Travel blog

In Jose Fuster’s painting, The Last Supper, the 12 disciples crowd elbow-to-elbow around a plate of fish, hinting at an odd Cuban rule that allowed only a dozen guests to eat at one time in privately-owned home restaurants. Known as paladars, these family-run businesses are synonymous with Cuba and their popularity is on the rise in the Soviet-system where the state controls everything that ends up on the plate. However, recently the interpretation of a “living room” has broadened, making the definition of the paladars a bit more favorable and accessible. Here’s what you need to know about savoring Cuba’s authentic home dining scene:

This August everything will go dark as the moon passes between the sun and the earth. The solar eclipse, slated for August 21, will the first to be visible from the continental U.S. in almost four decades.

Sandwiched between the blue surf of the Pacific and the green vineyards of wine country, Pismo Beach is a laid-back beach town that begs you to slow down, take off your shoes, and stay for a while. In the heart of California’s Central Coast, this charming surfside city is where wine country meets the salty life. Here are some things you’ll want to see and do on your travels to Pismo Beach:

Envision hundreds of colorful balloons soaring at once, floating over the picturesque Sandia Mountains in the quiet morning. The colors are luminous and rich while the technique, skill, and timing is precise.

In the evening, you walk among the balloons as the propane burners twinkle and illuminate the aircrafts against the black sky backdrop. It happens every autumn in gorgeous New Mexico at the world’s biggest Balloon Festival, The International Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.

Following the teachings of a 17th century Swiss Protestant, the Amish are one of the three “plain” religions that make their home along the back roads and rolling hills of Lancaster County in Pennsylvania Dutch country. Affiliated with the Mennonites, which originated in Germany during the Protestant Revolution, the group eventually settled in William Penn’s colony in Pennsylvania in the early 1700s.

Back when it all began, the Rose Parade was a way for privileged families with names like Wrigley, Gamble, and Busch to show off their new home in California to friends and family back East.

It was 1890 and the group had recently taken up residence in Pasadena’s Orange Grove in palatial homes along what became known as Millionaire's Row.

In 1972, an Albuquerque, NM radio station began making plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Amid a flurry of ideas, one soon began to take shape: hosting the world’s largest balloon race. Invitations went out to 21 balloons but, at the last minute, a fierce Midwestern storm whittled the participants down to 13. And so on April 8th, with 20,000 spectators watching, the pilots fired up the balloons and rose into the air above the parking lot of the Coronado Center Shopping Mall.

Each fall, New England is set ablaze in an explosion of autumn foliage.

Throughout the Adirondacks and Vermont’s Green Mountains, the verdant leaves of summer begin to give way to brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. The days linger a little while longer as the crisp air hints at the coming of winter. And all along the backcountry roads, “leaf-peepers” arrive to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.

You can capture this amazing techni-color landscape on film or create a digital record of the experience. To ensure you get the best shots, keep in mind these top 8 tips for photographing New England’s fall foliage:

New England is known for its many flavors. From cranberry bogs to fresh-harvested apples, creamy chowder to a heaping mound of whole-belly clams, there is much to savor. But just ask any respectable Yankee about his favorite place to eat and chances are you’ll get an earful about an out-of-the-way seafood shack and the perfection of a fresh-steamed lobster. So the next time you find yourself down east, order one up for yourself. But before you do, make sure you know how it’s done. Here are a few easy steps that will have you cracking lobster like a native:

Wineries are fast becoming one of the most charming vacation options around. With picturesque scenery, tempting tastes, and a bevy of interesting proprietors, why wouldn’t you go? Here are our tips on wine etiquette, winery visits and other need-to-know info.