In summertime, the highlands of Michigan’s Traverse City region are thick with cherry trees, their branches bowed down with bright red fruit. But when autumn arrives, everyone’s attention turns to a different crop.

Get ready. This is, hands-down, the best biography I’ve ever read. It’s an intimate glance into history, medicine, change, and compassion. It’s the finely crafted life story of a man that we should know, but sadly, many of us don’t.

Even though I am a lifelong resident of the Midwest, I’m still stunned by the gorgeous fall color extravaganza that nature puts on. Each year, we plan several getaways to fully explore the fall colors in Michigan.  The reflections of the oranges and reds on the calm, still lakes in Michigan are unsurpassed for the essence of fall beauty.

By now, you’ve read Francis Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun, seen the movie, read the sequels. But wait! There’s more! And this is one book you’ll definitely want to pick up. It’s Recipes from our Italian Kitchen: The Tuscan Sun Cookbook, by Francis Mayes and Edward Mayes.

A new family tour of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum lets children of all ages explore the world-class museum through imaginative activities and cutting-edge learning practices.

Let’s get it clear about hipsters. A hipster is cool. Where hipsters go, you’ll want to go, too. The classic definition of a hipster is:

When you think of Paris, what words come to mind? Eiffel Tower, the Seine, Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Lachaise Cemetery, baguettes, macarons, crepes, shopping… am I right?

Why do I write? Why do you care? You may have seen the blog hop that’s been going around this summer, where travel writers share why they write. It’s a fascinating look at how all of us share our journeys. As you may surmise, each writer is different – and inspiring.

Have you ever read a book with such an extraordinary sense of place that you either felt at home –or longed to feel at home– there? Have you ever traveled to a place where you immediately felt at home? What is the unique draw of these places? And why do these places affect each of us so differently?

No Massachusetts summer vacation is complete without the taste of an ice-cold brew paired with the hot, crispy, fried seafood from one of the country’s best clam shacks. Many of these reside along the North Shore of MA, the ultimate seafood and beer destination. Here, some of the freshest seafood comes from the oldest of places.