Ah, the Emerald Isle. It’s a place of visual perfection, of green vistas, rainbows, and landscapes so beautiful that you have to pinch yourself that it is real, and you are HERE. But there’s one caveat – those Irish roads. Well, two caveats – driving on the other side of the road, and those Irish roads.

Magic.

When I look at Elena Feret's work, I fall deeply in love with her art, world, and the magic she creates - and represents. From marvelous creatures to a worldview that takes us deep into the imagination, Elena's extraordinary art inspires, gives joy, and brings an enchantment to our lives. When I first saw her art, I KNEW that she was special and that her talents needed to be shared!

What's the shoulder season, you may ask? It's that sweet spot between high season and low. It's also a great price break from high season prices, and low season bargains. Travel+Leisure magazine has a great slideshow on Shoulder Season Travel Secrets, with details on places to go, when.

Cedar Point – The World’s Best Amusement Park?! Why yes, indeed, it is…not only because of the 19 world-class roller coasters, or because it has been named that for the last 18 years, but because it’s just awesome.

You're in the right place - Michigan's Sunset Coast (aptly named, for the gorgeous sunsets!). The beaches on Lake Michigan are clean, sandy, and very swimmable. There are excellent restaurants, extraordinary artists, great music, and plenty of outdoor activities. It's my favorite place, in the whole world.

I'm elated to share the extraordinary art of Rachel Alvarez, a native of Salisbury, Maryland. She received her BFA in Painting and Photography from Salisbury University in 2002. Her original work has been exhibited at a number of local galleries, and her prints, notecards, and decals can be found in shops across the United States. Her work is inspired by her 2 children. Each piece in her collection was completed during their nap times and reflects her family’s love for backcountry drives, beach outings, and hikes in the woods.

Let's face it - a family vacation isn't the ideal setting for romance. But with a few thoughtful gestures, romance can still be alive and well, despite the rigors of travel and the exhaustion of caring for your kids in a new locale. Here are ten tips for keeping romance alive while you're traveling with your family.

We've all been there - embarrassed by crazy tourists (or feeling out of place ourselves). One of the most respectful things you can do when you travel is to try to blend in and act culturally appropriate.

You've invested considerable time, money, and effort on your journey - you sure don't want to get sick! However, people often get sick while traveling, whether from food cleanliness, unfamiliar germs, or lack of sleep. Instead of living like locals, and seeing all the amazing things your destination has to offer, you're sick in bed. However, there are many things you can do to stay healthy while traveling.

Let me tell you one of the joys I find in the world – ART. Art matters, and art about place brings incredible happiness. I have long followed our Artist of the Month, Candace Rose Rardon, for just this purpose – moments of joy. Candace is an extraordinary writer, sketch artist, and illustrator with a passion for connecting with the world through art.