Portland, Maine, is a charming seacoast city with a funky vibe and rich architectural context. One of its gems is the U.S. Customs House. During my recent stay, Visit Portland Maine arranged for me to tour this fabulous building. Until the 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1913, Americans (with a few […]
History geek and reference librarian Derek Meader founded the Real Portland Tour, Maine, in 2018.
2018 Côtes de Provence Rosé is an affair to remember. I have adored many French wines in my past–but that was before Barton & Guestier. I have now found my true love, and look forward to a long and mutually satisfying romance. “Where do I begin?” is the theme song for the 1970 blockbuster film, […]
Lucky Catch Cruises promises an authentic lobstering experience. I’d been chowing down on lobster rolls for a few days in Portland, Maine, and wanted to know more about how the tasty cold-water crustaceans end up on my plate. The fine folks at Visit Portland Maine arranged for a group of travel writers to tag along […]
Rain or shine, the First Friday Art Walk fills the streets in Portland, Maine. I know this because it was raining the day I ventured out on the self-guided tour. As I found, a little precipitation was no deterrent for the seacoast city’s art lovers. The First Friday Art Walk is a free monthly event […]
A travel writer finds tranquility and renewal at a Chicagoland day spa Eaglewood Resort & Spa is a bucolic Midwestern destination that promises romantic getaways, family fun, top-flight golf, and sanctuary from city clamor. Sprawling over 106 gently rolling acres in Itasca, the resort was designed in concert with its natural surroundings. Sleek horizontal lines […]
To celebrate the launch of Swissôtel Chicago’s new Vitality Suite, I participated in a deep relaxation experience called a “Sound Bath.” It’s a little like savasana at the end of a yoga class but longer. There are sounds going on that are music-ish but not really music. You don’t have to hold still in Corpse […]
