Tag Archives: vacation

Summer Road Trip, Stop #2: Springfield, Illinois

Posted on August 31, 2026 by Janette

I arrived in Springfield to visit my 26th state capitol on a gorgeous summer day. Completed in 1888, this is the first state capitol building I’ve visited with a silver dome, made from raw zinc for its durability and corrosion … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged America 250, art, history, Illinois, Lincoln, midwest, museum, painting, road trip, Springfield, state capitol, Summer, tourism, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Summer Road Trip, Stop #1: Indianapolis, Indiana

Posted on August 23, 2026 by Janette

My quest to visit more state capitols brought me to the Midwest this summer. Indiana, known as “The Crossroads of America,” became my 25th state capitol visit. Completed in 1888, the Indiana State Capitol features a magnificent stained-glass inner dome … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged canal walk, history, Indiana, Indianapolis, Memorials, midwest, museum, road trip, State Capitol Building, tourism, USA, vacation | Leave a comment

Dominican Republic, Beyond the Historic Capital

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Janette

Although most of the trip was spent in the historic district visiting old forts and church ruins, I also ventured outside the area to explore more deeply. One stop was the Columbus Lighthouse, a massive cross-shaped monument said to house … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged beaches, Caribbean, caves, Christopher Columbus, Dominican Republic, floating, food, history, La Boca Chica, La Caleta Beach, Los Tres Ojos, mofongo, sancocho, swimming, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Land of Larimar

Posted on August 1, 2026 by Janette

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, in the eastern portion of the Greater Antilles. Known for its tropical climate and gorgeous beaches, I traveled here not to spend time … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged art market, Caribbean, chocolate, churches, Dominican Republic, Exploring, forts, Independence Park, international, island, jewelry, KAH KOW Experience, Larimar, Mercado Modelo, Parque Colon, ruins, Summer, Travel, tropical, vacation, walking | Leave a comment

Side Quests in Portugal

Posted on January 25, 2026 by Janette

While anyone would be happy spending time in Lisbon or Porto, as both cities have so much to offer, Portugal shines when you venture beyond the major cities into smaller towns. During my vacation, I planned two side quests to … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga, churches, europe, Guimaraes, Initiation Well, Lisbon, medieval, Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, Porto, Portugal, Quintada Regaleria, Sintra, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Porto: The Charms of Invicta

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Janette

Traveling north to Porto offered a chance to experience another major city with a distinct character and culture. Known as Invicta, or the “undefeated city,” Porto immediately feelt timeless. It’s historic architecture dominates the landscape, and while ongoing restoration was … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged Arabian Room, Bolsa Palace, bookstore, Christmas Markets, churches, Clerigos Tower, Exploring, historic, independent travel, Livraria Lello, Porto, Portugal, Tile murals, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Landing in Lisbon

Posted on January 11, 2026 by Janette

From the moment I landed, Lisbon felt like a city layered with stories. Portugal itself is remarkable, boasting the oldest defined borders in Europe, deep historical ties to the Knights Templar, and a culture shaped by centuries of exploration. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged aqueduct, architecture, castle, churches, city, culture, europe, historical, Lisbon, Pink Street, Portugal, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Back to Italy: Herculaneum

Posted on July 6, 2025 by Janette

In 79 AD one of the deadliest volcanic eruptions in history occurred in the Campania region of Italy. Mount Vesuvius, towering over the surrounding area, exploded. The eruption incinerated much of the city of Pompeii. It buried the ruins under … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged archaeological site, eruption, Herculaneum, historical, Italy, lava rock, Mt. Vesuvius, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Back to Italy: Vietri sul Mare

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Janette

Vietri sul Mare is nestled into the curve of the Amalfi Coast. It is the easternmost town on this iconic section of seafront. This charming area is about 40 minutes Southeast of Naples. You should not miss it if you … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged Amalfi Coast, ceramics, Italy, Naples, Seaside, shopping, Travel, vacation, Vietri sul Mare | Leave a comment

Back to Italy: Matera – The Cave City

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Janette

One hour West of Alberobello in the Puglia region, visitors can find Matera, known as the “cave city.” Matera may be the third-longest continuously inhabited human settlement in the world. It dates back to the Paleolithic period, more than 10,000 … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures | Tagged Cave city, churches, city tour, gorge, Italy, Matera, roosters, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment