating Royal Caribbean sail aboard Brilliance of the Seas, and returned to Monterosso al Mare. Cinque Terre is nestled between the Italian Riviera (Liguria) and the island of Corsica, this quintet of enticing hamlets may be accessed by train or boat from La Spezia.

The Spanish mission-style structure is the crowning jewel of a charming downtown which includes galleries, museums, bistros, taverns and a performing arts center. The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a State of California Historic Landmark, and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. Tours of the property are available through the Mission Inn Foundation, which operates the enterprise.

The Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles is the perfect venue for a beautifully staged "Bright Star," with a bluegrass band on stage, and a full pit orchestra in the traditional place below. The show is spectacularly staged. MUSICAL EARNS BRAVOS, STANDING OVATIONS IN ITS TOE-TAPPING REINCARNATION Carmen Cusack's lovely leading lady role makes the audience laugh -- and cry -- in "Bright Star." The actress played the role of Alice on Broadway. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By B

GLORIOUS CONCERT HALL, SCULPTURES, WORLD CLASS ARTISTS COMPLEMENT NATURE'S OWN GRAND STAGE AT TIPPET RISE

A few blocks from Las Ramblas, tourists usually take in Antoni Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia. GLOBAL CITIZENS MUST STAND TO HALT TERRORISM,...

What do a bell, a wheel and a pendulum have in common? You'll find out at the Exploratorium. Sights and sounds merge and dance as Steve Ganner shares the wonders with his mesmerized daughter Penelope. KIDS OF ALL AGES ENJOY EXPERIMENTATION, DISCOVERY AT UNIQUE INTERACTIVE MUSEUM ON SAN FRANCISCO'S WATERFRONT James Brian Ganner and sister Penelope Margaret have fun with a magical spinning cloud chamber. Bruce Keller has fun with invisible forces and spinning effects in o

What if an entire island were curated like an art gallery? In Lanzarote, César Manrique’s influence turns every stop into a stunning blend of design, culture, and raw volcanic beauty.

A theatrical Valentine awaits in "Freaky Friday," at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego. Wherever on the planet you are, consider a play or concert to create an artful, memorable Valentine's Day Make your Valentine happy at a play -- here approaching La Jolla Playhouse's beautiful Mandell Weiss Theater. "Freaky Friday" is the current production. BE ARTFUL ON THE DAY OF ROMANCE: THINK THE ARTS, WATER, SKY how about a wonderful musical, dinner on the water, picnic, reaching for

Discover one of the most scenic stays in southern Spain at the Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro. With panoramic views over Málaga and easy access to historic landmarks, this stop is a highlight of any Andalusia road trip itinerary.

Discover why the Welk Theater in Escondido delivers one of the most charming and intimate live performance experiences in Southern California, blending nostalgia, talent, and comfort.

Horton Grand Theatre is a perfect venue for the delightfully rendered radio play version of "Miracle on 34th Street." Jennifer Grimm,...

A splendid Georgia mansion built of rare pink marble, known as "Etowah Pink Marble" is decked out for the holidays. Through Dec. 21, the Tate House offers holiday tours, with a delightful luncheon or hors d'oeuvres presentation. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" STELLAR CREATION OF a land baron, philanthropist and tycoon, Tate House -- "the Pink Palace" -- is known throughout the south for its gorgeous pink marble patina and its exquisit

Nestled beneath the towering granite walls of Yosemite National Park, the legendary The Ahwahnee—now known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel—has welcomed presidents, royalty, and Hollywood icons for nearly a century. Opened in 1927, this grand mountain lodge blends Native American, Art Deco, and Arts and Crafts design with breathtaking views of the valley’s soaring cliffs and waterfalls. From elegant dining to fireside storytelling, a stay or visit here offers a glimpse into the

Still packing concert halls and receiving standing ovations, Tony Bennett gives a gracious nod to his music director and accompanist,...

Stunning sunset over Vancouver from the Blue Horizon Hotel, which offers small, enticing balconies with splendid views. TOURISTS CAN HIKE, BOAT, WHALE WATCH, DINE, HOP A TROLLEY, SAIL, STROLL, RELAX, ROW A BOAT! Vancouver's night skyline is beautiful in the water's reflection. Harbour Cruises offers a splendid sunset dinner cruise with this view. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Cookie and Keller enjoy Harbour Cruises' sunset dinner cruise, which offers a lo

Old Piney Dell grew from a mountain cabin to a world class restaurant with old world European service and offerings. WOULD RESTAURANT HOLD UP TO MEMORIES OF YORE? YES, RECENT TASTY TRIP PROVED Rock Creek Resort grew up around Old Piney Dell restaurant. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The rustic charm of Old Piney Dell remains through the decades. WHEN OLD PINEY DELL was becoming the legendary Carbon County eatery it is today, I was a youngster growing up i

From Sugar Loaf to Ipanema, Latin city serves up samba, sports, scenery and scanty clothes

The people of Oplontis, near Pompeii, lived well in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, until 79 AD, when they were buried by tons of falling...

If you're looking for authentic, old-fashioned fun, a vintage restored town and beautiful scenery, head for Virginia City, Mt.