The Underground Railroad brought thousands of escaped African slaves to Chatham, Ontario during the early and middle decades of the 19th century. Today the town celebrates their suffering and accomplishments with interactive historic parks, helpful genealogical research libraries and Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Why visit Santa Catalina Island at the onset of winter when it’s too cold to swim and clouds often blanket the resort town of Avalon? Because in the off season Southern California’s favorite weekend escape offers gourmet restaurants without crowds, colorful bars where it’s actually possible to meet locals and hotels glad to provide deep discounts since only 30% of the town’s 1,051 hotel rooms and vacation rentals are occupied.
By Mira Temkin Mother Nature has pummeled Galveston repeatedly since 1900, but the Gulf Coast city has always bounced back. Walk the cobbled streets of the East End Historic District and you’ll feel the Texas history that begins 200 years ago when Galveston was a pirate kingdom called “Campeche” ruled by French buccaneer Jean Lafitte.…
Around the world, cemeteries are recognizing the importance of inviting the public inside graveyard gates. From historic tours to running events and summer concerts, cemetery directors are expanding programming in an attempt to be relevant community institutions, not just creepy neighbors.
By Mark Orwoll Fall just knocked on our door and didn’t wait for an invitation to enter. Like it or not, Autumn arrives this week. In the Northeastern United States, which includes the six New England states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island plus the Empire State of New York, the…
Havana was just what I expected. A city blended with images of vintage cars, cigar-smoking women, a flood of rum, vibrant art and jazz swaying crowds on every Spanish colonial corner. European and Asian tourists parading along the avenidas and calles were everywhere. Cuba may be the world’s best kept secret, but only from US citizens.
By David DeVoss We live in a disconnected age where colors define politics and words like “rural” and “urban” are used to describe who we are. For children of big city parents the estrangement can be particularly acute. Just ask a 10-year old where food comes from. Chances are he’ll look perplexed, then slowly recover…
By Rich Grant At just 36 miles in length, the Niagara is one of the shortest rivers in the world. And one of the most violent. Almost a million gallons of water cascade down the river every second, reaching speeds of 30 miles per hour. The river is technically not a river at all –…
The taxi driver greets me with, “How’s she gettin’ on?” (How are you?), then introduces himself, “Call me Andy, m’luv.” Firm friendship established, Andy and I cheerfully chat on the way in from the airport at Deer Lake, Newfoundland. When a comment of mine evokes a great belly laugh, he sputters, “I dies at you,” (you’re funny).
This is Newfoundland English, affectionately called Newfinese. A wonderfully expressive patois, it has its own dictionary and a wide variety of expressions to challenge the most agile mind. Someone who is upset might have a ‘face like a boiled boot’ and a muggy, foggy day is ‘mauzy’. Hungry? In Newfinese, you’re ‘gut-foundered’. Lost? You might be told to “stay where you’re at ‘til I comes where you’re to.”
The people of Newfoundland, with their distinctive blend of West Country English/Irish/French accent, are charming. The Blarney Stone’s effects clearly are imbedded in the Irish genes. Their friendliness is legendary, welcoming each ‘come from away’ (someone not from Newfoundland) with warmth and good humor.
The gyms are finally opening up. At Calistoga Pilates they are taking appointments for Pilates classes, including reformer machines. It’s a mood-boositng exercise just to stroll down Lincoln Avenue and see the shops open at long last. Located at the northern end of California’s Napa Valley, Calistoga is a small town with abundant attractions. Blessed…