My introduction to sushi was at a party back in the 1990s and did not go well. A tray was going around that looked like innocent snacks and I grabbed and gulped one. Instantly my brain’s alarm system went off saying, “This tastes like crap!” I wouldn't even consider eating sushi for several years … [Read more...] about In Search of America’s Best Sushi
Traveler’s Nightmare: Lost My Passport In Salzburg
My wife and I had dreamt of Christmas in Salzburg for years. After our first trip to Austria in the spring of 2000, we swore we’d be back for Christmas someday. It took 17 long years, but was worth it. The Christkindlmarkt was still going strong when we arrived on Christmas day. Crowds of happy … [Read more...] about Traveler’s Nightmare: Lost My Passport In Salzburg
What You Should Know About Georgian Wine
Guest Post by Kelly Dunning Once upon a time, about 8,000 years ago, folks in the South Caucasus attempted to store wild grape juice for the winter by burying it in a clay jar in a shallow pit. When they dug it up the next spring, it wasn’t grape juice anymore. It was something far better — they … [Read more...] about What You Should Know About Georgian Wine
Baltimore’s Post-Industrial Restaurants Are Thriving
Baltimore is one of the most historic cities in the U.S. and holds many worthy attractions. Founded in 1729, Baltimore thrived as a port city receiving tons of cane sugar from the Caribbean and shipping out tobacco grown locally. By the mid-1800s the mill business was booming in Baltimore’s Jones … [Read more...] about Baltimore’s Post-Industrial Restaurants Are Thriving
Happy Traveler: Why I Fly United Airlines
For the last 15 years, I have flown 25,000 or more miles per year, most of which I flew economy on United Airlines. When I heard an interview on National Public Radio with Nicolas Kralev in 2012, everything changed. Nicholas is the author of Decoding Airline Travel, a book designed to take the … [Read more...] about Happy Traveler: Why I Fly United Airlines
Images Of Baltimore: My View of the Charm City
Although not from the area, in the nine years I have lived in Baltimore I've succumbed to its charm. The city is full of historic moments and architecture that grabs my attention each time I venture downtown. From the nation's first substantial railroad- the B&O, to advances in canning and … [Read more...] about Images Of Baltimore: My View of the Charm City
Wine Exploring Near Portland Oregon
Some of my best travel finds are those found when getting off the beaten path. On a recent trip to Oregon’s Tualatin Valley for wine exploring near Portland, I had an appointment to taste wines at Montinore Estate. I was ahead of schedule thanks to a no-show earlier and used the extra time to drive … [Read more...] about Wine Exploring Near Portland Oregon
Critters on the Road: Wild and Tame
Some of my most enjoyable moments while traveling are the critters on the road: wild and tame. Since I'm not out there just to photograph critters, I only come upon them in unplanned and brief encounters. Sometimes I get lucky and the timing and lighting are perfect, but not often. I'll share with … [Read more...] about Critters on the Road: Wild and Tame
Novak’s: Oregon Ethnic Dining Hungarian Style
One of the benefits of eating at an ethnic restaurant is you can take a trip to another country without leaving the U.S. On a trip to Oregon we had dinner at Novak’s in Albany. Novak’s Hungarian restaurant is the only Hungarian restaurant in Oregon and offers a taste of the old country. It’s a … [Read more...] about Novak’s: Oregon Ethnic Dining Hungarian Style
Wine Snob No More: Mid-Atlantic Region Surprises
Up until very recently I could have been considered a wine snob. After all, the only North American wines I deemed worthy to buy were from California, Oregon, and Washington. I had tried wines from Colorado and thought for the most part they were terrible. Shortly after moving to Maryland I tried … [Read more...] about Wine Snob No More: Mid-Atlantic Region Surprises
