Central Europe

image: Claude Monet’s Garden – Giverny, FR My wife and I were both raised in working-class households, and as such, this trip was aspirational to the point that I had long thought it an impossibility. We have driven across America twice and more recent trips involved flying to the West coast, so we acquired a…

Portland, OR

image: St. Johns Bridge over the Willamette River – Portland, OR The St. Johns Bridge accomplishes its mission with joy. Built during the Great Depression in the United States, the gothic lines and verdigris finish lend immediate gravitas to the bridge. My family lives too far away to casually explore Oregon’s infinite variety, but we…

Seattle, WA

As the Columbia rolls on, everything in its path is verdant. This outing to the Pacific Northwest began in Seattle and included a loop around the Olympic Peninsula, then East through Portland, Mt. Rainier/Mt. Taquoma, Yakima and back to Seattle.

Lady in the Wind – Page, AZ

Point Betsie Lighthouse – Frankfort, MI

Toledo Museum of Art

Short North – Columbus, OH

Austin, TX

Development had yet to begin on the St. Elmo Public Market during my visit to Austin in 2017, but ambitions were high for this effort to attract people much like Pike Place in Seattle and Chelsea Market in New York. An informal food court and an eclectic mix of goods were planned, however, the project…

Valley of Fire – Overton, NV

Montreal, QB

Montreal has an assured, cosmopolitan energy that is at ease with letting its treasures unfold before you at their own, organic pace. We dove into Montreal without knowing a lot about its history or culture. From its brownstones to the Japanese Garden, there is a refreshing richness to Montreal’s color palette.