The family and I began a recent getaway to Great Wolf Lodge by checking into a comfortable suite on the 9th floor, overlooking Disneyland. The room came with two queen beds, a sleeper sofa, a full bath, mini-fridge, coffee maker, office desk and chair, and a large TV.

The Atlantic Ocean, rhythmic, fickle, and unpredictable, bares its teeth with white, foamy waves that embrace the soft, sandy shoreline. Agile Sandpipers, feathers dry, dart along the wet sand, deftly dancing to evade the surf as they search for snails and crustaceans, while small land crabs scan the surface for a quick meal, and scurry about as if cleverly electrified by the ceaseless formations. The North Carolina Outer Banks, OBX, are a breathtaking treasure: a 200-mile ribbon of barrier islands and spits stretching off the coasts of North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia. The islands line much of North Carolina's shoreline, revealing a vast, untouched beachfront, including the majestic Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

You want me to go where on what? That was my first reaction to seeing the mountain in Palm Springs, California and the tramway I was supposed to ride to its top. A somewhat precarious option for someone not all that happy about heights. But once safely enclosed in the tram which slowly ascended the apex, I was able to fully appreciate the surroundings, knowing there was even a more spectacular view awaiting me at the summit. Plus a number of other unusual attractions not usually associated with mountain tops.

On a farmstead in the tiny town of Eagle, Wisconsin - population about 2,000 - a blacksmith heats an iron rod in a fire and bangs it into a desired shape. Nearby, some women turn spindles to transform wool into yarn while others prepare food on a wood stove.

"Saratoga Springs was the Disneyland of nineteenth-century America," quips James D. Parillo, executive director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, located not coincidentally in the city's both famous and infamous former Canfield Casino…more about that gaming venue in a minute.

Bahia Resort is a paradise on Mission Bay. To some, paradise is a memorable dinner overlooking a moonlit bay. To others it is lounging with your toes in the sand or listening to boats bob in the water from a luxurious suite. To me it’s all of the above, and more, which is why I love Bahia Resort Hotel (www.bahiahotel.com)on …

As a Native Washingtonian, I delight in introducing visitors to buildings, gardens and other sites that many people miss but which enhance an introduction to my home town. These lesser-known but no less intriguing collections can add to the enjoyment, and education, of sightseers.

Picture this: a secluded desert canyon, sharp cliffs emerging through the rubble like rocks below a small lake surrounded by burnt trees, a variety of off green grasses and cattails. the water, slowed to a sluggish crawl, its surface shimmering under the relentless sun. The water's smooth as glass and offers little in the way of activity; fish are few and far between, making each cast feel like a stretch of hope rather than a guaranteed catch. The landscape around is layered, rugged, and dry, a stark contrast to lush streams and mountain lakes many anglers are familiar with.

Over the years, it has been known by a variety of nicknames, all of which are applicable. They include the Monumental City, referring to the fact that Baltimore is home to more monuments and public statues per capita than any other municipality in the nation. Clipper Town, for Revolutionary and War of 1812 ships which are anchored in its harbor.

Nestled between the sparkling Pacific coastline and the rolling hills of Southern California, Ventura County is a hidden gem for thrift shop enthusiasts. With its eclectic mix of coastal charm, vibrant communities, and a culture that embraces sustainability, this region has become a haven for those seeking unique, affordable, and eco-conscious finds. From vintage clothing to retro furniture, Ventura County’s …