Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg offers wineries, charming shops, fine dining, and German heritage, all in a beautiful and historic setting. If you visit during the spring, you’ll be treated to a spectacular show of wildflowers, including Texas’s famous bluebonnets. Read Jill’s story at Travel Awaits.
Author: jilldutton
Jill Dutton is a travel writer who seeks out locally celebrated foods, outdoor activities, and liquor trends. She’s passionate about telling the stories of those she meets on her travels and recently launched Global Plates: The People We Meet, The Food They Eat (syndicated column), and Global Journeys with Jill Dutton (podcast). Jill is a Kansas City expert as well as a train travel expert. Readers of her stories have come to expect an intimate look at authentic travel experiences.
10 Unique Bars in Phoenix
My introduction to the unique bars of Phoenix was walking down the stairs into the dark, cramped chamber of UnderTow. Lights were flashing as simulated thunder and lightning crashed in this makeshift ship’s belly. It was electric, and I’ve since sent friends to visit when they asked what to see and do in Phoenix. Read…
7 Reasons to Retire in Gainesville, Georgia
There’s a lot to consider when deciding where to retire, including cost of living, climate, leisure activities, community life, and access to the arts. Many retirees are flocking to Gainesville, Georgia, and it’s easy to see why. Gainesville, located near Lake Sidney Lanier in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers affordable living and…
San Francisco Bay to the Monterey Peninsula by Train – Itinerary
Follow along on a seven-night trip traveling to San Francisco, Sausalito, Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel-by-the-Sea with a train ride on the Coast Starlight. Day 1 Arrive at SFO. Take BART to lodging. Check in at Clift Royal Sonesta. The Clift Royal Sonesta is very excited to announce the reopening of their renovated hotel, a…
8 Reasons To Visit Lewisburg, West Virginia
I recently rode the Cardinal train through West Virginia, stopping in Huntington, Charleston, and White Sulphur Springs/Lewisburg. It was a spectacular ride, featuring fall foliage, mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and views of West Virginia’s whitewater rivers only accessible by train. While I fell in love with the entire region, Lewisburg won a special place in my heart…
Mardi Gras in Louisiana: Why I go to Lake Charles Instead of New Orleans
The carnival season in Lake Charles, Louisiana, starts with the Twelfth Night celebration, where the royal courts of more than 50 krewes are introduced. The season continues through the Fat Tuesday celebrations on February 25, culminating with the Krewe of Krewes Parade. These celebrations may sound similar to the ones happening in New Orleans at…
5 Things You Should Bring On A Long-Distance Train Trip
Long-distance train rides can be a relaxing cross-country adventure — watching the landscape pass, meeting fellow travelers, playing cards, or reading in the observation car — or a long and uncomfortable ride. Your experience will depend on your mindset and how prepared you are before departing. A few important items can make all the difference…
The Best Things To Do In Door County, Wisconsin In The Winter
Life slows down in Door County, Wisconsin, in the wintertime. The area is a popular summer destination, but the winter is Door County’s quiet season. Still, you’ll find an abundance of winter outdoor activities like hiking and ice fishing. If you prefer to stay warm, Door County’s got something for you, too: You can shop,…
10 Tips for Traveling Gluten-Free
Traveling gluten-free and with food allergies is possible, you need to know how to navigate the barriers which surround eating out when you visit. Guest post by: Elikqitie, creator of the Travel Gluten Free Podcast It’s hard enough to live with celiacs and gluten intolerance, or a gluten allergy. Trying to navigate supermarkets, restaurants, or…
4 Reasons To Travel By Train
Five years ago, I set out to explore the United States by train. The vision started in part because I had spent three months in Europe as a teenager traveling with my mom and two Eurail passes. My sister was in the military, stationed in Augsburg, Germany, so we used her house as a home…
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