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...

Ready for a bit of musical trivia? This performer has been dead for 40 years but his legacy still lives on in the 104 songs and 21 albums he recorded.

His birthplace and mausoleum are a popular tourist spot. In the photo, my tour guide is taking a smoke break. Read more...

Cruising along the mighty Mississippi, passengers often encounter a Cajun delicacy, if they haven’t already discovered the Louisiana treat. The delicious specialty known as andouille is very popular in this part of the world.

And, if folks time it just right, they can take an andouille cooking class offered by Spuddy Faucheux. Read more...

As a child growing up, when my family was coming home after dark, I would always look for the Starlite Drive-In sign. That let me know that I would soon be home in my own bed.

Mom also taught us to play a game on road trips where we would look for different words on signs. Whoever saw the word first was the winner. I forgot what we won but I am sure the game was to keep us entertained and quiet on long drives. Read more...

When riverboats dock in Nashville, they will be visiting one of only two destinations in the United States to be designated as a “Safe Travels” destination.

“From the beginning of the pandemic, Nashville has worked to be a safe city for residents and visitors alike,” Mayor John Cooper said in a news release. Read more...

After being closed for almost a year, the free-admission walk-up visits to the grave of Elvis Presley are now open again. Visitor walk-up times are daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Although many people may not know it, fans can visit Meditation Garden at Graceland in Memphis without charge before the mansion opens for the day. The Garden was closed to walk-up times in March 2020 because of COVID-19. Read more...

With great ceremony and celebration, the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago is now open. And because of the global pandemic, the Vatican has announced a major exemption to allow the Holy Door in Spain to remain open for two years instead of the traditional one. Read more...

Surrounded by cats of all sizes waving their paws is a bit hypnotic. Maybe that’s how the owner of this unusual place got started on her surprising feline collection. The little cuties might have hypnotized her.

Micha Robertson shares her lucky cat collection in her museum

“I’ve just always loved cats,” owner Micha Robertson said. “From the time I was born, I have had cats. And I’ve always collected cat-themed merchandise.” Read more...

                        You never know who you are doing to meet or what a topic of conversation might be on a cruise ship.  On a 2019 S.S. Legacy cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers, my dinner companions were talking one night about gourmet mustard. Read more...

For those planning a cruise, Crown Cruise Vacations President Ross Spalding and his team of travel and cruise specialists are experts at booking families, friends and individuals on their dream cruise vacations. A great place for inspiration and insight when booking a cruise vacation is the Crown Cruise Vacations blog. Read more...