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Exploring Innsbruck: Scenic Train Journey from Munich

Years ago I had the opportunity to spend some time in Innsbruck, but the camera I used got stolen. In January of 2026 the opportunity presented itself for me to try again when my son and I visited the city. We arrived in Munich and took the regional train to Innsbruck as it is advertised…
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Intimate Guide to Skiing Kitzbuehel: Your Ultimate Adventure

When you think of skiing the Austrian Alps there are several places that may come to mind….Obertauern, Innsbruck, Zell Am See, Kaprun, St. Anton, Zillertal, Ischgl and Kitzbuehel. Here’s a shared NotebookLM I’ve created for you. GenAI created video introduction on Kitzbuehel I’ve skied Innsbruck, Obertauern, Kaprun and most recently Kitzbuehel and for this post…
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A great weekend retreat outside Nashville

Evins Mill Resort and Retreat, Smithville, TN Evins Mill Retreat Center is our favorite go to place for special occasions like birthdays and simply a place to get away from the bustle of the city. In our experience two nights makes a huge difference to feel like you have given yourself time to reflect on…
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Discover Valencia: A Hidden Gem in Spain

One of the hidden treasures of Europe is Valencia Spain. It has been named the healthiest city in the world. It has it all…beaches, promenades, old neighborhoods as well as new, great public transportation and fantastic food. Earlier this year I found myself wandering the beautiful streets of Valencia. This post will have two sections.…
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Top Tips for Visiting Florence: Days, Food, and Shopping

Angela and I arrived in Florence, Italy during October 2021. We considered November but my friend Jean Claude told me November weather can be tricky. Turns out September and October can be spectacular. With global warming the grape harvesting season is weeks earlier. So early to mid September may be optimal. We landed in Venice…
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A Magical Stay at 20th South Battery Inn in Charleston

The kids are away, so the parents will play….in Charleston South Carolina for pre Christmas this year. So we booked a room at the 20th South Battery Inn, which was fully restored to its former glory around 2020. It is historically called the Stevens-Lather House. Fabulous experience if you are coming to Charleston look no…
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Kayaking on the Caney Fork River in Tennessee

Time with family and friends. Time with nature. Time to drink it all in and refresh your soul. If you live in Tennessee or are coming to Tennessee a day on the river should be on your bucket list. It is a hidden gem. It is as beautiful as any river in the U.S. Often…
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Exploring Victoria: A Traveler’s Guide to the Island

We just returned from Victoria at the end of May 2022. It was our first trip of discovery and Victoria delivers. Victoria is an island surrounded by beautiful blue water. Boats, ships, seaplanes and colorful buildings are everywhere with a European flair. The lights reflecting on the waterfront at night can be magical. Everyone we…
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Two Nights in Paris: Tips for Families Exploring the City

The RER train stopped suddenly and after an announcement in French, which we didn’t understand, all the passengers unloaded, leaving us, a family of four, to sit there and wonder what happened. We hadn’t reached our destination yet. Our two nights in Paris were waiting. But we got off the train and a man spoke…
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Traveling Off the Beaten Path in Italy

I am calling this entry “Epic”. Off the beaten tourist path is sorta of the goal of these blogs….sort of. Of course we all want to visit places like Rome, Florence and Venice, but sometimes great memories come from out of the way places. Places like Cassino, a place you may never have heard of…
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Discover Siena: A Perfect City for Day Trips

Siena is one of the best preseved walled cities in Italy. If you arrive by rental car you are only allowed inside the city wall long enough to unload. Trains run all day from Florence and Rome as well as buses. We found having a rental car gave us flexibility to tour near the city.…