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Amarillo by Morning
Explore Texas / Explore The Outdoors

Amarillo by Morning

In the words of George Strait’s hit song, “Amarillo by morning, Amarillo’s where I’ll be.”  Don’t just cruise through the Texas Panhandle, make a stop in Amarillo.  I spent a Saturday morning exploring this panhandle city.  You might be surprised to find a grand canyon you can explore and a rather unusual Route 66 roadside … Continue reading

French Meets Southern at Stella’s Brassiere
Travel Tastes

French Meets Southern at Stella’s Brassiere

This quaint spot serving up “parkside provisions” on the edge of Legacy Park in Greenville, South Carolina, is where French flair meets Southern comfort.  On a nice Saturday night, my mom and I decided to try somewhere different from our usual haunts in downtown or on Augusta Road that we go to when I’m in … Continue reading

Cacao Pudding From Deer Lake Lodge
Travel Tastes

Cacao Pudding From Deer Lake Lodge

It's so decadent and it's healthy!  I learned this recipe from April Ree during a weekend stay at Deer Lake Lodge.   Did you know chocolate is a fermented food???  I didn't.  It's another reason dark chocolate and especially cacao are good for you. Cacao Pudding 4 avocados (can use less) 1/4 cup organic coconut … Continue reading

Just peachy cocktail in Telluride
Travel Tastes

Just peachy cocktail in Telluride

Cheers on this Thirsty Thursday!  I’m sharing a recipe my cousin Andrew created for the Chop House Restaurant at the New Sheridan when he worked there in Telluride, Colorado. It’s a Peach Martini.  It’s light, refreshing, and well…..peachy!  The recipe is easy and perfect for poolside or enjoying a beautiful summer afternoon, like I did … Continue reading

Hike to Fortynine Palms Oasis
Explore The Outdoors / Explore The Parks / U.S. National Parks

Hike to Fortynine Palms Oasis

Joshua trees are known for their spiky leafed, branches reaching for the heavens are ubiquitous in most of Joshua Tree National Park, but not on this trail.  The elevation is too low for the yuccas (Joshua trees don’t have rings so they are not really trees).  Instead, you’ll find palm trees in this secluded oasis … Continue reading

Joshua Tree’s Most Dangerous Hike
Explore The Outdoors / Explore The Parks / U.S. National Parks

Joshua Tree’s Most Dangerous Hike

It’s Joshua Tree National Park’s most dangerous hike.  Not because of the extreme heat, rattlesnakes, or rugged terrain, but because of the “teddy bear” cactus.  It sounds cuddly, but it’s not.  You are literally surrounded by cacti in the Cholla Cactus Garden.  It’s one of the shortest hikes in Joshua Tree, but could easily be … Continue reading

Explore Colorado / Explore The Outdoors

Zen to Spin at Keystone

Any chance I get to do mountaintop yoga, I jump at it. There’s something even more spiritual about my practice when my mat is on a mountaintop on a glorious morning. It’s the mountain peaks in the distance, being above treeline, the breeze, the warmth of the sun, and the peacefulness of nature at 11,640 … Continue reading

Slow Groovin’ BBQ at the End of Road
Explore Colorado / Travel Tastes

Slow Groovin’ BBQ at the End of Road

Marble is a tiny town truly off the beaten track and at the end of the road.  The town’s claim to fame may be the largest single piece of marble ever quarried, but it can also claim some darn good BBQ. My buddy Darrel and I went to Marble to hike up to the famous … Continue reading