Additional Published Stories and Interviews

Coastal Mississippi – Let Us Surprise You!

Coastal Mississippi – I’ve not heard of that, some might say. Where is it, and what is there to do? Many years ago, the above sentence could easily have been something I might have uttered. Then a funny thing happened. I visited the area once and fell in love. Ten years later, I relocated and have spent close to the last ten years in my adopted home. Allow me to tell you why.

5 Must-Try Fulton Restaurants | The Best Restaurants Fulton, MO Has To Offer!

Fulton could be considered the quintessential small city in Mid-Missouri. ‘Big Sister’ Columbia is within a half-hour drive, but it’s well worth that extra few minutes to travel into Fulton and experience all they have to offer. Here you will find not only some great places to enjoy food and drink, but a charming downtown Brick District deserving of exploration. 

The Brick District is part of the downtown area that provides charm and elegance at the same time. Yes, the roads are brick and within the district, there are over 100 locally owned businesses, including many of the best Fulton restaurants. There are also several events each year that take place here and in other parts of town.

Big Blend Radio & TV Interview

8 Best Columbia MO Restaurants | Best Places To Eat In Columbia MO

Columbia is not your typical ‘college town’. Yes, it is home to three colleges: University of Missouri ‘Mizzou’, Stephens College and Columbia College. However, this vibrant city has so much to offer visitors to the area beyond what you would expect.

Let’s talk about the culinary options you can choose from. I was amazed at the multitude of restaurants available. You can find anything from a great breakfast to pizza to high-end fine dining. 

Discover Beautiful Natchez, Mississippi

Antebellum homes with Spanish moss falling gently from the boughs of beautiful oak trees. Staggering history from hundreds of years ago. The Mighty Mississippi River meandering below as you perch on the bluffs above. Is this how you envision Natchez when you hear its name?

I have always loved Southern charm, elegance, and grace. Throw in some history, and I’m obsessed even more. Natchez has all the qualities noted here and much more. It is a city that exudes hospitality yet pays homage to its history.

Everywhere I visited and spoke with people, I was readily offered two or three more things as a ‘must-see,’ thereby ensuring I must plan a time for a return visit. Natchez has the history I crave to learn and some fantastic food and entertainment venues. Do you enjoy shopping? No problem! Looking for a luxurious place to hold a wedding or other event? They can do that too. Walking trails and plentiful nature can be found on display all over Natchez.

Sit back as I take you on a short tour of Natchez, giving an overview of the city, and if you’re like me, instill a craving to visit and experience more.

5 Best Natchez MS Restaurants | Natchez Restaurants

When you think of Natchez, chances are the first thought is that of witnessing the flowing of the mighty Mississippi River from the bluffs above. Maybe it’s about the history that simply oozes from every fiber of the city. Perhaps it’s the antebellum homes and giant oak trees. Whatever brings you to Natchez, know they have food to excite anyone.

I recently visited this beautiful city for the first time. I can honestly say it was everything I had imagined and more. The food was incredible, and I’d like you to accompany me on the memories of these great establishments. I’ll stand by my recommendations for all the eateries. When you visit Natchez, visit the below. You won’t be disappointed. You can even tell them I sent you!

FUN THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL MISSOURI FOR BOOMER TRAVELERS

Have you ever been to Missouri, specifically central Missouri? Or Perhaps you have visited or even live there and already know about the gems I’ve recently experienced.

Full disclosure – I previously thought Missouri was simply a flyover state. While I knew some of its natural beauty, I honestly did not consider it a vacation destination.

I can tell you firsthand I was sadly mistaken. So please sit back and read about places that have changed my mind about mid-Missouri and have me looking forward to returning.

Lake Of The Ozarks: A Gem In Mid-Missouri

When someone mentions the state of Missouri, many people’s minds immediately route to St. Louis, Kansas City, or Branson. Maybe they think of Joplin, as it was made famous due to the devastation of a vicious tornado.

But how about Lake of the Ozarks? I discovered this area to be a wonder for its natural beauty. Having been named the “Best Recreational Lake in the Nation” by the readers of USA Today, it is nestled into the Ozark Mountains.

Did you know the lake has more shoreline than the Pacific Coast of California? Lake of the Ozarks is one of the world’s largest manufactured lakes. Created by the construction of the Bagnell Dam on the Osage River, it covers 54,000 acres, boasts 1150 miles of shoreline, and holds 600 billion gallons of water.

DeSoto Magazine

Moss Point, MS

Coastal Mississippi

Coastal Mississippi, perhaps even Mississippi in general, is sometimes thought to be a forgotten area.  Having heard it referred to as ‘the landmass between Alabama and Louisiana”, I am here to help shatter that tagline. The fact of the matter is we have a beautiful area which we call The Secret Coast.  

Coastal Mississippi is an area of natural beauty and Southern charm.  There are 62 miles of magnificent coastline, which means a myriad of coastal communities, each with its own personality. Twelve cities lie within the lower three coastal counties of Mississippi, and I would like to share them with you.

The Mohawk River, Who Says You Can’t Go Home?

Rivers are sometimes taken for granted. Stop and think – you see one, enjoy the natural beauty, and perhaps admire a yacht sailing along on this waterway. But have you ever spent time learning about a river that is of interest to you? I grew up in a part of New York State that is steeped in natural beauty and history. A bit over 100-yards from my childhood home the Mohawk River flows.

Colonial History in New York’s Mohawk Valley

“There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know.”
– Harry S. Truman

St. Johnsville, New York is ripe with Colonial history. It is a charming, quaint village located just a bit over an hour west of Albany and situated along the Mohawk River. Growing up here, I was surrounded by history and places that my youthful mind never appreciated nor found necessary to explore outside classes in high school. Within 15 minutes of my childhood home stands places so steeped in history that all are listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Mississippi’s Coast: A Natural Place to Explore

Coastal Mississippi is not well-known like its neighbor to the west – New Orleans or even its neighbor to the east – Mobile.   Coastal Mississippi is an area tucked along the Gulf of Mexico – technically on the Mississippi Sound.  This area is noted as being an adult playground of sorts, but it truly is so much more.

So much more than casino resorts and gaming.

So much more than sultry heat and hurricanes.

So much more than sweet tea and controversial politics

Here, there is not only an intricate combination of water, rivers, and bayous but the natural beauty that comes with each.   Let’s explore a few of them here.

A Weekend in Coastal Mississippi

Coastal Mississippi is a slip of land located between two large neighbors. To the east we have Mobile, AL and to the west we have New Orleans, LA. Many times, people looking for a beautiful area to visit overlook us. I’m here to tell you, it is well worth your time, money and effort to stop in for a few days and experience us for yourself. We have gorgeous scenery, a variety of places to see, and so many things to do in Coastal Mississippi that you can’t go wrong spending a weekend in Coastal Mississippi, or an entire Mississippi Gulf Coast vacation.

Pop’s: A Taste of Italy on Coastal Mississippi

When you think of Coastal Mississippi it is generally either seafood or BBQ that come to mind. Pop’s Pizzeria is a place where you can get mouthwatering New York-style pizza and other casual Italian food that is authentic and reasonably priced.

OLD FORGE, NEW YORK: JEWEL OF THE ADIRONDACKS

When hearing the term New York, most people immediately think of the bounty that is New York City.    While there is no doubt this is a fascinating place, there is an abundant state beyond the five boroughs.    Today, we’ll take a trip to the Adirondack Park, and one of the many jewels which can be found there – Old Forge.  So, let’s take a weekend jaunt and see what can be discovered.

48 Hours in San Antonio, Texas

When you hear the name San Antonio, what is your first thought? For many people, it is the Alamo, the place of the epic battle between Mexican President Santa Anna and the defenders of the Alamo Mission, trying desperately to win their independence from Mexico. Davy Crockett may also ring a bell.