How exactly can we go about turning our kids into travelers? We’ve seen those children on our own journeys: curious and cheerful. Interested in more than the next souvenir shop. Willing to eat more than a Big Mac. Understanding...
Cheap Eats in Seattle: A TravelSmart Woman Food Tour
Finding cheap eats in Seattle is easier than you might think. And surprisingly delicious. You just have to know where to look–and even that’s not hard. Seattle has always been pricey; it’s been at the top of “too-expensive-to-visit” list...
5 Chicago Buildings You Should Know
If visitors from another planet knocked on my door and asked to see examples of great architecture, I’d quickly say, “Easy-peasy! I’ve got 5 Chicago buildings you should know…Let’s go!” If you’re not from outer space, you already know...
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: A Woman and Artist Like No Other
I went to Santa Fe in search of Georgia O’Keeffe. As if to prove her own belief that “Colors and shapes make a more definite statement than words,” she created more than 2,000 oil paintings during her 60-year career....
FREE Museum Day: Saturday, September 21, 2019…Yippee!
(Updated 8/15/19) Heads up! The 15th Annual Free Museum Day is coming! It’s a fabulous gift to everyone from Smithsonian Magazine! It’s an annual one-day event (This year, Saturday, September 21, 2019) that encourages us to visit a museum...
Sandia Peak Tram, Albuquerque: The “Sky-High” Ride You Won’t Forget!
Mention Albuquerque, and people will talk about the city’s famous balloon festival. Indeed, very impressive, for a couple of weeks each year. But the Sandia Peak Tram is available every day, waiting to take you up, up, up… Go...
Archie McPhee: The “Funnest” Store in Seattle…Maybe in the World!
Step into the Archie McPhee store and take a moment to let your eyes adjust…not to the light, but to the overflowing bins and shelves of merchandise. This is not your typical inventory. I can’t improve on the website’s...
Hog Island Oyster Company: The Perfect Picnic by the Bay
In Northern California or the San Francisco Bay area? Looking for a special food experience? Cross the Golden Gate bridge and head to Hog Island Oyster Company, on Tomales Bay in West Marin County. I was excited to be...
Chicago Food Halls: 7 Easy Ways to “Sample” the City!
Hungry in the Windy City? You shouldn’t be. One of the country’s top food cities makes it easy for you to sample its wares. Just pop into one of the Chicago food halls and try whatever you fancy. Come...
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Stay at the Birthplace of the Piña Colada
Caribe Hilton: Historical…and Home of the Piña Colada UPDATE: 3/26/19 Following the disaster of Hurricane Maria, one of my favorite hotels has been closed for 18 months. Great news! Starting May 15, 2019, Caribe Hilton is open again! It...