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Matlacha
Matlacha is a small Florida island community on the road to Pine Island. When you cross the bridge over Matlacha pass, drive slowly or you’ll miss this little gem brimming with old Florida atmosphere. Matlacha mystique This is a place to wind down, go fishing and then browse the funky art galleries on your way to an […]
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Facing the wind
The weather has always been a topic of conversation and concern. We want to plan our day and prepare for storms. Also known as a wind vane or weathercock, the weather vane is one of our oldest weather instruments, dating to Roman times. The device points to the direction the wind is coming from and […]
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Roanoke and the Blue Ridge
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a 460-mile scenic drive, follows the crest of the Appalachian mountains through Virginia and North Carolina. During a recent visit to Roanoke, Virginia, I spent some time on the parkway and in nearby places that expanded my understanding of the history and culture of the area. Mabry Mill Located near milepost […]
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Thai pavilion
Madison is more than just Wisconsin’s capital. It is a center of culture and learning. One highlight overlooked by too many visitors is the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, near Lake Monona. Olbrich Gardens There are actually ten different gardens, every one of them beautiful in its own way. Some of the garden names are self-explanatory. It’s easy […]
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Roanoke museums enjoy a rebirth
Roanoke has a long history as the commercial and cultural center of western Virginia. The city became a transpiration hub when the Shenandoah Valley Railroad joined the Norfolk and Western Railway in 1882. Known for its landmark sign, the Roanoke star, which beams nightly from nearby Mill Mountain, Roanoke is an excellent base for exploring […]