Acadia National Park: Starry, Starry Nights!

I played with the stars over Acadia National Park not knowing what the results would be. Boy, was I ever pleasantly surprised. Our rented cottage in the small village of Bernard, Maine is by the water in an area called Duck Cove. Light pollution is virtually nil at night so it’s a good environment not…

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Sitting By The Dock Of The Bay Watching A Tall Ship Pull Away

Excuse me for borrowing the title of the well-known Otis Redding song—slightly modified. But it feels fitting. Labor Day Monday finds me sitting at the Bar Harbor Inn’s outdoor restaurant, overlooking Frenchman Bay in Maine’s Acadia National Park. My view is spectacular, centered on the schooner Margaret Todd. A tourist favorite, it offers a relaxing sail…

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From Maine: Happy Labor Day Weekend!

I woke up in our cozy seaside cottage to a brilliant morning in Bernard, Maine. Tucked on Mount Desert Island, right on the edge of Acadia National Park, Bernard is often called the “quiet side” of the island—away from busy Southwest Harbor yet close to incredible restaurants, charming shops, and stunning hiking trails. We’ve visited…

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Scotland’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Is A Thrilling Experience

I witnessed something dazzling — a grand display of military bands, precision units, animated light shows, fireworks, and drones. All within an 8,500-seat stadium built on the historic grounds of Edinburgh Castle. The 75th anniversary of the Military Tattoo did not disappoint. On a cool, crisp night beneath the castle lights, this year’s theme — Heroes —…

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Why A Small Italian Cookbook Is My Most Cherished Travel Souvenir

How do I keep a bucket-list Italy trip alive forever in my heart and soul?Through my stomach, of course. The best souvenir I brought home from Italy wasn’t a trinket or T-shirt—it was a local cookbook. Not one you’d find on Amazon or tucked onto a bookstore shelf. In fact, it’s not even a “book” in…

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