Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Oil City might just be the most relevant small town in the world today. Here lie the remnants of the world's first commercially successful oil wells, dating from the 1860s. …
December 30, 2009
Travel Stories
Black Gold: Oil City, Pennsylvania
Amsterdam, Holland
Amsterdam is a maze. Each hour, my friend Billy and I lost ourselves in alleys, canals and cobbled streets. The lanes connected at odd angles; they changed texture, defied logic. Where we expected to find …
December 30, 2009
Avila Beach, California
We recently returned to a Central California beach town that’s changed significantly since our first visit about 20 years ago. Avila Beach is located in San Luis Obispo County between the county seat and Pismo …
December 27, 2009
Historic Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is one of those American towns with a truly unique flavor. Artists have long embraced this historic community. Adobe architecture and a well-preserved nature contribute to its status as a hub of culture …
December 23, 2009
Living Like a Local in Venice
My infatuation with the city of Venice could be considered the longest love affair of my life. It began when I was just a teenager; I arrived by train during my high school student exchange …
December 23, 2009
North Pole, Alaska
I love the street names in North Pole: Snowman Lane, Kris Kringle, Mistletoe, Blitzen, Donner, Saint Nicholas Drive, North Star Drive. Residents say that this is where “the spirit of Christmas lives year round” and …
World’s Largest Auto Museum of Convertibles and Americana
When a full plate of entertainment at the Wild Animal Park, San Diego Zoo or Sea World isn’t feasible, but you want to get out and do something, the “World’s Largest Auto Museum of Convertibles …
World-class Oslo, Norway
Before visiting Oslo, I viewed the city as primarily a gateway to the fjords, but upon arriving I was pleasantly surprised by the attractions it has to offer. Be prepared for steep prices, as it’s …
December 18, 2009
The Bay Area's Best Kept Secret: Capitola-by-the-Sea
What? Never heard of Capitola? If you haven’t yet ventured that far north, you’re missing one of the Bay Area’s well-kept secrets. A quaint, colorful village, Capitola-by-the-Sea, ten minutes south of Santa Cruz, is slightly …
December 16, 2009
Phil's Fish Market, Moss Landing, California
Catch this! If you’re on a constant search like I am for tasty cioppino, head to Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing, Monterey County, for delicious seafood using old-world family recipes. Phil’s Fish Market, in …
December 13, 2009