Wisconsin’s at-risk tourism gems
When asked to recommend a pretty and close-to-home lakeside vacation spot, Heidel House almost always made my short list. It’s been a personal favorite for […]
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Travel snafus? Be proactive, perceptive, pleasant
Delays and detours pop up during the navigation of any life, regardless of where you roam. It doesn’t matter whether you travel far or even […]
Safe travels: what to know before you go
I register with the U.S. State Department before international travel to an area whose safety status is unknown to me. The free STEP – Smart […]
Reader mail: supper clubs, Itasca, custard
It’s been months since we dipped into the reader mailbag. Time to sift and winnow. — The Goldmoor Inn, near Galena, Ill., has gained loyal […]
Sometimes little luxuries make one great memory
One of my favorite names for a specialty shop is Little Luxuries, on State Street in Madison. In the offbeat inventory are fancy hair clips, […]
Reader mailbag: Quilt retreats, snowball vs. snow cone, awards
Time to take a dip into the mailbag. A belated, public “thank you” to those who sent notes about quilt retreats. Two were sent a […]
Deep discounts make wintry travel to NYC, Chicago worthwhile
Hibernating through winter is a good thing unless too much coziness feels like confinement. Thin is the line between peaceful solitude and bleak isolation. One […]
Is everybody happy? Metrics matter
We love to rank things, especially in the travel biz, but reader beware: Metrics matter, and we don’t like to pick the same winner over […]
Reader mail: Megabus, Chicago, Door County, postcards
Readers, it’s time to lighten the mailbag by sharing your travel feedback, ideas, challenges and questions. Keep those email, Facebook and snail-mail notes coming. — […]
The lifelong value of a same time, same place vacation
The older I get, the more I notice two extremes among travelers. One seeks a new destination for every trip and rarely returns to the […]
Reader mail: AirBnB, craft breweries, accordions, Bob Dylan
When asking for AirBnB stories earlier this winter, I expected tales about money saved and friendly connections made during domestic travel. Two of you took […]
2017 travel hot spots: Canada, Europe, Finland, Montreal, Anchorage
Visionaries bring out their crystal ball in January and share what they know, think or hope for the new year. That is especially true during […]
Take Ten: Northwoods wedding venues
Midwest Features Syndicate is partnering with the Department of Journalism at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to help students gain work experience and build a […]
“Roughneck Grace” book excerpt from Michael Perry
It is rare for me to track down an author to his home, but that happened 14 years ago, to interview a guy in New […]
Reader mail: national parks, Germany, Twin Cities, Ephraim
Readers, thanks for filling the mailbag. Here are excerpts. We have two winners in the challenge to write about your favorite national park experience in […]
Reader mail: polka, accordions, Vietnam, dinner
Readers, let’s empty the mailbag! — Fans of polka music sure seem passionate about this style of music. Jim Lueneburg of Menasha says his dad […]
Pizza lovers know where to find the perfect slice
Pizza lovers, you have spoken. Dozens of you have made your allegiances clear, often using more exclamation points that pepperoni on the average slice. Who […]
2016 travel predictions, trends:
Prognosticators are plentiful when a new year begins, and so are resolutions. If you intend to travel more or pursue the trip of your dreams […]
Reader mail: hiking, golf, Germany, supper clubs
Readers, it’s time to lighten the mailbag. Here is a selection of your most recent notes and questions. — Jim and Monica O’Brien of Madison […]
Essay winner’s good deed helps another, not herself
In “The Happiness Hypothesis” (Basic Books, $17), social psychologist Jonathan Haidt notes that the goal of positive psychology is “helping people find happiness and meaning.” […]