After arriving in Rome and shaking off the jet lag, I wake up the next morning excited to explore the neighborhood my wife Susan and I will call home for the next seven weeks. Our rental apartment is in a charming, quiet area just a short walk from Piazza del Popolo. Our landlord lives in…
The thermometer says summer, but our heads tell us it’s autumn. Fall football has started and we’re on our way to Halloween. Cue the horror theme park fests, now underway at various locations around America. Seems Halloween is approaching Christmas status, starting earlier every year and getting bigger as well. In fact, in Salem, Massachusetts…
Amsterdam, the city where bicycles outnumber people, is once again setting the bar for urban cycling innovation. This time, it’s not just about the smooth canal-side rides or the picturesque routes through quaint neighborhoods. No, this story is about something even more extraordinary: the seamless blend of cutting-edge infrastructure that redefines what it means to…
As summer draws to a close, there’s no better time to take advantage of the last wave of travel deals across the United States. From the serene beaches of the Northeast to the rugged beauty of the West, here’s a curated guide to some of the best end-of-summer travel deals by region. Northeast: Coastal Charm…
As I start my journey along the Pacific Coast Highway, I find myself in Pebble Beach, a place where history and nature seamlessly blend. The air is misty and crisp, carrying the scent of salt and pine, as I make my way to the iconic Pebble Beach Lighthouse. Standing tall against the backdrop of the…
Nestled in the heart of Hillsborough County, Florida, Lake Park offers a perfect escape for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families looking for a day of fun. This publicly owned recreation park is a hidden gem that invites visitors to explore its scenic trails, enjoy a variety of activities, and soak in the tranquility of…
Living in Florida, it’s not unusual to encounter dolphins in the wild. Happens all the time. Dolphins swim and jump in boat wakes, feed close to the beaches, and glide along seawalls. But in all my 40 years living here, I’ve never, ever, had an encounter like this. What this family experienced is absolutely incredible….
Photo From Biscuit Basin hydrothermal explosion: Boardwalk condition post-explosion. NPS / Jacob W. Frank Yellowstone constantly vents steam like an overbearing boss blowing off stress. However, this doesn’t mean we should fear it. In fact, millions of visitors gather every year to watch Yellowstone’s iconic geyser, Old Faithful, erupt approximately every 92 minutes. My family and…
In the heart of Dublin, Ireland, a city famed for its vibrant culture and rich history, there exists a delightful sight that encapsulates the spirit of Irish charm and innovation: the Guinness Can Trolleys. These whimsical vehicles, designed to resemble giant cans of Guinness beer, are a part of the city’s creative efforts to marry…
Summer tourists flock to Florida to experience the Sunshine State’s famous beaches and expansive theme parks. However, many outsiders are unaware of the frequent, explosive, and dangerous lightning strikes that occur every year. In fact, Florida has the highest number of lightning-related deaths in the United States, far surpassing any other state. It’s important to…
You can’t go anywhere these days without running into a Starbucks. The coffeehouse is a global empire. Like the common cold, Starbucks’ popularity is a contagion that keeps spreading. They all virtually look the same, except one. You’d swear the original Seattle, Washington Starbucks is a knock-off. Let’s start with the obvious—the topless mermaid logo….
No place spells f-u-n more than Key West, Florida, especially during those hot, humid summer days when the pace slows to a crawl. You won’t find the crowds like you do during the cool winter and spring tourist seasons. What you will find is lower prices at hotels, resorts, and B&Bs. If you stay Monday-Friday…
Summer on the southern salt marsh of the South Carolina Lowcountry is a symphony for the senses. The pluff mud at low tide crackles with the sounds of tiny snapping shrimp. The air is filled with the aroma of decomposing marsh organisms, which can be either foul or sweet, depending on your mood or makeup….
After two long, frustrating years of waiting, we finally made the trip to our dream destination: the Dry Tortugas, a nearly two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride south of Key West, Florida. This place is so popular you need to book a year in advance. We did just that in 2022 for an October 2023 trip. Everything was…
There are some Instagram videos that capture my attention. This one did because it’s so Florida. It’s hard to say, from my perspective, if this is a chance encounter or something that was planned. Wildlife taunting isn’t acceptable under any circumstance. Neither is playful teasing. The activity should have stopped and the toy removed from…
The sights and sounds of paradise. You’ll find it at Ft. Desoto Beach on the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County, Florida.
Leave it the Mouse to whip Star Wars fans into a yearly frenzy. Disney’s marketing gurus coined May 4th Star Wars Day when the mammoth media and entertainment company bought the Star Wars franchise in 2012, along with Lucasfilm, the movie production company spreaheaded by George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars. Disney needed a…
As the spring sun begins to thaw the frost of winter, nature awakens in a kaleidoscope of colors, nowhere more splendidly than in the Skagit Valley of Washington state. Each year, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival transforms this picturesque region into a breathtaking panorama of tulip fields, drawing visitors from far and wide to witness…
Spring has sprung, and my Florida backyard is undergoing a remarkable transformation. New life is bursting forth from the soil, including an amaryllis bulb that I thought had bitten the dust two years ago. To my surprise, it has resurfaced, sending up a tall green stem with a promising pod at its tip. Eager to…
My early spring stroll through the Florida Botanical Gardens is filled with wonder and beauty. (Watch the video for vibrant blooms! 🌺) It’s the perfect time of year when the seasonal change from winter brings new growth and sensational blooms in varied color spectrums. But even more amazing in this paradise tucked off the beaten…
Friends, you have to see this! (Press play and be amazed). I happened upon this wonderful moment on my bike ride through the seaside Florida town of Safety Harbor. It’s one of those life moments to savor. Of course, I had to focus my camera on what was happening. This German shepherd, full of energy…
Attention adventure seekers! One of the world’s oldest living reptiles and creatures of all kinds await at the natural sanctuary known as Circle B Bar Reserve, smack dab in the center of Florida, one of the state’s last massive acreages of undeveloped land. This is a free public park like no other in America. (Watch…
Florida never ceases to amaze. I’d like to call this a rare occurrence, but lately, it feels like I’m stumbling upon dolphins more frequently at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor. It’s during the so-called “Golden Hour”, as dusk begins to settle and the tide rises, that dolphins congregate along the seawall for their feeding frenzy….
Spring has sprung, or the Vernal Equinox for those who geek out over tracking the scientific movements of the sun and moon. Springtime is a real treat; daylight lasts longer, flowers begin to bloom, and bees buzz about, pollinating our world. But the real treat on the first day of spring? Free ice cream! Yes!,…
On this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I’m pining to return to the enchanting green hills, meadows, and fields of Ireland. And what better way to soak up the Irish vibe than with a jaunting car ride in one of those classic horse-drawn carriages? Picture it: clip-clopping through Killarney National Park, surrounded by the most breathtaking…
Grab your flip flops, sunglasses, comfy beach chair, and trusty camera because Florida’s amazing golden hour is not to be missed. Magical sunsets fire up the sky, casting their simmering glow over the rippling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Join the flock in the daily pilgrimage. Stake out a parcel of beach sand for…
Looking to break free from the daily grind? Dodging the spring break crowds in Florida can be a real challenge. But don’t sweat it! There are still some secret spots where you can chill out, far from the partying college crowds and the bustle of theme park-goers. I’ve got you covered with 12 awesome getaways…
Situated in Palm Harbor, Florida, along the Gulf Coast near Tampa, Wall Springs Park stands as a testament to the region’s natural beauty and historical significance. What was once a privately-owned retreat and beloved swimming spot has since transformed into a cherished public park, offering an unparalleled outdoor experience for all. As visitors stroll along…
The Fairgrounds in St. Petersburg, Florida, stands as the anchor of a renaissance in the once-seedy warehouse art district of this picturesque Tampa Bay waterfront city. Despite the numerous jokes made about Florida, the Fairgrounds delivers the perfect punchline: “Yeah, the Sunshine State is wacky, but let’s have some fun with it.” Opened in 2021,…
Tarpon Springs Video Tour Tarpon Springs is an authentic Greek village right here on Florida’s Central Gulf Coast. The history of Tarpon Springs revolves around the sponge docks, where generations harvested the rich Gulf waters. The legacy of what happened in the early 1900s, when the first Greek settlers arrived, permeates every corner of Tarpon…
So it begins. Mellow Wanderer sets out with his loving and beautiful companion, Mrs. Wanderer, for a seven week journey to the ancient city of Rome and places beyond. Our home base is near the historic area close to the Spanish Steps. (As seen in the above photo.) Stay tuned for some exciting adventures! Ciao,…
