Travel Eat Drink Write

02/08/2023

Discover Kyushu, Japan. Read about our unique experiences and discoveries on our recent visit.

With so much to love about Kyushu, Japan, here are my eight favorite “unique” experiences on the island.

12/07/2023

Do you love European wine? Check out where you can fine exquisite Italian, Portugal, French, and other wines all within two hours of Charlotte, North Carolina.

With a history of winemaking dating back to Colonial America, North Carolina is an on-the-rise wine region rivaling European vineyards.

24/04/2023

Did you know that there is so much to do and see in Pinehurst, NC besides golf?

Don’t get me wrong, the golf is world-class…but the Sandhills region is full of adventure. There is outdoor adventure, hiking, biking, horseback riding, art of all different persuasions, history, and more.

Check out my latest article on TravelAwaits.com

02/03/2023

Navarre Beach - Florida's Best-Kept Secret!
Explore Santa Rosa County @ Wander With Wonder

Looking for a relaxing vacation in the Florida Panhandle? Navarre Beach in Santa Rosa County might be one of Florida's best-kept secrets.

03/02/2023

Looking for a winter retreat? Someplace with mild weather and plenty to do? Here are the top 7 reasons to spend winter in Pensacola, Florida.

20/01/2023

I hope you enjoy reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you Wander With Wonder for publishing it. Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Need a quiet escape this winter? Read on for ways to plan a romantic winter weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

17/12/2022

Unexpected fun in Raleigh, North Carolina. Check it out!

Raleigh is an incredibly exciting and diverse city. These 11 things to do are great for truly experiencing North Carolina's historic capital.

17/12/2022

Looking for a holiday getaway?

Visiting South Carolina for the holidays? Consider stopping by Myrtle Beach for spectacular festive events, shopping, food, and more.

23/10/2022

After a recent visit to Raleigh, NC, I co-authored this article (with photos) on 10 Delicious Restaurants To Experience In Raleigh, NC.

With tons of wonderful restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina but limited time, how do you choose where to eat? Well, we've done the hard part for you. All you have to do is pick from these favorite restaurants, book your reservations and enjoy!

23/10/2022

Happy to have a contribution, Hanging Rock, NC, in Travel Awaits 17 Favorite Fall Getaways On The East Coast. Which one of these is your favorite?

https://www.travelawaits.com/2803067/best-places-to-visit-in-the-fall-east-coas

Whether you're after fall foliage or sunshine and sand, here are the best places to go on the East Coast in autumn.

03/10/2022

Apparently, while we were in the Caribbean 🏝 enjoying the warm (ok, hot) weather, sunshine, ☀️ and surf 🌊…it actually turned into autumn in North Carolina. 🍁 🍂

Find the best North Carolina fall 2022 "leaf peeping" locations in my updated article for TravelAwaits.com or click here https://www.travelawaits.com/2557613/best-places-for-fall-colors-in-north-carolina/

20/09/2022

A Trail that I can truly get excited about! Won’t you join me in Jacksonville, NC?

https://www.travelawaits.com/2803100/jacksonville-north-carolina-international-food-trail/

A new international food trail in North Carolina will take you on a culinary tour of the world. Learn more about the food featured on the trail.

29/01/2022

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

Travel is good for the soul. Experiencing new adventures. Praising the Creator for the majestic, sublime, awe-filled sights that we see. Sharing our experiences with others.

Do you love to travel? Drop a comment sharing one reason why you do.

11/01/2022

Do you visit historic church buildings during your travels?

We recently visited the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a historic Catholic church (1907), in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

The Gothic Revival architecture always amazes me. Did you notice the statue in a small alcove at the very peak of the building, just under the cross?

The interior is just gorgeous! From the archways, columns, and vaulted ceilings to the altar, stained glass windows, and pipe organ…this church is so incredibly beautiful. If you are a historic building lover like me, this church is worth the stop.

28/12/2021

On the 2nd day of Christmas (Monday/yesterday) we went chasing lighthouses!

While spending Christmas week at Jacksonville Beach, Florida, a day drive took us north to Amelia Island. While on a boat tour we learned lots of history including about the lighthouse. Once ashore, off we went in search of the lighthouse.

Built in 1820, the 64-feet tall lighthouse once stood on Cumberland Island in Georgia. At that time Florida was under Spanish rule and Cumberland Island was the southern most tip of the United States on the Atlantic.

In 1821 Spain ceded Florida to the United States and in 1838 Congress provided $7,500 to dismantle the brick lighthouse, ship it across the river, and reassemble it on the highest point of Amelia Island.

The lighthouse is still in use today and is the oldest standing lighthouse in Florida.

Unfortunately the grounds were closed when we found her but I was able to get a few shots of the beautiful light nestled among the trees.

Crossing on the St John’s River Ferry we spotted the tip of another lighthouse in the distance and went in search of it. We found the St. John’s River Lighthouse behind locked (and barbed-wire) fencing on the Mayport U.S. Naval Station.

The third of three lighthouses at the mouth of St. John’s River, it was decommissioned around 1930.

Records show the lighthouse standing at 81-feet. However at the start of WWII the naval base needed to be reinforced and the airfield elevated, so 10 feet of “fill” was dumped at the lighthouse burying the structure’s original door! (The keeper’s cottage and storage structures were demolished.)

The lighthouse was saved from being demolished and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Where’s all my lighthouse chasers? Where have you “discovered” lighthouses?

14/08/2021

If you haven't been to Hammocks Beach State Park in North Carolina--Well, you need to go! Onslow County Tourism Visit Jacksonville NC

In North Carolina's coastal region, Hammocks Beach State Park is made up of Bear Island and three small barrier islands near Swansboro.

06/08/2021

Another fantastic town in Onslow County Tourism! We had a great time in the "Friendly City By the Sea" -- Swansboro, NC. Thank you Visit Jacksonville NC for a great trip!

Swansboro, North Carolina.

02/08/2021

Have you been to Jacksonville, North Carolina? There are a ton of things to do and it's a foodie's paradise! Thank you Visit Jacksonville NC for such a grand time.

https://www.travelawaits.com/2682619/jacksonville-nc-best-things-to-do/

Jacksonville, North Carolina, has a very rich history and military heritage. It is the home of Freedom Fountain, Walton’s Distillery, and more.

24/07/2021

South Carolina on my mind…Greenwood, in particular. Thanks for a fantastic trip! Old 96 District Tourism Discover Greenwood

In Greenwood, South Carolina, you will experience all the warmth and charm of a southern small town with a thriving, vibrant feel of a larger city.

13/02/2021

Snow skiing in the South? You'd be surprised! Check out these five great ski resorts in North Carolina at TravelAwaits.

When people think of skiing, they don't usually think about the South, but some great Alpine skiing can be found in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. The Appalachian mountains may not be as grandiose as their western counterparts, but they are still pretty special, and winter sports abound...

12/02/2021

Happy Chinese New Year! My daughters that live in Taiwan are a blessing and helped to put this article about a traditional family celebration. Thank you, Linda and Tracy! 💕 And thanks to Food Wine Travel (FWT) Magazine for printing my article.
FWT Magazine

What Chinese New Year is really all about and how it is commonly celebrated might surprise you.