Category Archives: Architectural Marvels
Surrounded by the Spirit of Christmas in a Connecticut Castle
Prelude to Christmas At the turn of the 20th century, William Gillette was a renowned American actor and playwright. In 1914 he purchased a scenic 184-acre plot of land that overlooked the majestic Connecticut River in East Haddam, Connecticut. On a ridge at the site, Gillette constructed a magnificent hand-tooled stone castle where he hoped …
A Tour of Pearl Harbor: Remembering December 7, 1941
The USS Arizona Memorial is a national monument honoring those who served in the Pacific Theatre during and after the Japanese naval assault on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The memorial structure is built on and directly over the rusted remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona. This is the final resting place of …
Achilleion: For Your Eyes Only
In October 1980 a Hollywood crew descended on the quiet Island of Corfu located between Italy and Greece in the Ionian Sea. The production company filming the 12th James Bond movie, “For Your Eyes Only,” had secured the elegant Achilleion Palace Casino for an important sequence in the film. Thank you James Bond The viewing public is always treated to …
The Future of the Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia shrine in Istanbul is a breath-taking religious and cultural icon that has stood the ravages of time, disease, and conflicts for over 1500 years. It is venerated and visited by millions of tourists each year – but that may change. If you haven’t seen the Hagia Sophia, it is truly inspirational and worthy …
The Queen Mary Hotel is Open for Business
The Queen Mary has faced many challenges since her keel was laid in 1930. Now she is part of a new effort to beat an unprecedented enemy as she helps the world get back to business. Here’s a little more of her inspiring story: The great ship Queen Mary has been part of Southern California’s …
Best Places to Stay Along the Oregon Coast: Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast
Who doesn’t like a lighthouse? Artistic sentinels of the past and present that conjure up thoughts of tumultuous seas and shipwrecks along craggy coasts. For some, a lighthouse may bring visions of a peaceful life with the siren call of gulls and foghorns. Adventure to some, serenity to others. Who lived such a life and …
Best Places to Stay Along the Northern California Coast: The Unrivaled Inn at Newport Ranch
The latest subject in our series of articles about luxuriously uncommon coastal lodgings in Northern California is unique in many respects. This coastal cattle ranch covers 2000 remote acres chock-full of forests and plains. It’s the perfect location for a wedding, corporate gathering, or a romantic getaway. The property stretches along a mile of picturesque …
Ephesus, a Bucket List Item in Turkey
Ephesus was a Greek city founded approximately 3,000 years ago in Asia Minor in what is now western Turkey. A visit to Ephesus gives the imaginative global traveler a sense of what life was like in the golden age of Greece and Rome. The rise and fall of a great city In the time of …
Discover the Legendary Powerscourt Estate and Gardens in County Wicklow, Ireland
Ireland is referred to as The Emerald Isle because of its seemingly endless expanses of verdant trees, deep woods, and rolling green hills. County Wicklow is called the Garden of Ireland, and 47 of the county’s best acres are home to the Powerscourt House and Gardens. A long and noble history The Powerscourt site was first settled in …
When In Rome
One of our most beloved cities in all the world is beautiful and fascinating Rome, Italy. Join us on a brief pictorial excursion to the Roman Forum, a site within the larger city that is arguably the birthplace of modern civilization. There is much to see and learn in the Forum, and here is what …
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