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Best Mountain Bike Trails Near Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon might be better known for its unique and quirky aesthetic than its proximity to great mountain biking, but whether you’re looking for a gluten free donut with a bird on it, or miles of world-class singletrack, Portland delivers. Although Portland has all the amenities of a big city, it’s surrounded by great riding areas, close enough to the city center to sneak an afternoon ride in, but with enough variety to spend an adventurous weekend exploring. It’s also home to great bike shops that can handle any gear,…

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My Top 5 Perfect Island Properties Worldwide

I think islands are so fascinating. I’ve built a life where I can be as connected as possible, located near a large airport or big city at all times. This proves well for having friends and family across the globe and a career that takes me frequently to new destinations. But funnily enough I find myself going to islands more than anything else, feeling the tight-knit community and island vibe immediately soothes me. To find more dreamed vacation spots, visit the Tulum que faire ?. If you just want to…

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An Escape on Captiva Island, Florida

tween waters beach captiva island florida eileen cotter wright

Winds threw the ocean around while we tried to have a conversation over the noise. It was the first day of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands trip off the gulf coast of Florida, and I’m being hit with a storm. There’s a riptide advisory against swimming, but it went ignored as my husband was determined to get in the water. We has endured months of freezing London weather, then an additional two snowy weeks in Boston. It was time to vacation no matter what. Growing up, my family often migrated…

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Should you live in NYC or London?

London Skyline via Flickr by Gabriel Calderon

When my husband and I were debating on a move out of Boston, we narrowed it down to three key places. I wasn’t cray about heading to the West coast, so we then were choosing between New York City or London. While both cities are massive urban sprawls bursting with a cultural melting pot of magic, London did eventually win us over in the end. But what if we did pick NYC? The debate over whether New York or London reigns supreme is one that has been raging for decades….

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Three Perfect Destinations: Baltimore, D.C. and Richmond

While living outside the U.S., I’ve fielded tons of questions on how to have the best vacation in America. People all over the world come far and wide to take trips across the U.S., usually hitting the big, iconic hotspots. Many people I meet in London and throughout Europe have been to New York City, Orlando, or even Los Angeles. But the rest of the country is often lost on them. Photo via Flickr by raphael.chekroun I get it. For two decades I’ve road tripped and flown all over the…

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Fresh baked goods in London and Boston: Better than Paris?

Bread and bakery items from Pan D'Avignon in Hyannis, Massachusetts

Sweets. It’s a horrible habit, but give me a bowl of ice cream or a just baked pastry any day over a big savory meal. I practically judge new destinations based just on how good the desserts are in the area. This is why France wasn’t always my favorite place in the world, but it made up for a little stuffiness with incredible eats. Although I haven’t made it back to Paris since we moved over to London, I hope to visit as soon as the weather changes. In fact,…

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Seattle’s Stranger Side: Unusual Things to Do

strange seattle washington

As soon as I stepped foot in Seattle, I could sense something special. There are not a lot of cities I feel at home immediately in, but this west coast oasis surrounded by dense forest is magic. It’s full of people who have landed in a space that’s wonderfully welcome to everything that’s just a little weird. When hot entertainment consists of talented drag queens and art translates to a wall covered in gum, you know you’re in for a wild treat of a trip. Someday I’d love to go…

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10 Modern Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust

Guys, I’m pooped. Since last July, I’ve tackled an international move, knocked two new countries off my bucket list and visited two other old favorites. I need some down time. But even in my down time, I can’t help but dream of where I’ll go next. Everything inspires me, from the photos around our new apartment to the music on the radio that stirs up feelings of wanderlust and exploration. One of the best things I do at home in-between trips though is get a big bowl of ice cream,…

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Brooklyn’s Best Brunches: The Top 5 in New York City

brooklyn brunch

The stack of pancakes, avocado toast, and fluffy scrambled eggs I had in New York City was a game changer. Not only was the food unforgettable, but every bite also came with a bottomless glass of prosecco mimosas or cocktails. What was this sorcery?! In Boston, there are laws against offering unlimited drinks, happy hour specials, and any other deal that has to do with alcohol. So when I hopped over to NYC for a long weekend, it all felt like a revelation. Everywhere I looked were happy hours, wine…

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Cajun vs. Creole Foodie Showdown in NOLA & Beyond 

My dreams are filled with beignets and etouffeé. The impact Louisiana left on me in a culinary sense was magic. I had no idea there was such a rich and diverse scene that dates back centuries. The way locals have blended together various influences of food from around the globe is unique to this state, and one I was happy to indulge. Super simply put, you can find Cajun cuisine more out in the suburb or country, while Creole has caught on more in the cities. But these days you…

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