After a very difficult year, Nashville is going to celebrate a bright future with the largest fireworks display show in the city’s history.

The Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4^th event also will feature country music superstar Brad Paisley with fireworks synchronized to a live performance by the GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony. Read more...

People who are ready to travel after the long pandemic lockdown are going to have a chance to take an amazing “Seven River Journey Through Europe” setting sail June 1, 2023.

The spectacular 46-night cruise will take 144 lucky guests on the longest-ever river cruise. Announced by AmaWaterways, the awesome adventure will journey through 14 fascinating counties on four luxury river vessels – AmaLyra, AmaKristina, Ama Prima and AmaVerde. Read more...

I never have tea time at home. Much too busy trying to finish up writing assignments, cleaning house and weeding my many flower beds.

On a cruise, however, I do look forward to those relaxing midday tea rituals. In particular, I remember this quote by author Henry James in his book Portrait of a Lady: Read more...

COURTESY Holland America Line: Seattle, Wash., May 5, 2021 — Working in close coordination with the government of Greece, Holland America Line has received approval to restart cruising from Piraeus (Athens) in August with four departures aboard Eurodam. Bookings for these cruises will open May 6. Read more...

When the American Duchess riverboat stops in Clarksville this year, a special guest will board the paddle wheeler and entertain passengers with his signature tunes.

Music legend Lee Greenwood will visit with passengers aboard the vessel before taking the stage with the American Duchess Ensemble. Read more...

Even on a sunny California day, the island was shrouded in fog. We were almost on it before the sun broke through and we could see it well.

The island is one very scary place, and that is exactly what it was intended to be.

Rising from the middle of San Francisco Bay in California, Alcatraz Island drips with the dark atmosphere of danger and notoriety. Perhaps the most famous ex-jail in the world, Alcatraz doesn’t have a creepy reputation for nothing. From the start, Alcatraz was for the “worst of the worst.” Read more...

A well-loved teddy bear rests in a rocking chair in my guest room. The worn stuffed animal belonged to my husband Bill when he was a child.

Years ago, I was curious as to how that childhood favorite critter got its name. I found the answer. But I was also happy to see a mural about the teddy bear namesake when my American Duchess riverboat stopped in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Read more...

How about a really tough challenge? This raven is one of seven that live very pampered lives. A caretaker makes sure they are well fed and not inclined to fly away.

Every night the ravens are safely secured in their comfy cages to protect them from marauding foxes. Read more...

The beautiful chapel was crumbling to the ground. Gaping holes in the roof allowed the elements to take over. Huge vines grew up the pillars and over the ornate carvings. It seemed the historic chapel was destined for destruction.

Until “a miracle” saved it. Through the magic of Hollywood, a movie was released based upon a popular book. The chapel played an integral part in the film. Read more...