ArcaMax

By Jim Farber

On Dec. 16, 1896, a successful mining investor and land speculator named Griffith J. Griffith donated 3,015 acres of land to the City of Los Angeles. Named in his honor, Griffith Park is an LA landmark, home to Griffith Observatory and the Autry Museum of the American West, both of which are hosting exhibits as part of PST...Read more

By Jim Farber

On Sept. 15 the sky above the Los Angeles War Memorial Coliseum (site of the 1932 Olympic Games) exploded in a rainbow of multicolored powder projectiles that burst and blended as they wafted on the wind. Below thousands of onlookers armed with cell phones at the ready looked on in wonder.

Created by artist Cai Guo-Qiang, ...Read more

By Victor Block

At the turn of the 20th century, May Baily's was a brothel in the infamous red-light district of New Orleans. Today that location is the Dauphin Orleans Hotel, which invites guests to "embrace New Orleans' historic haunts and timeless charm." Lodgers at the Dauphin have reported spotting a uniformed Creole soldier ...Read more

By Victor Block

As my wife, Fyllis, and I contemplated our visit to the tiny town of Cassadaga, Florida, the choices we faced were as intriguing as they were varied. Did we prefer to join a healing circle or seek spiritual counseling? Would we opt for a seance or a class in ancient wisdom teachings?

Adding to the appeal was the ironic ...Read more

By Margot Black

It's a small world after all -- especially if you happen to be visiting Los Angeles. Do you want to nurture a child's appreciation for diverse cuisines, cultures and communities? Immersing them in different tastes, traditions and lifestyles from a young age is key. Fortunately, this city serves as a melting pot of global ...Read more

By Candyce H. Stapen

Shenandoah Caverns' aptly named Diamond Cascade entranced 7-year-old James and 5-year-old Charlotte. They gazed wide-eyed at the tall configuration of white calcite crystals that fell in folds, sparkling like a jewel-encrusted frozen waterfall. Exploring the caverns, along with hiking and horseback-riding, rounded ...Read more

By Victor Block

In 1683, Talbot County, Maryland, authorized establishment of a ferry service for "Horses and Men" across the Tred Avon River, connecting the tiny towns of Oxford and Bellevue. A man named Richard Royston was given 2,500 pounds of tobacco a year, worth about $25, to operate the ferry.

Three years later, Royston was ...Read more

By Nicola Bridges

Seekers of sensuous spa experiences can satisfy their cravings at a variety of luxurious locations around San Diego County, California, from sybaritic spa therapies to private and personalized bespoke treatments in sumptuous surroundings. Here are some favorites at decadent locales to check in for a day, one treatment ...Read more

By Nicola Bridges

Do you dream of attending a meditative retreat in a faraway Zen destination such as Bali or Costa Rica but can't afford the cost or time off? Then do what I did and create your very own home staycation retreat that you can go to again and again and forever -- and for a fraction of the cost. All it takes is a quiet space...Read more

By Victor Block

Last winter, Ben Keenan packed a suitcase, told friends he was departing and left Seattle, Washington, for a warmer destination. His goal: to learn whether he could live for a month at an all-inclusive resort for what it cost him at home.

On a monthly basis, Ben spent about $4,000 for rent, utilities, food and other ...Read more

By Victor Block

If you love history, I have a trail for you. Are you more of an architecture admirer? Maybe your preference is following a path to favorite foods. You're also in luck.

An extensive choice of driving and hiking paths around the country delve into a variety of interests and hobbies. From architecture and art to waterfalls ...Read more

By Bonnie Neely

Clinton, South Carolina, is the home of Presbyterian College, founded in 1880. The classic Southern campus is complete with stately brick buildings and decades-old trees. This is perhaps why it was selected as the site for filming some of the thriller movie "Sleeping With the Enemy."

Clinton used to be a mill town and is...Read more

By Margot Black

Ibiza holds a special place in my heart. My first encounter with this eclectic island was when I studied abroad during college. It was my American and Spanish friends who introduced me to this beautiful Mediterranean isle, known for its bohemian spirit, lively nightlife and stunning beaches.

Back in the 1990s, Ibiza, the...Read more

By Margot Black

Visualize waking up to the sound of gentle waves lapping against the harbor walls and opening your window to a panoramic view of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. This blissful tableau can become a reality on Mallorca, which boasts a rich cultural heritage, blending influences from its Roman, Byzantine and Moorish past.

...Read more

By Victor Block

As I was perusing the menu at a restaurant while visiting Cologne, Germany, an English-speaking resident of the city seated at the next table asked if she could see my bill of fare. Glancing at the prices, she showed me her menu and pointed out that the cost for the same items was quite a bit lower. She was nice enough to...Read more

By Fyllis Hockman

I'm sitting on the beach doing nothing. I did the same thing yesterday. I also did nothing sitting on my hotel balcony. OK, I was listening to the waves, but doing certain things is allowed -- reading, for instance. I have a couple of days left to my vacation, and I plan to do nothing in them also. But I'm finding that ...Read more

By Margot Black

Barcelona, the capital of the Catalan region of Spain, is the all-you-can-eat buffet of city visits. There are so many things to see, do and taste that it's a crime that you can't try them all. This heady mix makes it the ultimate destination for family adventures, and even our arrival happened on a turbocharged note as ...Read more

By Margot Black

At the heart of Spain, dynamic Madrid effortlessly combines Old World charm with vibrant modernity. I spent time studying in the city during my college years and had long wished to return with my husband and teenage son. Our recent trip didn't disappoint: The city remains a captivating blend of old and new, offering ...Read more