Back at it, with a big twist
Much of this website is an archives for my syndicated travel/food newspaper columns, which began in 2002. I was hoping to make it to 20 […]
Articles by Mary Bergin
New NYC views, Cirque show spin, Black heritage tours
The U.S. Travel Association gathers writers from around the world once a year, to explain what makes our country worth visiting. Fifty countries were represented […]
Pros, cons of long-distance Amtrak train travel
News of Amtrak’s derailment in Montana hit a little too close to home. My guy and I took the same route and train – the […]
A reunion, with room to roam, in Michigan
It’s not where you go or what you do as much as who goes along for the ride. We are at such an awkward juncture […]
New River Gorge: newest national park, coal mining heritage
Almost heaven, West VirginiaBlue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River … Those are the opening lyrics to “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” a Billboard hit 50 years […]
New retreat, chalk fest, Beatles fest, Birkie events
Plenty of summer remains, and we have fresh ways to make the season feel special. — New near Bayfield is Wild Rice Retreat, a $10.4 […]
Digital art immersions: Many variations of Van Gogh theme
Millions of us are surrounding ourselves, literally, with the works of Vincent Van Gogh this summer because of dynamic new technology that captivates both the […]
New: Door County towers, National Marine Sanctuary, Kohler Art Preserve
What’s old seems new, especially when we’re able to adjust our perspective. On my mind are these examples. — The fight to save Sturgeon Bay’s […]
Take Ten: Birds of a feather
In my library is “How to be a (Bad) Birdwatcher” by Simon Barnes of London, a 2004 book that I think of often when chirps […]
Bus trips, roomy rentals, new maps, getaways
Much evidence points to the lifting of our pandemic fog. Van Galder Tour and Travel has resumed organizing group trips, close to home and to […]
Exhibit explains Mandela’s struggles, triumphs
A years-ago trip to South Africa ranks as my most memorable, but not only because of wondrous safaris and scenery: swimming hippos to lounging lions, […]
Food as a sense of place, identity
I had the fun challenge of defining my homeland by its food this month. It was part of a little exercise to spread goodwill via […]