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.

Amour Aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train

Amour Aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor The Napa Valley Wine Train isn’t so much a mode of transportation but rather a time machine transporting passengers back to an era when the journey was as scintillating as the destination, itself. Particularly well-suited for couples seeking quality together…

Read More

5 Amazing West Mexico Vacation Destinations

5 Amazing West Mexico Vacation Destinations Dinner theater al fresco, adrenaline-pumping activities and luxe accommodations to-die-for By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor  For the throngs of people pondering where to go on vacation this year, Mexico may be a strong contender in your cache of options. If so, you’re certainly not alone. According…

Read More

Want Less Fear, More Joy? Take the Next Step

I stepped off the train into a blizzard. As I stood there trying to figure out where to go, I heard the conductor’s cry of All Aboard!, and knew I would soon be left to fend for myself. Yet fear never entered my consciousness. Instead, fully immersed in the moment and its requirements, I took the next step.

A Lesson in Breeding Mason Bees

It was a vibrant spring morning as Eliza, the owner of Best Kept Secret B&B in Glenwood Springs, CO, brought out containers filled with bamboo canes. Burrowed inside these canes were Mason bees, ready to be released from their cocoons.  Kept in the refrigerator all winter to protect them from predators, and so the bees wouldn’t accidentally get…

Read More

An Amazing View on the California Zephyr

The California Zephyr passes through areas of Colorado that are only accessible by rail. Here’s a peek at the view. Read more about Colorado by rail: You Won’t Want to Miss These 4 Great Places to Eat in Winter Park My New Favorite Travel Accessory Want Less Fear, More Joy? Take the Next Step A Lesson in…

Read More

A Different Pace at the International Hostel of Santa Fe

My first full day at the International Hostel of Santa Fe. Because I’m choosing to be gentle with myself while I acclimate to the altitude, I’ve stayed close to home other than about a mile walk earlier to check out a consignment shop and have lunch. Other than that, I have read. I found a…

Read More

Colorado by Rail (Itinerary)

Two days until I depart for Colorado. I’ll take the long way there and leave Kansas City Union Station Sunday morning heading East to arrive in Galesburg, Il. in the afternoon. Then I’ll catch the California Zephyr heading West on one of the most stunning routes in the U.S. to arrive in Winter Park the…

Read More