DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Franklin BBQ in Austin Texas– I’m Here for the Brisket Posted on December 24, 2017September 6, 2026 There are tons of blogs that will tell you why Franklin’s is different from all the other Texas BBQs. I can tell you, I was not disappointed in the wait for the brisket at Franklin BBQ. I barely got back into the car before I broke off a piece of brisket and yes, it was delicious. It fell apart in my fingers. It was moist and seasoned just right. Who knows, I may even wait in line again, it was part of the experience. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Free Meals on Veterans Day Posted on November 12, 2017November 15, 2025 Dorian sat down next to me st the bar at Hopdoddy’s in Round Rock and ordered a frito burger. Jonny leaned in to confess that that burger wasn’t on the menu anymore but she’d make it for him anyway. That made me smile. Veterans Day is really an opportunity to see how your local businesses appreciate the service of America’s true 1%— the military. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Visit Ground Zero During a Long Layover in NYC Posted on November 9, 2017September 5, 2026 It’s 1pm and the sun is high and very hot. There is a cool breeze under the rustling trees that provide a little relief from the scorching sun. It’s reverently quiet, although kids are at play, friends are talking and eating lunch together and visitors rub their hands over the names inscribed into the Ground Zero memorial, trying to visualize the chaos and carnage of that autumn day almost 16 years ago last month. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Everything You Need to Know About Hiking Gorman Falls in Texas Posted on October 17, 2017September 6, 2026 One of the best hiking trails in Texas is in the Colorado Bend State Park. It’s a 90-minute drive northwest of Round Rock. I hiked the Gorman Falls Trail, including scenic vistas and one of Texas’s most beautiful living waterfalls. Honestly, I was inspired by a few pictures I saw… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Do San Francisco on the Cheap Posted on October 4, 2017September 6, 2026 One of my my favorite childhood memories was a trip to Redwood Regional Park, an East Bay gem full of second-growth Redwoods. It provides a peaceful break from nearby city life and has a variety of hikes and bike rides. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why Flat Creek Winery Is My New Favorite Texas Wine Stop Posted on July 10, 2017September 5, 2026 Ask for a sample of either the Sparkling Raspberry or Sparkling Almond. We were lucky to sit next to new friends Anna and Linda who requested a sample from their server. I gotta say, they are both yummy, but that Sparkling Almond, has a slight resemblance to Almaretto, without being heavy– its crisp, but sweet taste lingers on the tip of your tongue. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Military Wine Discounts in Napa: Free Tastings for Service Members Posted on May 14, 2017September 5, 2026 We walked into V. Sattui expecting to pay $15 each for a wine tasting. Surprise, surprise… V. Sattui comps the $15 tasting fee for active duty military personnel (and me too). Turns out the weekend was full of comps because V. Sattui isn’t the only one in Napa Valley that appreciates servicemembers with free or discounted pours. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES How to Taste Wine for Beginners: Sip, Savor, or Spit? Posted on June 17, 2014September 2, 2026 Wine tasting notes may seem complicated. But it’s not– go for what you like. Ultimately, it will help you to select wines you’ll actually drink and enjoy at home. If not, you can always buy wines with a pretty label. Or just stick to bottles labeled red or white, sweet or dry. Read more