Charleston, South Carolina is consistently voted as one of the top destinations to visit in the United States. Travelers are enticed by this East Coast city’s broad-based appeal, showcasing Lowcountry cuisine, cobblestone streets with architectural treasures, outstanding accommodations, diverse shopping opportunities, a moderate climate, and a rich history that spans multiple generations.

Year round visitors come from around the world to enjoy the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies at Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During an average stay, it’s possible to explore only a small percentage of the expansive wilderness and the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Most first time visitors will create a “to do” list from online sites that rank the Top 10 best activities. To plan a well-rounded vacation, it’s advisable to include a bit of history into the mix. 

While exploring Roman archeological sites in Europe and the Middle East, I learned about geothermal energy. Centuries ago, the Romans saw the value of this natural resource and used it for their benefit. For example, the Roman Baths, about an hour and a half train ride from London, were constructed in the 1st century C.E to utilize the thermal water with a temperature of 46 degrees Celsius or 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Plump and misshapen, with a soft, chewy texture that’s reminiscent of pasta or gnocchi, Spätzle belongs in its own culinary category altogether.

Pervasive in Germany, Austria, and Hungary, and stretching into Switzerland and other neighboring European countries, the popular pasta comes in several varieties. But the miniature dumplings usually share a few common threads – a simple dough, heavy with egg and flour, and a cooking method that involves dangling the dough over simmering water so that it cooks on contact.

San Diego visitors can see history come alive at The US Grant Hotel. This magnificent property, designed by Harrison Albright, took five years to build. On October 15, 1910, the hotel opened with a final price tag of 1.9 million dollars. After a handful of renovations in the last century, the hotel still maintains its grandeur and commemorates its remarkable history by showcasing images and artifacts throughout the property.