BUCKET LIST TRAVEL

Imagine a place where summer days are carefree and moments of bliss are pure as gold. A summer place where you can delight yourself with the simple pleasures of life like reading a book in a hammock, sampling chocolates in a candy factory, listening to musical performances in the midst of Victorian summer cottages and bicycling on a path that overlooks the waterfront. Swimming or paddle boarding in the calm waters, taking a boat cruise and enjoying a round of golf. How about sitting on a bench and watching the magnificent sunrise and sunsets? With its hilly terrain and spectacular views of Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey shines with beauty at every corner. The historic Gaslight District is lined with art galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and specialty stores. Parks abound and there's never a shortage of open space to sit down and eat a sandwich or indulge in homemade fudge and ice cream from Kilwins or Murdick's. Famous writer Ernest Hemingway spent many summers en...

The 2 C's Camden and Castine spell Vacationland. These small, quaint coastal towns are what New England dreams are made of; charming bed and breakfasts, church steeples, cows grazing in the meadow, fresh lobster and homemade blueberry pie, mountains meet the sea, schooners and sailors, majestic sunrises and sunsets, one lane roads, and inland lakes, outdoor activities and so much more. The towns of Camden and Castine beckon weary travelers who wish to rejuvenate from the stresses of a high tech 21st century life and take time to savor all that spectacular Maine has to offer. The biggest of the New England states, Maine is a shining star from all angles and whether you live her full time, part time, or just visit as a tourist, you'll feel right at home in Maine. Camden, Maine, the "Jewel of the Maine Coast" consistency ranks as one of the prettiest towns in Maine. The picturesque harbor, the majestic mountains, the adorable town with unique shops and fine  restaurants,...

ICE CREAM is one of the many dairy products consumed around the world. It's especially enjoyable on a hot summer day. Who consumes the most ice cream? Here's the list: 1.   New Zealand 2.   United States 3.  Australia 4.  Finland 5.  Sweden 6.  Canada 7.  Denmark 8.   Ireland 9.   Italy 10. United Kingdom Who invented ice cream? Most likely the Chinese, dating back to around 200 BC.  TYPES OF ICE CREAM: Traditional Ice Cream must be made with with no less than 10 percent milk fat. The base can't increase in volume by over 100% in the churning process. Gelato, Italian's cousin is made with whole milk without using cream. Mochi is premium ice cream wrapped in authentic mocha dough. Frozen Yogurt is made with most of the same ingredients of ice cream but with a lower percentage of fat. Sorbet contains little or no dairy. Made with frozen berries and water, it is light in texture and flavor. ICE CREAM is enjoyed around the globe for good re...

                                                          Village of LEE, MA The New England state of Massachusetts has a lot of offer, an Ivy League University named Harvard, charming and cosmopolitan Boston, the stunning Cape Cod region, and the idyllic islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Colonial landmarks, scenic landscapes, and picturesque villages abound in Massachusetts. In the western side of Massachusetts is the breathtaking Berkshire Mountain region with its stunning mountain range dotted with winding roads and open pastures leading to quaint & relaxing villages. Stay at a bed and breakfast or country inn and be pampered. Lovely scenery seems to appear everywhere so it's obvious why Norman Rockwell made Stockbridge his home from 1953 until his death in 1978 at the age of 84. He loved Stockbridge and painted his greate...

On the shores of Lake Superior is DULUTH, a Midwest city with a vibrant downtown, easy for walking and exploring. Dining and shopping options abound. Not to be missed is Canal Park, home to the architectural wonder of Aerial Life Bridge which raises ships entering the harbor basin of Lake Superior. The deepest and the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior shines with glory. There's a Lakewalk that consists of nearly eight miles of a paved bicycle and pedestrian trail passing by some fine attractions. Originally built in 1986, the Lakewalk has been extended over the years and is a popular recreeatoinal spot. Nestled between Canada and Minneapolis, DULUTH  is gaining popularity as a vacation spot. Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer....all four seasons are a fantastic time to visit but in the summer you are blessed with long and warm days which gives you more time to explore the region!  Things to See and Do in Duluth!     Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive   ...

Martha's Vineyard, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean is an island that wins everyone's heart! If you long to transport yourself to a place that feels magical and so very inviting, an island on the Atlantic Ocean waters named Martha's Vineyard is where to go. This idyllic island in the state of Massachusetts appeals to all ages and for good reason. There's plenty of things to do and no matter where to you find yourself on the "Vineyard" you'll be enchanted by the beauty and charm of the island. Whether you choose to camp, be pampered at a luxury bed or breakfast, choose a gorgeous Airbnb home for your stay or experience hosteling at the islands affordable youth hostel, you'll love hanging out on the "Vineyard." Bicycling, boating, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding....sports abound on the island. You can be an outdoor adventurer or just sit back on a lounge chair at one of the breath-taking beac...

"SWEDISH KANELBULLAR" This afternoon when I arrived at work there were a plate of warm cinnamon buns sitting on the counter. They had just come out of the oven and the fragrant scent of those cinnamon buns transported me to Sweden, the Scandinavian country famous for its Kanelbullar (Cinnamon Buns). Sweden is famous for many things, one of them being the classic and delicious cinnamon bun. No matter what part of the country you're visiting, you can count on coming across Kanelbullar at a traditional Swedish bakery or at a food market. If you're fortunate enough to have family or friends in Sweden, they might even make homemade Kanelbullar for you.  These beautiful soft buns have a delicate buttery cinnamon filling and a hint of cardamom. In Sweden, cinnamon buns are enjoyed during a coffee break or a FIKA which is a get together with friends. National Cinnamon Bun Day (Kanelbullens dag) is October 4th. Having spent time in Malmo, Sweden I got accustomed to enjoying Ka...