Monkeys and Giraffes and Lemurs – Oh My! 7

Monkeys and Giraffes and Lemurs – Oh My! Right outside Charlotte, N.C., lies a small town of approximately 2,700 people, some monkeys, a few lemurs and a couple giraffes. This town is called Troutman, and these delightful creatures can be found at Zootastic Park, a family-owned zoo boasting safaris and one-on-one encounters with exotic animals. Those aren’t the only animals one can find at the park, either. Ever…
Home Away from Home 2

Home Away from Home Vacation Your Way and Book a Luxurious Vacation Rental for Your Next Getaway Photography provided by HomeAway When you’re determining where to go for your next trip, it can be difficult to decide among sights to see, food to eat and adventures to have. From wine country to the mountain state, we’ve rounded up a … Continued

The Potter’s Clay “Ring the bells that can still ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” –Leonard Cohen, "Anthem"

Romantic Santorini Plan your Romantic Getaway to the Historic Island in the Aegean Sea Article Nicolette Martin Stay: Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel is considered one of Santorini’s most romantic hotels. The elegant couples-only cliffside hideaway—named a Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice 2018 award winner—features luxe, minimalist rooms and suites carved into the side … Continued

Southern California Girls’ Getaway Dreaming about your next girls’ getaway? I’ve found the ideal place for you and your friends: Laguna Beach, California, a charming community nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles along the southern coast of Orange County. The weather is close to perfect year-round, and there are 7 miles of beautiful coastline. There are many luxurious oceanfront hotels with pampering spas, incredible…

The New Kid On The Block It's no secret that Asheville's South Slope is every beer lover's dream come true.  From Green Man Brewery to Burial Beer Co., South Slope has a variety of breweries that differ in size, shape and speciality.  Some have an in-house kitchen while others invite local food trucks to satisfy their guests' taste buds.  But beginning this October, the South Slope breweries have a…
Escape to French Polynesia 4

Escape to French Polynesia Crystal turquoise waters, perfect temperatures year-round, white and black sand beaches, towering waterfalls, rugged volcanic hillsides, lush tropical foliage, over-the-water bungalows… it’s no wonder that the islands of French Polynesia are an idyllic dream vacation for many. While there are 100 islands in this area of the South Pacific, most visitors are familiar with the popular destinations of Tahiti, Mo’orea…
A Worldly History 3

A Worldly History In May of 1984, Ronald Reagan stood behind a podium, a mass of balloons his colorful backdrop, and welcomed crowds to the World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee. The international event hosted participants from 22 countries and attracted over 11 million visitors during its six-month run. The city, steeped in Southern hospitality and outdoor beauty, has since awaited a more abiding…
The Valley Isle 8

The Valley Isle Our mountains are beautiful, and they offer endless escapes and adventures. But on the other side of the world, bathed in fresh and vibrant shades of green, are a different set of mountains that harbor a whole new side of adventure.
Viva Cuba! 2

Viva Cuba! Like so many of us familiar with the photos of a forgotten era, I was very curious to experience Cuba firsthand. I had the opportunity to experience the island recently when American Airlines launched its inaugural non-stop flight from Charlotte to Havana. It was a quick, jam-packed visit filled with the food, music and culture of the tiny island nation,…