If there’s a destination in the United States with a more convergent personality than Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Singer Island, Florida I can’t imagine what, or where, it is.

One morning, during my recent visit there, I observed nattily dressed men and women playing the genteel game of croquet. That pastime traces its roots back to England in the 1860s, when it was promoted by the Earl of Essex and became a popular, socially accepted form of leisure.

That afternoon, I watched a spirited polo match, which originated in ancient Persia more than 2,000 years ago and evolved to become known as “The Sport of Kings,” popular in high society.

When evening arrived, I ate dinner during my month-long stay at a number of what can only be described as “dive bars” which are dotted throughout the community. They compete for customers with white tablecloth fine dining establishments that offer excellent food at sometimes excessive prices.

This diversity is, to me, one of the Palm Beach area’s numerous inviting, and intriguing, traits. Walking or driving in the region introduces visitors to a smorgasbord of things to do and see which range from upscale to underprivileged, from interesting man-made attractions to some of Mother Nature’s magnificent handiworks.

Palm Beach, Florida has its share of inviting beaches – and more

For starters Florida means inviting seashores, and this location has its share of them.  Those seeking a serene setting and calm waters often head for Sandy Point Beach.  Trails meandering inland from the Riviera Municipal Beach cross dunes and coastal hammocks, and this stretch of sand offers excellent shelling. Ocean Reef Park is often pounded by powerful waves which can challenge all but the most accomplished swimmers.

This oceanfront location attracted Native Americans at least 3,000 years ago. Evidence of their habitation incudes pre-Columbian archaeological complexes consisting of a burial mound and cemeteries.

Early white settlers built the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse around 1860. Twenty years later, Standard Oil tycoon Henry Fagler constructed three resort hotels which transformed the tropical landscape into a winter resort for the wealthy, then he extended the Forida East Coast Railway to the area.

In 1902, Flagler built a spectacular mansion as a gift for his bride, a beaux arts–styled modern manor adorned with pink aluminum-leaf wallpaper which was more expensive at the time than gold. The 4,750-square-foot Grand Hall, Library with its painted cast plaster ceiling and silk- and wood-lined Drawing Room give visitors a feel for the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy at that time. So vast is that castle-like structure that my first thought upon entering was if I had ever lived there, I’d have needed a map to find my way around.

Reliving the Gilded Age in Palm Beach, Florida

Those who are there in mid-day may segue into a “Gilded Age Style” lunch in the Café des Beaux-Arts. It’s housed in the Pavilion, a 19th-century, iron-and-glass railway palace which also displays Flagler’s private railroad car.

Palm Beach continues to live up to its reputation as a retreat for the super-rich.  Several years ago, Forbes magazine reported that the city was home to at least 30 billionaires – that’s billion with a B.  As I strolled along Worth Avenue, past high-end stores like Valentina, Versace and Ralph Lauren, I agreed with its description as one of the most beautiful shopping venues in the country which combines European sophistication with elegant style and grace.

Hanging out with locals in Palm Beach, Florida

I also enjoyed the balance provided by stores, restaurants, bars and other establishments that cater largely to locals.  Along with their touches of resident vibe, they offer opportunities to meet and mingle with folks who live in the area. Often, they can recommend below-the-radar places to see, and things to do, that visitors otherwise might miss.

In an area where Technicolor flowers and multi-hued foliage grow wild, gardens might seem redundant. However, formal plantings add an inviting painter’s palette to the landscape.

Some, like the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, introduce human touches to Mother Nature’s handiwork.  Ann was a renowned sculpture whose works are displayed among some 250 species of rare tropical palms, cycads and native plants, as well as in her home.

Wildlife thrived in Palm Beach, Florida

Where there are sea, sand and soil there’s likely to be wildlife, and it abounds at this destination. The John McArthur Beach State Park offers sightings of sea turtles, osprey and pelicans.  Hikers in Phil Foster Park frequently encounter gopher, tortoise and herons. Droll-looking mammals referred to as sea cows congregate in large numbers in Manatee Lagoon, while in the visitor center there I enjoyed close-up views of animals of various sizes as they enjoyed a meal of lettuce and vegetables.

Getting close up and personal with those endearing creatures is one opportunity among many to meet and mingle with denizens of the Palm Beach area of Florida. Other experiences range from reliving the Gilded Age of high society to enjoying magnificent natural settings to checking out fun and funky places at which to sup and sip.

For more information, log onto thepalmbeaches.com.

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Spas are ubiquitous – and most offer similar services: massages, facials, reflexology, hot coal treatments. I sought out the unusual.  

I’ve had several different massages over the years. A couple of facials. But they all had one thing in common. Tactile manipulation of various body parts. That and soft New Age-y music in the background to induce relaxation.

 Neither was true at SiSpa at the Palm Beach Marriott on Singer Island. My body remained untouched — at least by a masseuse — and the sounds more resemble bells– Tibetan bowls to be exact — which more reflect a spiritual journey — an affirmation of self —  that the usual relaxation escape.

 Every kind of sound — different tones and pitches, highs and lows, soft and loud, close and far away — I felt the reverberations throughout my body, a magical, musical symphony coursing through every organ.

 And there’s a theory underlining the enchanting experience. Mostly it’s based on aligning the chakras — apparently, there are seven of them, points along the spine said to represent energy sources in the body. Each is associated with physical, emotional and spiritual functions. ranging from the root chakra between your legs up to the crown chakra atop your head. There’s also heart, throat and solar plexus — and each chakra controls a different body part — and if the energy in any is blocked, it can have physical and emotional repercussions. 

Enter the Tibetan Bowls — a sort of sound therapy to entice your brain to incorporate relaxation and health and peace; to release tension in the body; to bring clarity, improved self-esteem and the healing of negativity. One bowl was placed on each chakra and emitted its own sound when struck. I know one bowl was on my solar plexus, which is related to survival, heart, and communication and another on my head, connected to prayer and intuition. I lost count after that.

 Elsa, a Reiki-trained master (a step-above my chakra-addled brain), encouraged me — in her soft voice in my dimly lit room — to be calm and listen to the sounds of the bowls, to close my eyes, breathe in and out and connect with the bowls, to focus on their message. Meditation was key.

 I did the best I could, while trying not to think about all these notes (paper ones, not musical) I should be taking. There’s a separate chant for each chakra which Elsa repeated while circling the table on which I was lying. Apparently, each chakra also has its own color but fortunately I didn’t have to concern myself with that.

 Different bowls were struck at different times, sometimes in conjunction with each other, other times in concert. The concert — I mean the treatment — ended with a grand finale (crescendo?) of all seven bowls playing in unison. It was mesmerizing. 

 I may not have understood it all; I may have been a tad preoccupied with trying to remember the experience for this article as opposed to just experiencing it. But it did feel somewhat mystical and magical — and I really didn’t want the session to end.

 But there’s even more to the overall spa experience — to be explored at leisure either before your scheduled procedure or after. And yes, you can get all kinds of massages and facials you want. There’s a nail salon, a fitness room, a room with stone beds to lie on with cold cucumbers on your eyes (don’t ask — or at least don’t ask me….), a steam room, a relaxation room with tea, infused water, fruit and a Chex Mix assortment — and of course a jacuzzi. The actual treatment may be the least of the relaxation options. The Mimosa at the end satiates the only sense not yet gratified!

 For more information, visit SiSpa at Palm Beach  

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Overlooking the world‑renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course and the shimmering Pacific Ocean, this AAA Five Diamond resort blends world‑class dining, a full‑service spa, and warm, attentive service into a luxurious and exciting getaway. It is the kind of place that instantly slows your pulse and puts you in vacation mode. 

Our family’s stay at the resort began in the lobby, where grand wooden beams, handcrafted furniture, and a massive stone fireplace welcomed us with cozy charm. We then checked into a gorgeous suite, overlooking the ocean. 

Spacious and serene, the room featured two large queen beds dressed in Egyptian cotton linens and quilted duvets, a giant TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. The granite and marble bathroom—with its oversized bathtub and warm Craftsman accents—felt like a private spa. But the real showstopper was the balcony. Huge, furnished, and overlooking the Pacific, it became our favorite place for morning coffee and sunset wine. 

Since we were traveling with our two young kids, the staff surprised us with a small teepee set up right in the middle of the room. This instantly became their hideaway—perfect for watching TV, snacking, or just giggling together. It was a thoughtful touch that made the stay more special. 

Outside the room, we explored the lush and beautiful grounds, with winding paths, native plants, and glimpses of the ocean peeking through the trees. Tucked in the middle of the property is the pool area, where we spent much of our time. Here, the kids made instant friends and spent hours splashing around while we enjoyed a leisurely lunch under the warm sun. It quickly became our daytime home base.

Besides luxurious accommodations, the lodge is also known for exceptional dining. The Grill at Torrey Pines, with panoramic views of the golf course and a custom wood‑burning rotisserie, became a go‑to spot. For breakfast we savored bacon and eggs, along with a big, delicious breakfast burrito, with eggs, sausage, potatoes and beans. The kids devoured fluffy buttermilk pancakes, a Belgian waffle with honey pecan butter, and more maple syrup than I care to admit.

After breakfast my son and I played a round of golf at the resort and then the whole family drove a couple miles to La Jolla Shores Beach. This beautiful, sandy beach is approximately 1 mile long, features a playground on the sand, and it is adjacent to the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. Many novice scuba classes are held at La Jolla Shores. The previous time we were at the beach, we saw scores of harmless leopard sharks swimming through the waves. 

After playing at the beach, we headed back to The Lodge at Torrey Pines for a lunch of burgers and fried calamari at The Grill. We then relaxed by the pool until dinner.

For supper we shared seared albacore tuna with asparagus and Meyer lemon relish, followed by a rich red wine braised lamb shank served with carrot risotto and fresh spring vegetables. The kids stuck to the classics—chicken tenders and a big, juicy hamburger. For dessert, we all split homemade ice cream and warm cookies. 

After dinner, we wandered along the resort’s lush pathways, watching the sky fade from gold to deep purple and listening to the waves crashing on the rocks below. 

The next morning I worked out in the state-of-the-art fitness center and relaxed in the sauna at the resort’s world‑class Spa at Torrey Pines. From here, I joined the kids for a game of croquet on the lawn. This big green space also doubles as an unforgettable spot for weddings, as it overlooks the oceans and the bluffs of La Jolla. 

We then explored more of the property. What makes The Lodge especially captivating is its sense of history and craftsmanship. Modeled after the iconic Gamble and Blacker houses in Pasadena, the resort is a tribute to early 1900s Craftsman architecture. Everywhere you look, there are thoughtful details: handcrafted woodwork, stained glass, stonework, and warm earth tones that echo the natural beauty outside.

Even the trees surrounding the property have a story. Torrey pines are among the rarest pine species in the world, growing only in La Jolla and on Santa Rosa Island. They survive in desert conditions by drawing moisture from coastal fog, and their five‑needle fascicles help them pull water from the air. Walking among them feels like stepping into a living museum of California’s natural history.

And then, of course, there’s the golf. Torrey Pines Golf Course is legendary—a 36‑hole municipal course originally designed by William F. Bell and later updated by Rees Jones for the 2008 U.S. Open. The South Course stretches 7,698 yards, while the North Course spans 7,258 yards, both offering jaw‑dropping ocean views. Even if you’re not a golfer, watching players tee off against the backdrop of the Pacific is mesmerizing.

For more information on staying at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, visit www.lodgetorreypines.com or call (858) 453-4420. 

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Suddenly everything changed. Police cars were everywhere: Slowly patrolling the streets, parked along the sidewalks and driving into, and out of, a gated community. A bevy of police officers crowded the pavement and spilled out into the narrow road I was following.

Welcome to Mar-a-Lago, a lavish estate which has a storied history but is known today primarily as the home of Donald J. Trump.

That ornate estate that was built between 1924 and 1927 for successful businesswoman and leading society figure Marjorie Merriweather Post. Nestled on a barrier island in Palm Beach, Florida, it was acquired in 1985 by then-businessman and real estate investor Donald Trump, who used it as his residence.

Ten years later, he converted it into the Mar-a-Lago Club, an exclusive members-only institution with guest rooms, a spa and other hotel-style amenities. When they are there, members of the Trump family stay in private quarters nestled in a closed-off area of the grounds.

During his first presidency, Trump visited Mar-a-Lago frequently and held meetings there with international leaders like Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese president Xi Jinping. The name Mar-a-Lago means “sea to lake” in Spanish. It refers to the fact that the estate extends from one side of Palm Beach Island to the other, touching the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Lake Worth Lagoon on the west. The property is said to span 126 rooms and extend over an acre and a half.
In 1969, Mar-a-Lago was designated a national historic site. A report prepared by the Department of the Interior explained that it provides “an excellent picture of winter resort life in Palm Beach prior to the Depression.”

Ms. Post, who died in 1973, willed the estate to the United States government to serve as a Winter White House for presidents and visiting foreign dignitaries, but most of them preferred other residences. The property was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1980 because it exemplified “the baronial way of life of the wealthy who built mansions in Florida during the Florida land boom of the 1920s.”

I asked several residents of the area what it was like to live near such a legendary property which is visited by heads of state, leading political figures and other well-known dignitaries. The response of most of them was surprising. In essence, a big yawn.

“We don’t usually know who’s there,” one youngish man told me. “All it means for locals is traffic jams,” a sixty-something woman explained.

“I voted for Trump but if I’d known how much his being president would mess up traffic here, I would have voted differently,” admitted a well-dressed gentleman.

For visitors to the Palm Beach area, Mar-a-Lago can offer an intriguing diversion from the sun, sand and surf attractions for which the destination is best known. These include Worth Avenue, a shopper’s dream, which is lined by upscale boutiques and designer stores offering everything haute couture to unique art galleries.

Waterfront settings offer a choice of inviting stretches of sand fronting deep blue water. Golfers face a choice of 100 public, municipal and private courses, including six at the PGA National Resort.
History buffs and culture lovers will appreciate Palm Beach’s legacy of luxury and splendor, with must-see spots like the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the historic Breakers Palm Beach hotel and the Society of the Four Arts., which encompasses an art gallery, concert hall, two libraries and gardens.

Mar-a-Lago adds a unique touch which combines historical tidbits, opulent architecture and a lovely semi-tropical setting. In addition, if you’re lucky, or unlucky, depending upon your politics, an opportunity to see a motorcade leave or arrive which includes a car transporting the president of the United States.

WHEN YOU GO
maralagoclub.com
townofpalmbeach.com

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Hemingway slept above me. No, not in the same room, of course. In fact, not even in the same century. But room #206 – The Ernest Hemingway Suite – was the room directly above my own at the Sun Valley Lodge. It was a big deal for me. I had always admired him, and now here I was staying at his favorite lodge, walking the lodge’s very same halls, breathing the same mountain air and basking in the very same scenery that he too had experienced. I could see why he liked it here and why he eventually made the Sun Valley/Ketchum area his home. Tucked away in the Idaho Rockies, Sun Valley’s 4,000 acres were not only a thing of breathtaking beauty, but they also offered a peaceful solitude – something that a man like Hemingway, who grew tired of the glare of the camera, would relish. The resort’s vast terrain also offered unlimited recreational possibilities for the true outdoors person. As I wondered around the resort, I saw Sun Valley’s world-famous day lodges, tasteful alpine style walking village with shops and restaurants; and a friendly, courteous staff. It almost seemed too perfect. But then, that was the plan.

The Country’s First Destination Ski Resort

In 1935, Austrian Count Felix Schaffgtosch was hired by Averell Harriman of Union Pacific Railroad to find the perfect location for a grand American resort. After fruitless months of searching the mountains of the west, the Count finally heard about Ketchum, a dying mining town in central Idaho. He quickly made a B-line to this town in the Idaho Rockies, and was overwhelmed by what he saw. He immediately wired Harriman with these words: “This combines more delightful features than any place I have ever seen in Switzerland, Austria or the U.S. for a winter resort.”

“Harriman rushed to join him, and purchased 4,300 acres of what was to become Sun Valley. Harriman was determined to build Sun Valley into a resort worthy of its majestic setting, which would include a timeless four-story mountain lodge, complete with a glass-enclosed pool, world-class cuisine, ice-skating rink, impeccable service and nightly orchestra performances. After only seven months of construction, Sun Valley opened in the winter of 1936.

Harriman shrewdly marketed the resort to the Hollywood elite, and soon local wildlife was sharing the mountain with Hollywood royalty that included Clark Gable and Gary Cooper – who would go hunting with Hemingway – as well as Errol Flynn, Claudette Colbert and Bing Crosby. The resort wasn’t just for relaxation either, as world champions used the mountain for Olympic training. Today, as the Sun Valley Lodge turns 80, it is been updated to include 108 new and larger guestrooms, a 20,000 square foot destination spa, a world class fitness center and yoga studio, a glass enclosed outdoor pool and pool café, and re-appointed restaurants, lounges, lobbies and event space.

Not Just Another Day in Paradise

It’s one thing to experience happiness, but to be aware of it that very moment is a rare thing. Last ski season, I had a day of sublime happiness. It went something like this: A breakfast of homemade crepes with seasonal berries in front of the fireplace at Konditorei, an European-style bistro located in the walking village. The food was outstanding; so was the conversation with the attentive staff. It was tempting not to leave the warm fire, but the Sun Valley Nordic and Snowshoe Center, situated in the backyard of the lodge, was waiting.

About 25 miles of manicured and marked trails begin at the Nordic Center, where gentle terrain progresses to challenging hills. I could see that gliding over glistening meadows of snow at an elevation of 6,000 feet would be a great experience for the cross-country skier, but this would be just too extreme for a lightweight such as myself. I opted for the very pedestrian snowshoeing, which fortunately requires the very same skill level as walking. I was soon on my way. For the next two hours I saw not a soul with the exception of a couple of cross-country skiers far off in the distance, who I had sensed was placed there solely for my own visual benefit. I crossed bridges over pristine mountain streams and watched wildlife  scatter into the brush. Snowflakes filled the sky. Once again, I was so happy with surroundings in which I didn’t want to leave.

But I detected the scent of food cooking, and it was coming from the Seattle Ridge Day Lodge, just on the other side of the river. Another warm fire and friendly smile greeted me as I took off my gear, and soon grabbed a table for some homemade soup and a good local micro-beer. While staring out the window, I could see that it was beginning to snow again. I could have stayed there forever, even more so due to having eaten more than my share of food. Maybe I shouldn’t have ordered the huckleberry pie? The snowshoeing back to the Nordic Center would be long and perhaps a little cold, plus I had an important event on my mid-afternoon calendar. I would have to move fast. I was then informed that a free shuttle comes to the lodge every 15 minutes. I decided to order a cappuccino.

After a quick shower back at my room, I headed over to River Run Lodge to attend a Super Bowl party. As I entered the lodge, the party was already hopping with a festive crowd, an array of big screen TVs, food and drink. The event was welcome to all ages, but I was struck by the attendance of so many 80-year-old-plus skiers, some even in their 90s. Yes, it was inspiring.

Later I took a dip in the resort’s famous outdoor circular pool. It was so cold outside that I felt like I was in an Olympic-size Jacuzzi. You couldn’t even see across the surface due to all the fog. As I sat on the edge of the pool, nursing my aching muscles from the earlier snowshoeing, I thought how I someday want to be like one of those 80-year-old senior skiers at the Super Bowl. After all, age is what you make it. And I decided that I would regularly return to Sun Valley Resort. Besides, I still needed to sleep below the Gary Cooper Suite – #306.

For further information about Sun Valley Resort, contact (800) 786-8259 or www.SunValley.com

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Desert Hot Springs has long been a destination for rest and rejuvenation. Situated 20 minutes from Palm Springs’ expansive golf courses, artistic rows of palm trees and desert estates, rustic Desert Hot Springs feels a world away. It is one of the few places on the globe with naturally occurring hot and cold mineral springs. The Mission Creek Branch of the San Andreas Fault bisects the wellness getaway where one side is a cold-water aquifer while the other a hot-water aquifer, naturally heated to temperatures as high as 180 degrees by geothermal forces thousands of feet below the earth’s surface.

Unlike hot springs that have high sulfur content, Desert Hot Springs’ hot mineral waters are pure and odor-free, so pure and odorless that you can drink it, which increases its medicinal values.  Research told me that  “balneology” – the study of the therapeutic benefits of natural mineral waters – is especially advanced in Europe and Japan, where balneologists have studied the healthful effects of geothermally heated mineral waters which reduce pain, increase mobility, blood circulation, cell oxygenation and stimulates your metabolism, ultimately rebalancing many of your own body’s natural systems. My own scientific study revealed that soaking in a Desert Hot Springs’ mineral water pool was something that I never wanted to leave.
 
Since 1995, the Desert Hot Springs Groundwater Guardian Team has been designated as a Groundwater Guardian Community, with  the nation’s first Groundwater Guardian Campus, taking voluntary steps in protecting its award-winning ground water resources.
 

Onsen Hotel & Spa 

Upon my arrival at the boutique Onsen Hotel & Spa I was surprised by its serene surroundings. Snuggled in a residential neighborhood, this meant little traffic noise which helped to serve my quest for de-stressing. The front desk receptionist, Tracy Ayala, was waiting at the counter to greet me. She explained the history of the property where it had once been a hotel, an apartment building and then vacant until the official christening of Onsen Hotel & Spa on March 1, 2023. After pointing out the hotel’s amenities – the reception area also serves as a breakfast room with complimentary omelets, fruit, cereal and pastries – I was directed to my two-bedroom stylish suite, complete with office and living room. Creature comforts included a big screen TV, coffee makers, and spacious bathroom and shower, refrigerator and endless bottles of water. But it was a dip into the crystal-clear outdoor pool spa that warranted my attention. Along with the on-site Jacuzzi, both fed by a mineral-rich aquifer, and the surrounding simple plant arrangements, the spa achieves a distinctly Zen aesthetic. For those with walking difficulties two ADA lifts offer an easy and accessible way to enter the pool and Jacuzzi. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center and an on-site spa offering revitalizing massages and hydrating facials to cleanse your body and heal your mind.

Later, I conversed with the affable manager John Hopp, a walking encyclopedia on all things Desert Hot Springs. He covered in detail the work required to turn the vacant property into a spa hotel. He spoke how the goal of Onsen Hotel & Spa was to make it like home-away-from-home for guests. He noted that half the travelers arrive from England, Italy, France, Spain and Germany, as well as South Korea and Japan, drawn to its therapeutic mineral-rich waters, pumped directly from beneath the earth. Onsen Hotel & Spa also proves to be convenient homebase for experiencing the splendor of Coachella Valley’s stunning landscapes with its mountain slopes, panoramic views and wide-open desert expanses, all just outside your door. The property is near the Mission Creek Preserve, a protected part of the Wildlands Conservancy that includes lush wetlands, a perennial stream, and native flora and fauna. And the otherworldly terrain of Joshua Tree National Park is only a 40-minute drive away.
 

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

Just up the street from Onsen Hotel & Spa is Cabot’s Pueblo Museum. This should be an essential component of your trip. In 1914, Cabot Yerxa (1883–1965) was the first person to rediscover and unearth the curative mineral waters of Desert Hot Springs. Then, only 600 yards from his home, Cabot dug a second well,  delivering drinking water. Finding both the hot and cold mineral wells prompted him to name the area Miracle Hill.

Cabot’s Pueblo

In 1941 Cabot began construction on what would be his and wife’s Portia Yerxa’s home. Considered a marvel of engineering and design, the Hopi-inspired building is hand-made and created from reclaimed and found materials from throughout the Coachella Valley. His intention was also to make it into a museum, showcasing Native American art and artifacts, souvenirs of Cabot’s travels around the world, displays on Native American Rights, and his own works of art. Today, 45-minute tours are available where you will visit the rooms of the Pueblo, experience the story of Cabot Yerxa and discover how he built his incredible home. This is also the best place to purchase gifts and souvenirs, with an array of indigenous art, jewelry, pottery, woodcarvings and Navajo blankets.

For further information

Desert Hot Springs: www.VisitDesertHotSpring.com
Onsen Hotel & Spa: www.OnsenHotelSpa.com
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum: www.CabotsMuseum.org

For more on Oceanic’s selection of properties: www.oceanicenterprises.com

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A large brown building adjacent to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena California, two days before the famed 137 Rose Parade, themed “The Magic in Teamwork” with Grand Marshall, former Laker basketball player, Magic Johnson, leading the way, hosts an incredible scene of controlled chaos. Massive floats: Honda, Princess Cruises and the States of Mississippi and Louisianna, are covered amidst scaffolding and ladders, with tables of flowers and tools, while a fusion of workers, volunteers, and artists are focusing on finishing details. Narrow, slippery passage ways are filled with hustling workers, as the bouquet of flowers and plants tickle the nose.

The scene is a tug at the heart, the art work created with flowers, seeds, barks and natural foliage are museum quality, and seems as if it should be preserved for ever. A mother and son in a wheelchair, decorating the Princess Cruise float, who at that moment had been working on the float for eight straight hours, the mother, stopped for a moment, looked up and smiled, this is my 36th experience here, while numerous others said this was their seventh or eighth float challenge, and not necessarily a social gathering but smiles and hugs at the end of the day. The Princess Cruise float depicts the newest ship in their fleet, the Star Princess, which had its maiden voyage, in October 2025, departing from Barcelona. The artists and volunteers have created a float with 300,000 flowers, and somehow have artistically depicted an Inside Passage journey with towering glaciers, eagles, whales, bears with eyes that stare back at you in wonderment, and waves that seem wet to the touch. Then you realize underneath all this finery is a motor vehicle to move 42, artistically decorated floats more than five miles down Colorado Boulevard. As one volunteer said, “Viva 2026!”

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Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial Birthday

These are among examples of activities being planned, and undertaken, to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States on July 4, 2026. They recall the moment when the Founding Fathers, who had gathered in Philadelphia, declared independence of the 13 American colonies from Great Britain. 

This historic event is being recognized in Virginia, where Jamestown was established in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in the New World. The Massachusetts Plymouth Colony, which was created in 1620.  And Maryland, founded by Lord Baltimore in 1632.

Solemn and serious activities will recall America’s 250^th anniversary

These and other states, and cities, have planned a year-long list of festivities to recognize and honor this special birthday.  Some will be solemn and serious, others less so. All will attract people from near and far  who are seeking to recall and commemorate the nation’s birth, and its past accomplishments. Wherever you live, whatever your interests there’s likely to be a choice of exciting, and educational, events that you may wish to take in.

Philadelphia will be a hub of celebration of the Unites States special birthday

Those activities in Philadelphia were kicking off a year-long party.  At the Museum of the American Revolution, located just steps away from Independence Hall, immersive galleries, interactive exhibits and theater experiences relate compelling stories of the people and complex events that helped to spark the American rebellion.

Celebration of the birth of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the self-proclaimed City of Brotherly Love got underway this fall with a parade of ships along the Delaware River, a Toast to the Navy gala, and a gathering at the tavern which was the birthplace of the Marine Corps.

States also will get into the action. A web-based hub has been posted which helps residents of, and visitors to, Delaware locate sites associated with the semiquincentennial remembrance. It includes a three-day Revolutionary War driving itinerary; a calendar of events listing special exhibitions and other related activities, and an overview of places with strong ties to the Revolutionary War. Among these are Cooch’s Bridge, sight of the only significant military action in the state, and the Grand Opera House, former site of a hospital that treated wounded from both sides during the fighting.

Massachusetts offers an immersion in early American history

A road trip through Massachusetts is like an immersion in history. That state kicked off its fetes by reliving the Battle of Lexington when – on April 19, 1775 – the British sent 700 soldiers from Boston to destroy ammunition and other supplies and the town’s militia confronted them, leaving eight colonists dead. George Washington then wrote “The first blood was spilt,” and the American Revolutionary War had begun.

After Lexington, the British marched to Concord to ransack more military equipment. Among displays at that town’s museum is the iron-and-glass lantern that Paul Revere famously carried during his “midnight ride,” which is recalled in the familiar poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

Events in Philadelphia and along the Delaware River recalling and recounting the genesis of the U.S. Navy aren’t the only water-related activities planned. American Cruise Lines, the largest river cruise company in the country, will launch an array of extended sailings throughout the year in honor of the nation’s founding. They will include Great United States, Spring Across America and Civil War Battlefields itineraries.  

Whether you prefer to wander by water, mull over museum displays or check out places where important chapters of U.S. history were written, numerous opportunities will abound throughout the country to celebrate the nation’s special birthday.

For information about 250^th anniversary events throughout the United States, log onto america250.org.

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What made this wildlife watching excursion different from most was that the creatures were not in cages or other enclosures.  They were free to wander throughout or, for the eagle, above the city as they wished.

This kind of up-close-and-personal encounter with animals in cities and towns is increasingly common.  Various species of wildlife are moving into urban areas and providing new opportunities for people to meet and mingle with them.  Both residents of many municipalities and people visiting may wish to look for places where they can observe birds and bears, seals and sea lions, and many other furry and feathered friends.

A number of reasons are prompting animals to leave their natural habitats and venture closer to where humans live, work and play.  Global warming is denigrating and destroying natural habits.  As cities take steps to grow more environmentally friendly and greener, they’re becoming increasingly attractive to wildlife.  At the same time, garbage cans, dumpsters and other receptacles for food scraps provide convenient feasts for interlopers from forests and tree perches. 

One wily fox was found living on the 72nd floor of an unfinished skyscraper, where it survived on workers’ discarded food scraps.  That source of nourishment also is used by coyotes hanging out in Chicago’s downtown Loop area.  So urbanized have some of these dog-like mammals become that they have been seen crossing streets in busy traffic after pausing at the red light and looking both ways before setting out.

If crossing a street next to a cunning coyote sounds unnerving, it can’t compare in terms of fear with the sight of a bear ambling across a busy city intersection.  That’s what visitors to Seattle, Washington, recently saw, along with views of another bear emerging from its hibernation sleep that was strolling near a garden and a hungry cub pawing at a bird feeder.  So many sightings have been reported there that the Seattle Times newspaper ran a story titled “How to stay safe with bear sightings back in the Seattle area.”

Seattle, like much of this country’s Pacific Ocean coastline, also is a favorite hangout of harbor seals and sea lions, and they are getting increasingly comfortable hobnobbing with their two-legged cousins.  A group of sea lions recently took over the dock of a waterfront house and another colony (as it’s known) occupied a breakwater.  They entertain, and at times distract,  observers with their loud barks, growls and grunts.

Visitors to some destinations are enchanted by much smaller and quieter examples of wildlife.  Even if they’re used to seeing butterflies where they live, perhaps even in their own garden, sightings of new strains of these colorful creatures, or seeing them in mass formation, can provide a new thrill.  Some cities sponsor programs intended to attract, and support, those appealing winged insects.

Among cities where sightseers benefit from the work of resident volunteers who help to protect butterflies are Cincinnati, Ohio and Austin, Texas, which has the most National Wildlife Federation-recognized Certified Wildlife Habitats (2,616) in the United States.  Like Austin, Charlotte, North Carolina is located on a migration route, which the popular black, orange and white monarch butterflies follow for thousands of miles each fall in the East to Florida and Mexico, and in the West to southern California, returning the following spring.

Many species of birds also migrate seasonally and visitors to places along their path may enjoy an aerial display.  Birdwatchers in, and visitors to, Cincinnati may train their eyes and binoculars on cardinals, herons, bald eagles and other winged residents. 

Central Park in New York City is located along the Atlantic Flyway.  When they’re not taking in the city’s other attractions, visitors may look for some of the more than 210 bird species that live in or stop by that enclave to rest and feed.

President Theodore Roosevelt was a dedicated conservationist who helped to establish national parks and forests, so it’s fitting that an island in the Potomac River as it flows past the Nation’s Capital is named for him.  The 88-acre enclave was designed to mimic the forest that once covered the land, and “Teddy” is honored by a statue of him.  

The former president would be pleased that his island is a major stopping place for migratory birds drawn by the safe haven it provides.  More than 120 species have been identified, ranging in size from the tiny eastern winter wren, which has been described as a minuscule plump round ball, to osprey that can reach two feet in length and bald eagles which are as large as three feet.

Whether you’re visiting a major tourist could city like Washington or New York, or a small town in the middle of the country, it’s likely that a surprising variety of wildlife is sharing the destination with you.  Checking with a resident, or the local tourism office, can provide an opportunity to meet and mingle with some of Mother Nature’s most intriguing creastures.

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Story and some photos by Greg Aragon.

My son and I visited the park last holiday season and it was so amazing, we are planning on returning this season to replay the adventure. 

For the holidays, Universal Studios has brought back some of its most popular seasonal attractions, such as “Grinchmas” and “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” as well as exciting seasonal enhancements to the Mushroom Kingdom at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

One of my favorite attractions at the park is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and during the holidays, this adventure land is turned into something that must be experienced to truly appreciate. In fact, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is the most amazing and realistic, virtual reality-type light display I’ve seen.

To celebrate the holidays, the theme park has transformed “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” attraction, including the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride, Hogwarts Castle and the surrounding Hogsmeade village, into a Christmas wonderland, with snow, characters, decorations and a mesmerizing array of projection lights and images.

The adventure begins each night in Hogsmeade Village, where Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry projects realistic, ghost-like images around the outside Hogswarts Castle for all to see. The animations fly and dance across the castle along with a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies. 

Before experiencing this spectacle, my son and I rode “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” a mesmerising and thrilling virtual reality coaster, designed in hyper-realistic 3D-HD. The multidimensional ride features robotics, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects. 

While in Hogsmeade Village, guests can sample hot Butterbeer from carts and eat delicious and fun British fare such as Bangers & Mash, Shepherd’s Pie, Fish & Chips and more at one of the village restaurants. Also within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” is the fun, family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff.”

Universal Plaza in the heart of Universal Studios also comes to life, as it is transformed into “Grinchmas,” with fun holiday music and a towering 60 ft-tall “Grinchmas” tree covered in lights. Here, guests are swept into the whimsical world of Who-ville with The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a bunch of Who-ville Whos – all ready to take photos with the kids and play in fresh made “snow.” Grinchmas returns December 1, 2, 8, 9 and 14 – 30. 

Besides the exciting holiday attractions, Universal Studios still has all the rides that make it one of the best theme parks around, such as the Studio Tour, The Simpsons, Jurassic Park – The Ride, The Mummy, Transformers, and more. 

One of my all-time favorites at the park is the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television studio where they can also discover immersive thrill rides such as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged;” and the intense “King Kong 360 3-D.” The tour also drives past the infamous “Bates Motel” from the movie “Psycho,” the harbor where “Jaws” lurks, and numerous other famous movie sets.  

And then there is “Jurassic Park —The Ride,” where visitors hop on a boat and cruise through Jurassic World. While floating down a serene river, through Predator Cover, guests encounter a huge Mosasaurus eating lunch and a cute baby Stegosaurus. The ride is relaxing, until alarms start going off and everything goes haywire: the two scariest dinos around, Indominus rex and T-rex, are on the loose, looking for food and no human is safe.

Next to “Jurassic Park —The Ride” is “Raptors Encounter,” where guests can come face-to-face with 15 ft-tall carnivorous, predatory dinosaurs. The beasts are walking around, kept in line by expert handlers. 

Another memorable attraction is Transformers: The Ride-3D, an immersive thriller, blurring the line between fiction and reality. Fusing HD 3D media and flight simulation technology, this epic excursion took us into a futuristic world where alien robots from the planet Cybertron fight it out on earth.

Based on the popular movies, this mind-blowing ride had us screaming and dodging car parts, robot pieces and other objects as they flew at our 3D glasses, while we fought alongside Optimus and tried to protect the AllSpark from Decepticons over four stories tall. Out in front of the ride, we encountered a couple of the huge transformers interacting with guests and taking pictures with youngsters and their families.

From battling transformers, we went thousands of years back in time to experience Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride. This heart-pounding roller coaster begins by slowly creeping past an ancient Egyptian tomb full of gold artifacts and hieroglyphics before catapulting riders 45mph in virtual darkness. And when the train stops and guests try to regain their composure, the Mummy returns and the coaster zips in reverse for a thrilling climax.

As 2025 ends, Universal Studios Hollywood is looking forward to 2026 and the long awaited debut of “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” roller coaster. This mesmerizing new coaster will feature 360-degree rotation of the individual ride vehicles as guests travel along 4,100 feet of elaborate track. 

The innovative ride features groundbreaking technology designed to create a seamless sensation of drifting cars as guests spin in motion at fast speeds while speeding along an aerial track that winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots.

To begin the ride, guests will queue up within an expansive garage-like structure before settling into one of four ride vehicles, designed to look like the iconic cars from the films, including Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger. For more information on Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X and like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook.

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