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Elk Cove Vineyards- Gaston, OR
There are more vineyards in Oregon than you could ever hope to visit. At least if you don’t live there, or make an annual pilgrimage. Which isn’t a bad idea. But for the rest of us, this means choosing a handful and hoping for the best. Even old favorites can disappoint, but fortunately this does not apply to Elk Cove. Not only is it one of the oldest wineries in Oregon, it sits on a stunning piece of land, and produces wine that surpasses the tasting room view. And the view is extraordinary. Founded in 1974 by Joe and Pat Campbell, Elk Cove was one of the first ten wineries…
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Four Chimneys Inn- Bennington, VT
Charming, quaint, and cozy, The Four Chimneys is everything a New England Inn should be. I admit my expectations come from watching seasons of Newhart, but I still think they nailed it. It is only missing Dick, Joanna, George, and a few Darryls. It is not missing much else; it is a charming restored mansion that has many of the amenities of a much larger hotel, and an interesting history to boot. Set just off Main Street in the picture perfect town of Bennington, Vermont, The Four Chimneys started life in 1913 as the home of prominent Bennington businessman, Philip B. Jennings. The site’s original house, dating to 1783 and…
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Hanauma Bay- Honolulu, HI
Hanauma Bay is without a doubt one of the most stunningly scenic locations on earth. A place that lives up to its reputation, and is even more beautiful in person than in pictures. No Instagram filters required. A place whose mere memory will get you through the coldest of winter days.
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Cape Cod Canal- Buzzards Bay, MA
At least once a year I stroll down the bike path at the Cape Cod Canal. Admittedly it is much more pleasant in the summer, but the views are stunning year round. Sailboats glide by, cormorants dive, and the sun predictably and dramatically sets behind the iconic Railroad Bridge. In my opinion, no trip to the Cape is complete without a Canal visit. While the idea of constructing a canal through the isthmus of Cape Cod dates back to the Pilgrims, actual construction was delayed a few centuries until 1909. While everyone saw the benefit of a nautical shortcut, especially those shipping goods between New York and Boston, joining two…
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Kelso Depot- Kelso, CA
Kelso Depot, like a mirage, just appears before your eyes in the middle of the Mojave National Preserve. A welcomed stop for those exploring dusty desert roads between Palm Springs and Las Vegas, it is a wonderful example of Spanish Mission Style architecture. It is impossible to drive by and not stop, if only for the restroom. But seriously, it is impossible not to be charmed by the depot.
