San Antonio, Texas is observing 300 years since its founding in 1718 by Spain through its network of Franciscan friars. Tricentennial celebrations, such as lectures, musical programs, and educational events, are taking place all year long around town.

But since its opening at the San Antonio Museum of Art in February, a blockbuster art exhibit has been drawing crowds from near and far. One reason is that “San Antonio 1718: Art from Viceregal Mexico,” focuses exclusively on San Antonio’s first 100 years. 

Anna Lardinois tingles the spines of locals and visitors to Milwaukee through her haunted, historical walking tours known as Gothic Milwaukee. She is the creator of the self-guided walking tour collections Walking Milwaukee: Downtown Edition and Walking Milwaukee: Tosa Edition. The former English teacher is an ardent collector of stories, an avid walker, and a sweet treat enthusiast.

One of the most visited cities in the world, Sydney, Australia boasts many landmarks and interesting things to see and do. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to climb atop the Sydney Bridge, or take a ferry to Manly and explore. Be sure to see the Sydney Opera House from a boat - it’s an incredible experience.

Recently, Kalamazoo's historic State Theatre celebrated its 90th anniversary with a party - complete with towering cake, artists in residence, and a Yelp Kalamazoo event that included a very special backstage tour. 

Do you follow one of my favorite authors? David Downie, a native San Franciscan, lived in New York, Providence, Rome, and Milan before moving to Paris in the mid-80s. He divides his time between France and Italy. His travel, food, and arts features have appeared in leading print and on-line publications including Bon Appétit, Gourmet, Saveur, Epicurious.com, and Gault & Millau, the premier French food guide. He is the author of over a dozen nonfiction books, including the highly acclaimed Paris, Paris and A Passion for Paris.

China: a place both ancient and modern, well known and unknown, distant, different: a powerful contemporary nation that is still little known and even less understood by most people in the west.