Best of the outer Cape, 2026

I’ve been doing this Cape Cod vacation for a long time. It began in Harwich Port, transitioned to South Chatham and finally landed in Wellfleet, my preferred destination, for what has been close to 20 years. For a person who grew up in an area where folks gravitated to either Long Island or the Jersey … Continue reading Best of the outer Cape, 2026 →

Pioneer Valley Peaks

I’m back home again after my repeat pet/housesit in Northampton to share some favorites from this year’s stay. I repeated a couple of spots from 2025, but made an effort to expand my horizons and tried some new things in addition to revisiting some places. There’s a lot to do in the Northampton area, so … Continue reading Pioneer Valley Peaks →

Mainely – the best things

I’m back from Maine with a new perspective on the state, yet still committed to my previous impression - it’s far. Unlike that prior trip, though, this time I found enough wonderful things to experience and explore that I can now say, it’s definitely worth the trip. Let me share some tips, recommendations and suggestions … Continue reading Mainely – the best things →

Parlons de la food, part deux

After 3 nights in Marseille we caught a train to Nice where we would spend the remaining 4 nights of our spring vacation. The train ride, primarily along the coast, provided great views and welcome shelter from what would end up being the rainiest day of the week. Once settled into our port view apartment, … Continue reading Parlons de la food, part deux →

Parlons de la food…

Now that I’m home, I’d love to share some details about where and what we ate during our brief time in the south of France. Our meals ranged from bread, cheese and fruit to an indulgent bouillabaisse with plenty of the trois Ps (pizza, pasta and pastry) in between. Allow me to share some of … Continue reading Parlons de la food… →

Marseille. What can I say?

As I sit on the train waiting to pull away from our first destination in the South of France, the time seems right to share my impressions. There were aspects of Marseille which were as expected and others which came as a complete surprise. As I had imagined, the city was “gritty” in that same … Continue reading Marseille. What can I say? →