Abandoned Asylums is a haunting coffee table book. Talented photographer and author Matt Van der Velde, along with a forward by Carla Yanni, paints a picture of the approach to caring for the mentally ill and “feeble minded” over the past 200 years. Yanni explains mental institution evolution and subsequent fall from grace while Van der Velde details each featured
Live Virtual Walking Tours Offered
A new collection of ‘Virtual Travel Experiences’ designed to keep travelers inspired are being offered by G Adventure even though travelers can’t come together right now. The first tour was offered April 21, but more tours designed to keep travelers engaged are being offered. Live virtual small group tours are the first of their kind. This is as close as
Time stands still in Pérouges, France
In the distance a church tower comes into focus, then earth-colored stone walls. This is Pérouges, a medieval village overlooking the Ain River valley. And this is the sight travelers have witnessed for more than 700 years. Past the church and through the high gate, the village opens up. Houses line the cobble stone streets, passageways lead to alleys, gardens
PLAN NOW. VISIT LATER. Lake Erie Shores & Islands
Like everywhere in America and many parts of the world, popular attractions, restaurants and hotels have empty parking lots. Like ghost towns, they sit empty because of COVID-19, social distancing and shelter in place. We’re all looking forward to the day when we can, for some, go back to work and travel for business and pleasure. Now is the perfect
Oklahoma City Attractions offer online fun
Many Oklahoma City attractions and organizations have temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but they’re still posting special experiences online for you and your family to enjoy at home until you can visit them again. Oklahoma City Zoo The animals of the OKC Zoo are missing us as much as we’re missing them, but you can take a live virtual safari daily
Finding Manitoba’s Big Five
By Marilyn Jones The Tundra Buggy is slowly moving along a rutted road originally created in the 1940s by the Canadian and US military. We’re on the lookout for polar bears. It’s not cold. There’s no snow on the ground. In this remote area near Churchill, Manitoba, the bears spend the summer. Although they are not as easy to find
Dreaming of Kentucky? Go on a virtual vacation
The Kentucky Department of Tourism released 11-video mini-series to help you plan your next Kentucky vacation to the Bluegrass State. The videos highlight the state’s beautiful nature, fascinating stories and cherished traditions. Available videos include: Kentucky in Focus with Elia Locardi: In this six-part series, renowned travel photographer Elia Locardi guides tours of Kentucky’s most iconic sites in episodes exploring
National Tile Museum offers a look at Portugal’s storied past
Lisbon is known for decorative ceramic tiles. On houses and apartment buildings, shops and restaurants, churches and theaters; they are everywhere creating a distinctive sense of place. It is fun to walk through the city and see the grand murals and individual geometric masterpieces. For anyone interested in this historic art form, a visit to the National Tile Museum is
Finding history in East Texas
Nacogdoches, Texas is the oldest community in the state. Around 1700, the Spanish began establishing missions in and around Nacogdoches to have a presence in the area and to bring Christianity to Native Americans. Naturally when you visit this East Texas city you expect to find several historic attractions and you won’t be disappointed. Two homes open for tour are
East Texas Animal Park offers education and fun
On a beautiful winter’s day recently I experienced a little bit of Africa and other exotic locations in the rolling hills of East Texas. My destination was Cherokee Trace Wild Animal Park, just east of Jacksonville, a 300-acre preserve and drive-thru safari. “The safari as it is today was started in 2003. It is still owned by the same family,”