To Oktoberfest

Although Oktoberfest started in Munich in 1810 as a wedding celebration, beer festivals now seem to be universal. —Lori Tripoli Planning a trip to Germany? You might also be interested in these posts: Tracking the Beatles in Hamburg Reason to…

Heightened Awareness

I am in New York City on a day when politicians ride the subways to reassure people that there’s no threat posed by terror. I pass through Grand Central Station at a time when there seem to be a lot…

Meeting Montana on My Terms

Planning a visit to the Ranch at Rock Creek ~Sponsored post~ The first time I meet Montana, I am seated on my duffle bag at the side of railroad tracks in Havre. My cross-country romance with trains has dumped me,…

Paris, Incidentally

I prepare for a trip the way I get ready for everything else: by reading, talking about it, watching movies. I don’t always need the intensity of historical accounts; something light sometimes suffices. I just like to see where I…

Need a Pumpkin? Pick Harvest Moon

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard in North Salem, N.Y. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini.

Living in North Salem, N.Y., I just love seeing the party every weekend whenever I need to drive by Harvest Moon on Hardscrabble Road. Pumpkins, hayrides, country music, apple picking, coffee, donuts, pies, plants, and now New York-made spirits are…

Liquid Courage

If a timid traveler needs just one book to catapult from a shelf, hit her on the head, and thrust itself into her backpack, it’s Lidia Yuknavitch’s Chronology of Water (Hawthorne Books 2010). Take the travel guides, yes, but bring…

Massacre on the Shore

A plaque at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on Long Beach Island, N.J. informs visitors about a tragedy that took place during the American Revolution. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini

I am not exactly looking for the American Revolution as I walk from a parking lot on Long Beach Island, N.J. toward “Old Barney,” the lighthouse at its northern end. A plaque near the walk toward the light house tells…

Ducks Need Not Apply

I’ll concede that I visit Lake George, N.Y. to enjoy the lake the scenery the boats. I am still surprised when I see a sign indicating that the ducks are not entirely welcome. Of course I know ducks poop. Also,…

Throwback Thursday: Light Metal/Berlin

Watching people dressed in old-fashioned clothing and doused in silver paint trying to stand still is not a reason to visit Berlin, but the sight is very entertaining once you get there. —Lori Tripoli ~Advertisement~   ~Advertisement~     Planning…