Visual Traveler & Chocolate Blog

In November 2021 Nashville’s Goo Goo Cluster reopened its 3rd Avenue location after a $2 million renovation. And my press tour group visited not long afterwards. 

Crafted since 1912, the original cluster recipe incorporated fresh roasted peanuts, caramel, marshmallow nougat, and milk chocolate in a then-unusual rounded shape. The first Goo Goo Clusters were also the first candy bar consisting of more than one principal ingredient. 

Today Goo Goo Chocolate Co. is an iconic Tennessee brand. Named for the Goo Goo Cluster inventor, The Howie Premium Goo Goo substitutes dark for milk chocolate. The Peanut Butter and Pretzel (PB&P) version combines peanut butter with caramel, pretzels, and dark chocolate. The Tennessee Apple Stack Cake and Fluffer Crunch are other versions. 

Visitors can also custom design 'Goo Goos' thanks to a computerized machine in the bright and airy public space; or order scratch-made original and booze-infused shakes. But for a true chocolate lover's activity, check out a chocolate experience class. You'll have a blast, with some very tasty results.

If you haven't already guessed this, three dimensional artistry especially appeals to me. So when I visited Detroit-based Pewabic Pottery Studio during an MTJA writers' conference, it was a real treat! This Michigan company has produced richly colored tiles and architectural 'ornaments' with iridescent rose, green, gold, deep blue and copper-colored glazes since 1903. Pewabic is a Chippewa Indian term that means "clay with a copper color."
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Pewabic pieces decorate many private residences as well as schools, libraries, and church to museum mosaics. Ceramic artist, Mary Chase Perry, founded the company at the suggestion of her architect friend, William Buck Stratton, who later became her husband.

After crafting tiles for private homes, Pewabic produced specially designed floors and decorations for churches in Detroit, Pittsburgh, Evanston, St. Paul and Philadelphia. The company also crafted decorative ceramic medallions for the crypt - as well as tile for the vaulted ceiling - at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. And, since taking over this company in 1981, the not-for-profit Pewabic Society has continued to promote and create ceramic design and education.

I could have easily spent several hours perusing all of Pewabic's beautiful pieces. Alas, group travel sometimes moves much faster. Guess I'll have to plan a return trip!

I toured FLW's winter home and architectural school in Scottsdale, AZ - Taliesen West -while visiting an artist friend, a number of years ago. Established in 1937, this World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark reflected efforts by Wright, himself, and his apprentices over many years. 

I loved its natural rock walls, long horizontal lines and expansive windows. Indoor lights glowed amid those walls and a warm color palette juxtaposed with deep blue across Wright-designed furnishings. It seemed there was little need for hanging artwork because of natural elements incorporated across the massive building's footprint. 

That same visit provided an opportunity to explore public space at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Though not crafted by Wright, the 1920s hotel commissioned by Warren and Charles McArthur reflected their brother, Albert Chase McArthur's strong architectural homage to Wright's design aesthetic. In fact he even paid $10,000 to the renowned architect in exchange for permission to use Wright's block design - although it turned out Wright didn't own the patent. The property opened with grand fanfare, in 1929.

In the small Iowa town of Quesqueton, I encountered Cedar Rock (see above; tours by reservation). One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most complete designs, it was built as a private home for Lowell and Agnes Walter. And nearly every detail of this impressive brick home bears his mark - from ceiling-level planters to a dark, narrow wood-walled hallway that led to several bedrooms which continued Wright's architectural patterns.

During my tour, natural greenery abounded in the 'public space,' and banquette seating invited relaxation, while massive skylights and many floor-to-ceiling windows ushered in plenty of natural light plus views of surrounding trees. Brick and tile floors complemented large, pale area rugs and an enormous fireplace. This property is also known for the Wright-designed boat ramp and adjacent building, below the home and beside the Wapasipinicon River.  

In 1981, Lowell Walter bequeathed Cedar Rock to the Iowa Conservation Commission and the State of Iowa, which have maintained it ever since. Learn more about FLW sites available for visits here. 

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this area during my visit, specific details may have changed.
 

​I had previously explored Wright's inspiring architecture throughout the Oak Park neighborhood of Chicago, during a graduate internship. My then-boyfriend and an architecture student provided an educated perspective as we saw 21 Wright-designed homes and toured his personal studio, amid the world's largest collection of his architecture.

Above: In the hotel lobby.

Decades later, my trips as a travel writer offered more opportunities to indulge my growing obsession with Wright's architecture. During an Iowa visit, I was privileged to stay at The Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City - the last remaining Wright-designed hotel in the world. 

Exploration of Madison, Wisconsin included touring Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Full of massive windows, the curvilinear structure began with Wright's design for a building along Lake Monona's shoreline, in 1938. Construction finally occurred in 1997.

I was thrilled at the prospect of visiting Wright's Taliesen during another press trip. With a name that means "shining brow" in Welsh, and celebrates his Welsh heritage, Wright lived here for five decades and taught budding architects onsite. 

Because a huge number of Wright structures remain throughout Wisconsin, the state created its 200-mile Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in 2017. I happily explored it during another press trip. We admired the soaring sanctuary at Wright's First Unitarian Society Meeting House; curvilinear walls and furnishings inside the SC Johnson Administration Building and Research Tower; and cozy surroundings inside the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread.

But this wasn't the end of my explorations. More Wright properties beckoned in Iowa and the Phoenix/Scottsdale areas. I'll share them next week, so stay tuned for Visual Traveler: Chasing Frank Lloyd Wright II.
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Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this area during my visit, specific details may have changed.​

Above: Handcrafted gnocchi with mushrooms, arugula and walnut pesto at Renaissance Cafe in Assaria

My latest article for KANSAS! Magazine recently published so I thought you might enjoy seeing additional photos from my research trips to the three restaurants profiled there. Enjoy!

​It has been 15 years since renowned architect, Moshe Safdie, addressed local media inside the recently completed Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - his latest architectural marvel. And I considered myself extremely fortunate to be part of that group as local philanthropist, Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman, introduced him. For Safdie and Dennie-Kauffman, this grand opening marked the culmination of a years-long project that began with a napkin sketch. 

Every one of us felt awestruck by the four-level expanse of glass walls anchored by pre-cast concrete and stainless steel, inside the Brandmeyer Great Hall, which functions as a stunning lobby for the building. Vast, gorgeous skyline views were part of the visual package too.  

Home to three performing arts groups - the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and the Kansas City Symphony - this amazing building houses the Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall amid 285,000 total square feet. The in-house Founder's Lounge restaurant is known for beautiful skyline views and  delicious, gorgeous meals, from ceviche and salads to braised lamb and lobster pasta. Small plates are also available.

During our most recent visit we savored a glass of wine from a bustling, free-standing refreshment station, before a terrific concert with guest vocalists and musicians, and orchestra members, playing Billy Joel and Elton John music. Big fans of merging contemporary music with symphonic expertise, we loved a Queen-inspired concert, the previous spring.

But these are just a few programs at the Kauffman Center, which offers a wide variety of options to suit every taste. Go, for a performance that sparks your interest, and marvel at your breathtaking surroundings!

​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this facility during my visits, specific details may have changed.

The vibrant color palette of this gorgeous green jay immediately captivated me during multiple bird watching activities our travel group enjoyed in and near McAllen, Texas. Typically found in southern Texas, Mexico, and northern Central America, this unusual breed simultaneously displayed several of my all-time favorite colors!

I first encountered this fellow at Quinta Mazatlán - one of nine World Birding Centers sprinkled across the southern part of the state. It's also where our group saw a subtropical brown bird with a whimsical name - chachalaca (cha-cha-LAH-ca) - that echoes its signature 'call.' 

Marcia and Jason Matthews owned the gorgeous 1935 Quinta Mazatlán adobe mansion that greets current guests, for nearly three decades. After housing the Matthews family and then standing vacant for a time, Marilyn and Frank Schultz purchased and owned the home until this World Birding Center opened during 2006.

At other World Birding Centers seagulls soared overhead, and a trio of ducks rested atop partially submerged logs. Occupying 40 acres inside an Edinburg park since 2003, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center was the first of nine Centers to open. Two-and-a-half miles of walking trails intersect gardens and ponds teaming with wildlife, while seven viewing docks facilitate observing them. A large butterfly habitat and various water features are several other 'draws.' 

At Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, more than 350 bird species have been sighted since its 1962 opening. Multiple trails, viewing stations, and tram tours are available, too. A two-story, wheelchair-accessible tower offers a 360-degree panorama and bilingual exhibits provide bird education. 

Estero Llano Grande State Park offers the largest wetlands environment and some of the most diverse habitats amid valley parks. There's also a large, covered deck with wetlands views and five butterfly gardens, plus multiple ponds, two observation decks, and levee access overlooking the Llano Grande channel.

And this is only for starters. Five additional World Birding Centers in Texas also welcome visitors. Bird lovers - grab your cameras and plan a trip to this avian paradise. You'll cherish every minute!

From the moment I reached the front door, artistry was evident wherever I looked, at The Red Barn Studio Museum, in 'Little Sweden USA' - better known as Lindsborg. One of my favorite places in this small Kansas town, it's full of artist, Lester Raymer's endlessly creative projects across multiple mediums. I especially loved his three dimensional pieces, from a bowl of carved fruit to a massive hanging quilt full of smiling suns and delicate tin hanging snowflakes.

I also appreciate that Raymer was 'The Ultimate Recycler (see slideshow, below),' who often transformed discarded and/or uninteresting items into magnificent pieces of art. His prolific creative endeavors included paintings and prints to ceramics and metalwork. He carved wood and crafted furniture, and also created gorgeous stitchery and jewelry. Spanish and Italian master painters, Southwest and Mexican influences, and folk art all played important roles in his endless sources of inspiration.

A painter and printmaker after studies at the Chicago Art Institute, Raymer also created painted boxes, candlesticks, and other decorative pieces. In addition, toys that he handcrafted for his wife, Ramona, each Christmas, resulted in 56 gifts that spanned three decades. 

​The Red Barn Studio Museum radiates the joy of creation from floor to ceiling, in every room. Be sure to schedule tour time here during your next Lindsborg visit! Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

Last week, I spent an afternoon exploring the demise of RMS Titanic through the traveling exhibit at Kansas City, Missouri's Union Station: Titanic, An Immersive Voyage. 114 years after the massive ship struck an iceberg and quickly sank, its story still fascinates people. Through the course of its travels, the exhibit will have operated in nearly a dozen cities, internationally.

A photo of a water-filled hallway resembled a scene from the 1997 Titanic movie. A fully equipped, antique relay room recalled frantic attempts by ship staff to receive help following the crash. A massive wall depicting the ship's exterior stated that a first class ticket would cost $57,200 today. I walked across a debris laden 'beach' with a clear view of the sinking ship and admired an intact Grand Staircase entrance panel. An amazingly realistic representation of that staircase, and a dimly lit wheelhouse also captivated me. And this was just for starters.

From the Grand Staircase to gilt woodwork and brocade upholstery, both of these museums offered a remarkable portrayal of the ship during my visits. Each museum showcases artifacts inside a replica of the sunken vessel. Longtime L.A. documentary producer, John Joslyn, co-led a $6 million expedition to the site and later toured across the U.S. and Europe with his collection of authentic artifacts.

When he tired of these travels, Joslyn and his wife, Mary Kellogg-Joslyn (previously an Executive Vice President of television for Walt Disney Company) opened Titanic Branson in 2006. Titanic Pigeon Forge followed four years later. Today, World Choice Investments (parent company of Dolly's Stampede) owns and operates these remarkable museums.

During tours at either location, visitors learn fascinating information such as that it took three years to build the ship in Ireland and only five days from departure to its demise. Crystal chandeliers in first class bore the Waterford name, five Steinway pianos occupied Titanic, and the ship served 6,000-10,000 meals per day. We learned language problems alone likely caused the demise of 1/3 of 3rd class passengers, and today's Pigeon Forge museum displays 400+ artifacts valued at more than $4 million. 

For people who - like me - are completely intrigued by the Titanic story, a trip to one of these museums is a must-do!​

Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are several years old. While they reflected the character of Titanic Pigeon Forge during my visit, specific details may have changed.

Opened in 1937, Wichita, Kansas's iconic Nifty Nut House offers more than 4,000 tasty treat options. And that's before adding in holiday-specific 'extras'!

The wildly popular snack destination's newer building is full of light, with floor-to-ceiling shelves along every wall. House-roasted nuts that fill display cases near the center of the room include fancy mixed combos. Prepare to spend as much as an hour to take in this dizzying array of goodies. You might even find fond childhood memories resurfacing!

But don't let your tour among all these sweet and salty snacks sidetrack you from viewing 1,000 gumball machines displayed high along the wall. Owner and "head nut" at Nifty Nut House, Steve Jahn, has collected them for more than three decades. During one of my visits, local handmade pinatas also decorated the room.

Want another reason to check out the Nifty Nut House during your next Wichita visit? Food Network personality, Alton Brown, even called this amazing snack destination "a national treasure," after his visit.

It had been decades since my most recent previous visit to the magical red rocks around Sedona, Arizona. But last week I spent a couple of days there with a friend and Phoenix resident, while enjoying spectacular weather and stellar blue skies.  ​

Have you ever dreamed of dwelling amid knights and stone archways? Staying in a luxurious Italian villa full of columns and statuary? How about falling asleep in the huge four-post mahogany bed of a Presidential suite - with a hidden door in a library bookcase? What about experiencing a Tahitian Treehouse? Perhaps you would prefer an urban New York Penthouse vibe, or a Colorado Frontier room with wood plank-clad walls.

These are just a few uniquely themed suites - among 56 available - inside the 20+ year old, French-inspired Chateau Avalon Hotel & Spa. My Serengeti room paired African 'wildness' with modern comforts. As I walked in for the first time, a floor-to-ceiling mural full of indigenous wildlife greeted me, including a massive rhino whose face and body appeared almost real. Nestled amid authentic-looking treetops, my queen bed and a flat-screen television awaited at the top of  a rock staircase.

As we entered the hotel, our group admired the massive, iconic Beaumont Fountain, which echoed the hotel's French-influenced exterior. An ornate chandelier and stairway railing in the two-story lobby continued this theme.

Behind the hotel a secluded stone patio with wrought iron furniture flanked cozy landscaping and dense trees, where our group enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. We also checked out the quirky, adjacent d'Nile Lounge, where eight-foot-tall gold Egyptian statues flanked a "quicksand" floor, and a blue-hued cocktail glowed beneath ambient light. The small plate menu perfectly complements customer beverage choices too. 

On my next visit I hope to enjoy more time at d'Nile; plus a hot stone massage and aromatherapy at the hotel's onsite spa - a great way to completely unwind from daily stress. And the best part? It takes less than 25 minutes to reach Chateau Avalon from our home! 

​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are several years old. While they reflected the character of Chateau Avalon during my visit, specific details may have changed.

After writing Route 66-related stories for Missouri Life and KANSAS! magazines (watch for upcoming social media links), I began thinking about previous Albuquerque visits. 'ABQ' is home turf for one of my favorite local restaurants, which operates not far from the 'Mother Road.' 

​A giant salsa jar outdoors and near the entrance to El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina intrigued me. Inside, hanging chiles and massive ceiling beams decorated the hacienda-style building and adobe-wrapped patios.

Jack and Connie Thomas opened El Pinto in 1962, to share authentic recipes from her mother, Josephina Chavez-Griggs. Think classic New Mexican Hatch Chile & Chicharrons, Posole, Huevos Rancheros or Chicken Enchiladas  plus complementary cocktails from among 17 tequila, mezcal and margarita options.

By 1989 the couple's twin sons, Jim and John, took over and expanded the business. Today, New Mexico's largest restaurant serves 1,200 guests amid five patios, three dining rooms, and a cantina.  

In addition, El Pinto's delicious, authentic ​salsa and green chile sauce incorporate more than 100 tons of chiles annually before shipping to grocery stores, nationwide. Crafted onsite since 2001, their salsa has received dozens of awards with recognition from ESPN and the Food Network, to name a few.

It's a perfect place for a memorable meal and a 'must-return' stop on my next Albuquerque visit.

Although this isn't the first time I've written about the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, here you will 'experience' the event through images created during our visit, 15+ years ago. Albuquerque's biggest annual 'party' is a feast for the eyes and imagination. In fact, this 'ballooning capital of the world' draws approximately one million people annually.

Gorgeous skies and chilly but pleasant temperatures accompanied our visit. We also enjoyed front-row seats and gourmet meals via special Gondola Club VIP passes, providing extra access to ground operations and fewer crowds jockeying for perfect views. This 'extra ticket' was well worth the splurge!

After sunset, dozens of flattened balloons lined a field beneath sun-tipped clouds and deep purple mountains. Burners ignited, casting temporary light across the darkening landscape while slowly inflating the balloons. A ‘whooshing’ sound accompanied each new blast of air as it entered a balloon. Dancing like giant fireflies, a crimson 'Spiderman' hot air balloon rose beside one with brilliant rainbow stripes, as crowds circulated amid the sea of rip stop nylon.   

Before one sunrise, we hopped a shuttle to the field where more balloons expanded, as flame-generated air filled them. Walking through multi-colored corridors of curved and rippling fabric - before the first flight of the day - felt like walking through a giant children's storybook. 

As dozens of hot air balloons took flight they created an ever-changing kaleidoscope. Amid a cobalt sky they rose like popcorn on a stove, clustering closely before drifting apart. Some flew low enough for passengers to converse with us, while others were only colorful blips on the horizon. Castles to pigs and wicked witches interspersed with more ‘traditional’ balloons in a magical, dizzying array of color and pattern. 

Want to enjoy a hot air balloon ride, yourself? Check out several Albuquerque opportunities here. You can also learn more about Albuquerque's history of hot air ballooning at the gorgeous Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum.

With plenty of time before meeting the rest of my media group for dinner, I took a leisurely stroll along San Antonio River Walk. Everywhere I looked bright, papel picado fluttered in a warm breeze, celebrating the 11-day annual Fiesta® San Antonio. What began as the Battle of the Flowers to honor Texas heroes, in 1891, today's Fiesta incorporates more than 100 unique events that draw spectators from across the city, nation and globe. 

Along my walk, musicians played from a riverfront restaurant patio as visitors took selfies from an arched and decorated stone footbridge across the water. I then returned to my spacious room at historic and elegant The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, where I found fresh ingredients and a recipe for a margarita. 

Not long after enjoying my in-room cocktail, our group sat down to dinner as 2017 Texas Cavaliers King - Dr. Michael A. Casillas - regaled us with fun facts about their organization's annual Texas Cavaliers River Parade. We then attended this celebration the following night. Our parade evening food, festivities, and live music (see brief video, below) accompanied riverfront seats, where float lights sparkled across the water after sunset.

​During our multi-day visit we also learned to make paper flowers while admiring the expertise of craftspeople who created delicate and beautiful ​cascarones (hollowed-out, dyed chicken eggs filled with confetti). That's when we learned having a cascarone break on your head is considered good luck.

Delicious dining and exploring historic sites enhanced our San Antonio trip, but participating in Fiesta is what stole my heart! 

​​​​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

Simultaneously regal and imposing, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac stood before me as it had decades earlier, during a childhood family visit to Québec City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this lovely historic hotel also has an impressive 'eco-footprint.' Environmental efforts have included elimination of all single use plastics (2023), rooftop bee hives, and a move towards carbon neutrality for the property. 

But my media visit actually began at the front desk for our host hotel. As French words tumbled from my mouth, I marveled that I had crafted a complete sentence in a language I had rarely spoken in several decades. “Je m’appelle Lisa Waterman Gray et je suis ici avec Québec tourisme (My name is Lisa Waterman Gray and I am here with Québec tourism).” The hotel receptionist nodded immediately and began searching for my reservation.
 
“Parlez vous Français? (Do you speak French?),” asked a lovely women standing nearby. “Un petit peu (A little bit),” I said. She immediately shifted to English. “You speak it very well – and with no accent. I am the hotel manager and we will be meeting for dinner again tonight.” We shook hands and spoke briefly about the evening’s schedule before I headed to my room.

I loved walking through old Québec City during this multi-day visit, listening to lilting conversational French between shopkeepers and customers, and occasionally speaking a bit of the language, myself.  Dozens of artisan shops and boutiques lined the city's narrow streets, where French and English building foundations dated from the 1600s.

I savored cheese samples at a gourmet grocery store, devoured freshly baked pastry from another shop, and appreciated the 'clip clop' sound of hooves from a horse-drawn carriage in the square. My footfalls also reverberated against the broad, waterfront boardwalk with its views of slowly passing boats and occasional vendors.  

​By the time we left Québec City to explore other areas of Québec Province, I knew I would have no problem spending several days here again - on my next visit. 

​​​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

Please note these photos were taken 10+ years ago. While they reflected the character of Québec City during my visit, specific details may have changed.

On a frigid fall day, our small media group pulled on tall waders and walked through ripe Wisconsin cranberry bogs that stretched to the horizon, as workers gently harvested the fruit before loading it into enormous trucks. We then traded our protective gear for warm vehicles. We had just experienced the state's cranberry culture.

More than 200 growers in this "Cranberry Capital of the World” produce 60% (or more!) of the nation's cranberry crop each fall, with annual production as high as 5.01 million barrels. Quebec is the world's second largest cranberry growing region, harvesting about 2.5 million barrels each year.

New cranberry vines typically yield fruit for the first time in three to five years, and some Wisconsin vines are 50 to 60 years old. The best soil includes sand and/or peat and access to water is also important for optimal growth. Although these vines like hot, humid summers and cold winters, cranberry growers create an ice layer to protect plants, when the temperature dips below zero. 

​Three Wisconsin Ocean Spray plants create sweetened dried cranberries and concentrate. At its peak, the Wisconsin Rapids plant processes 500,000-600,000 pounds of berries daily using strict quality control. Cranberry hulls become cattle feed, and 90% landfill gas fuels the plant.

Scheduled by a Des Moines p.r. firm during a different visit, one of my favorite 'cranberry culture' experiences was a 'Splash of Red Cranberry Tour' provided by students from Pittsville High School's Local Foods Class. We boarded a bus and individual kids filled us in on every aspect of cranberries. We toured a marsh under production and observed harvesting, testing, cleaning, and freezing of the berries. Covering the history of the cranberry industry and how it has evolved, their school curriculum prepared them well to discuss plant anatomy, growth, nutrition, and diseases. 

For a big dose of Wisconsin's cranberry culture, visit  the Warrens Cranberry Festival, which commemorated its 50th anniversary in 2023. The free event celebrates cranberries with arts and crafts, over 100 farm market vendors and a variety of food stands serving unique and delicious cranberry treats. 

My family lived outside Oakland, California for about 18 months during elementary school and occasionally visited San Francisco. And Fisherman's Wharf had long captivated me. So, after a media trip to northern California's wine country* I happily explored the 'neighborhood' for a day before flying home. 

I arrived on a cool, sunny February afternoon, stashed my luggage at the Best Western Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf and headed out on foot. As a chilly breeze swept through the area, I purchased woven gloves from a street vendor. Then I explored for several hours. 

I grinned as Lombard Street, Coit Tower, and Alcatraz Island each came into view, and the city's renowned cable cars passed me. I visited a wine shop and admired a vintage carousel. I giggled as a crowd of sea lions lounged beside a sign that said 'No Docking,' and paused to enjoy several street musicians. I followed my nose to Boudin Bakery, known for sourdough bread since 1849, and grabbed a luscious scoop at The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. As sunlight dimmed, I returned to my hotel for appetizers and cocktails. 
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Early the next morning I walked through the neighborhood again. Amid foggy mist, fishing boats awaited crews, and live crabs awaited customers at Alioto - Lazio Fish Co. In Ghirardelli Square I encountered pallets of product, ready for unloading. I finally made my way to The Buena Vista cafe to sample its legendary Irish coffee, amid dark, 1916 wood and a multicolored tile bar backsplash. 

Two hours later my rideshare arrived at the hotel and we headed towards San Francisco International Airport. It couldn't have been a better 24 hours. 

*Please note: This trip occurred more than a decade ago so some images may be dated.*

Gulf Coast waters were as smooth as glass when I arrived for dinner at Doc's Seafood & Steaks on Padre Island more than a decade ago. The entire back wall of this expansive, bustling casual restaurant opened to deck seating and gorgeous views. 

Assigned to write a AAA story about Padre Island National Seashore, I drove eight hours to Dallas from my Overland Park, Kansas home, where I spent the night with friends. On the following day, I traveled 6 1/2 hours before finally reaching Padre Island.

By the time I saw the shoreline I was soooo ready to ditch my car for a brief barefoot walk in the surf, plus a margarita and fish tacos beside the water. I slept very soundly that night too, in my Corpus Christi hotel.

The next day I spent several hours at the Seashore where a beautiful wooden deck flanked the Malaquite Visitor Center. Nearby, gentle waves and a fine, sandy beach invited leisurely strolls. A flock of gulls created a large 'V' in the sky and smaller birds tiptoed across damp sand. ​Dinner at Doc's capped off the day, although I don't remember my specific meal.

I do remember checking the weather forecast frequently and deciding I should leave the area by early the following morning - despite initially reserving my hotel room for three nights. My Dallas friends would graciously host me one night earlier than we originally anticipated. And, after one last early morning walk on the beach I hit the road.

It was a good thing I listened to my gut about weather and my upcoming drive. As it turned out massive rain storms inundated the area along my route, after I passed by beneath cloudy skies. 

​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

If you follow me on Facebook you already know I recently booked my first trip in about 20 years, to Sedona (with a good friend from Phoenix). During late March we'll stay in and explore Prescott, plus Jerome, on our way to Sedona.

But Arizona has drawn me many times before. As our older daughter, Jessica, attended Arizona State University the two of us visited Sedona and explored the university city of Tempe several times.

I also drove from Albuquerque to multiple Arizona sites while writing a AAA story about important places in the state for American Indians (see above photo from that drive). My other AAA stories described a Tucson dude ranch, and that city's designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

During every visit, the surrounding landscape has delighted me - from red rocks and ancient valleys to saguaro cacti and brilliant blue skies. See if you don't agree while viewing my slideshow, below. 

​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.