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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Swimming with dolphins: a treat to cement bond between species
Enchanted families have the rare experience of being up close and personal with dolphins in Hilton Waikoloa Village's acclaimed Dolphin...

Christene Meyers
Jan 27, 20224 min read


Food Tour - Dining delights in Key West: Munching a tasty, Cuban inspired path through town
Before the restaurant opened to the public, our small tasting group was invited in to El Siboney, a small, family-run eatery part of an enjoyable food tasting tour in Key West, Florida. Conch fritters are on the menu at Mangoes, a lively fish eatery in Key West. The walking tour features five fun restaurants and lots of local history. Pork, beans and rice are a staple of the Cuban diet here served casually at El Siboney. CUBAN FOOD, VINTAGE CARS, MUSIC, COFFEE SCENERY SUG

Christene Meyers
Jan 20, 20224 min read


Morro Bay: play, stay on the bay, with seals, otters and great seafood
Morro Rock stands imposingly and majestically in the waters, as it has for centuries, welcoming tourists and modern-day explorers. The...

Christene Meyers
Dec 16, 20213 min read


Astoria Maritime Museum offers superb look at Pacific Northwest's stormy sea connection
Crossing the fabled bar where the Columbia meets the Pacific is the focus of several exhibits at the engaging Columbia River Maritime...

Christene Meyers
Dec 9, 20213 min read


Astoria Oregon Trolley, culture, fun, food, maritime wonders
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.

Christene Meyers
Dec 2, 20214 min read
Giving thanks: Family, friends, fitness, travel, the arts and vaccinations
Montana's most recent "gathering of the clan" -- 50 people for Cookie's birthday celebration before Covid. Today, we give thanks for...

Christene Meyers
Nov 25, 20214 min read


Magnificent mariachi band tours, delights, breaks ground for LGBTQ
Founder and band leader of Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, Carlos Samaniego, is a talented, classically trained musician who formed the...

Christene Meyers
Nov 18, 20214 min read


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

Christene Meyers
Nov 4, 20214 min read


Show time: Zoppe Italian Family Circus hits the mark in the Big Top
Acrobats and trapeze artists exhibit their prowess and daring in a jaw-dropping act. Zoppe Italian Family Circus is on tour in...

Christene Meyers
Oct 21, 20214 min read


American Cruise Lines offers close-to-home cruising in stylish safety
The new, streamlined ships of American Cruise Lines are luxurious and beautifully designed to accommodate small passenger loads,...

Christene Meyers
Sep 30, 20216 min read


RISING FROM THE ASHES, NEW TOWER REFLECTS AMERICA'S SPIRIT
The new tower stands proudly where the Twin Towers were. The sound and sight of running water provide comfort and reminder to family,...

Christene Meyers
Sep 9, 20213 min read


New York's Little Island offers a creative, restful oasis in the busy city
Little Island is New York City's latest attraction, a brilliantly conceived "island" at Pier 55 in New York, the gift of two...

Christene Meyers
Aug 19, 20213 min read


Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga rock Radio City Music Hall in bravura birthday show
Tony Bennett sang to two packed houses Aug. 3 and 5, capping a two-night concert celebration of his 95th birthday, attended by Bill and...

Christene Meyers
Aug 4, 20214 min read
Where to go? Which countries welcome travelers? Is Covid waning?
Malta is one of several sun-soaked Mediterranean islands now open to U.S. citizens under certain restrictive conditions, including which...

Christene Meyers
Jul 22, 20213 min read
Countries open up, cruising resumes, travel comes back in Covid times
Planning a return to Malta, here during an expedition to some of its famous caves, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller rejoice on...

Christene Meyers
May 13, 20215 min read


Sedona train trip - splendors unfold in trip through red rock country
Discover Arizona's Verde Canyon Railroad while researching Sedona train trip and what to do during a week of work and play.
The popular four-hour trip takes the passenger on a relaxing journey into wilderness thick with willow, juniper, oak and the shrubs of chaparral country, all framed by towering pinnacles of red rock, synonymous with this part of Arizona.
The Sedona's train trip journey begins in historic Clarkdale, where the Box Car Gift Store and Whistlestop Shop

Cookie & Keller
Apr 22, 20214 min read


Best Road trip wonders -- stopping to 'smell the roses' from Montana to California
Road trip wonders -- stopping to 'smell the roses' from Montana to California. We relish stopping to admire the landscape, perhaps exploring a bluff or bridge we haven't noticed before. We smell the roses, as Keller says, "as we stroll through the garden of life."
Often we pull over to give ourselves and the dog a break. This leads to taking a few photos, studying a roadside plaque or grabbing a milkshake at a newly discovered diner.

Cookie & Keller
Nov 27, 20202 min read


Road trips Torrey Pines State Reserve and other stops offer peaceful time, uncrowded parks, spectacular scenery, laughs along the way
Whether you're headed east of west, it's freeing to be off and driving on a road trip, Tips and recommendations included below
While our American goldfinches have fled Montana, we found this one in a rest stop farther south in Nevada.

Cookie & Keller
Oct 16, 20204 min read


Buffalo Bill Dam near Cody boasts spectacular views, history
The Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center offers a sweeping view of the reservoir. Writer-photographer Rick Cosgriffe takes his camera for...

Christene Meyers
Oct 9, 20204 min read


Splendor, surprise in Stockholm, from Abba Museum to Nobel Hall
Stockholm, with its beautiful location on the water, is considered one of the world's prettiest cities. From street bazaars to Nobel...

Christene Meyers
Aug 28, 20203 min read
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