BUCKET LIST TRAVEL

Williamsburg, Virginia is a destination that appeals to just about everyone. History buffs appreciate Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, city dwellers enjoy the laid back charming atmosphere of Williamsburg,  kids love the European themed Busch Gardens, and college students seek higher education at the second oldest university in the United States known as William and Mary. Williamsburg is situated between the James and York Rivers and stands upon a ridge on the Virginia Peninsula. It's in close proximity of the capital Richmond, not far from Virginia Beach, and Washington DC is about one hundred fifty miles away. A vehicle free way to enjoy Williamsburg is to arrive by Amtrak train. Colonial Williamsburg is just a short few minutes away from the Transportation Center and a complimentary bus transports passengers to various stops in Colonial Williamsburg.  What to do in Williamsburg: Busch Gardens , a European theme park featuring thrilling rides and...

Union Station in Washington DC  is the second busiest train station in the United States. It's the gateway to the nation's capital and within walking distance of famous sights. Personally, I think the Amtrak train is the perfect way to arrive to the nation's capital. Union Station itself is worthy of an hour of exploring with its lovely architecture and an array of unique shops and restaurants.  On my past visits to Washington DC. I walked a lot and took the efficiently run Metro when needed. The Metro system in Washington DC is outstanding. Fares range from $2.25 to $6.75 with peak hours being more expensive. There are also reduced fares on the Metro for those eligible. If you're in Washington DC. for the day, the 1-Day Unlimited Ride is only $13.50.  Last week I left Williamsburg, Virginia in the early morning and had a seven hour layover in Washington DC. Amtrak train 40, heading to Chicago from Miami was running two hours behind. Due to the government shutdown a ...

  I still have an adventurous spirit, although as I get older it's not as easy to move at a fast pace but last week I did it. I pulled an all nighter on a ten hour bus drive from Traverse City to Marquette . I managed to survive a near fire on the bus when we made a ten minute bathroom/shopping stop at a gas station and the bus driver realized one of the tires was ready to set fire. A half hour later the fire department was gone and another passenger and I were on the our way to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on another bus with a new driver.  It was still dark outside when I arrived in Marquette. I got off the bus walked into the bus station and a helpful employee at the service desk informed me of a free city bus into downtown Marquette . Thirty minutes later the darkness turned into light and a friendly bus driver dropped me off on West Washington Street in downtown Marquette.  Marquette is a stunning city. It's a hilly city built on the shores of gorgeous Lak...

Today is my birthday June 12th and let me tell you I really wanted to be in another country for my birthday and add another country to my bucket list but it just didn't work out because I was looking after my Mother while she was in hospice this year. My precious Mother died on the 11th of May 2025 (Mother's Day in the U.S.A.) and I had to go to New York State to have her buried next to her parents and after five days in New York State and five days in the province of Ontario, Canada it was time to return back home and to my stressful job. When our dreams don't work out there are alternatives. I adapted and adjusted my plans on the day of my birthday and headed north of where I live and found out that sometimes we can find contentment right in our own backyard. Thanks to my boyfriend, my birthday turned out just fine with impromptu local travel. My boyfriend did all the driving on this road trip on the 12th of June. Heading north on U.S. 31 our first stop was Charlevoix , t...

The Dominican Republic, a Spanish speaking country in the Caribbean shares its island with Haiti. With extensive beaches, evergreen forests, fertile valleys, and even some desert zones, the Dominican Republic  is a popular Caribbean tourist destination, especially when you want to destress. When my department was outsourced at a major hotel that I worked at in Manhattan, New York, I was depressed and in denial because I loved my job. Now was the time to take a vacation and regroup. I was able to get an amazing deal to the Dominican Republic for my mother and myself. We stayed at Iberostar All- Inclusive Resort in Puerto Plata and it was awesome! Why an all inclusive resort? It's a hassle free vacation. You pay an upfront cost for accommodations, meals, drinks, and a variety of activities. My mother and I had such a happy seven days of swimming in the beautiful pool, receiving a splendid spa treatment, taking a free Spanish language course, walking on the nature trails, en...

A big "Bonjour" to Montreal, an international city located in the French speaking province known as Quebec. Situated on the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal is easy to navigate whether you choose to bicycle, drive, walk, or rely on the dependable bus and subway system. I recently visited Montreal for the seventh time and I discovered places and things I never knew of in my previous visits. Whether you stay a day, a week, a month, or become a lifelong resident Montreal has much to offer. Let's explore the wonders of  M O N T R E A L......... Rue Wellington in the heart of Verdun is  o ne of the coolest streets in the world. It's named for the Duke of Wellington who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. Promenade Wellington is a 1.3 kilometer strip with over two hundred and fifty businesses. It's pedestrian friendly from June to mid September. Begin your adventure with an in-house drink at Cafe Komma Rosta. You can have your caffeine for the day with a mochaccino or enjoy so...