Category Archive: Destinations

Gouda Cheese & Gouda the Town: Two Dutch Treats to Discover

Ah, Gouda – a delicious cheese that we’re all familiar with! Eat it as it is, on a cheese board, or slice it up and pop it on a sandwich – you simply can’t go wrong.  Gouda is named after a city found in the South Holland province of the Netherlands. And the city has a lot going for it, not just the cheese.  This post will serve as a primer on what you need to know about Gouda – the cheese name and the Dutch city. So, stick with us as we cover the basics of the city of Gouda, the origins of the cheese, how to pronounce it, and most importantly, how to eat it. With this info in mind, you’ll be primed to dig in to learn – and eat – more Gouda. How to Pronounce Gouda […]

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Giacomo Puccini: Historical Sites in Lucca, Italy

Lucca is a walled city in the Tuscany region of Italy. The walls, built in the 16th century, are a popular option for walking or biking around the city. It’s a convenient getaway destination for travelers visiting Florence (about an hour an a half drive) when they want to escape the busyness of the city. We visited Lucca on a day trip while on a Mediterranean cruise, and enjoyed the time we spent there. We had the better part of the day to explore Lucca, which was time to see the highlights, but there’s plenty more to see on a return visit. Lucca is the birthplace of the composer Giacomo Puccini. Puccini was born in Lucca in 1858 and died in Brussels in 1924, and music fans – especially opera lovers – consider visiting an homage to Puccini. While there, […]

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Washington Wine Tasting: Darby Winery, West Seattle

Darby Winery in West Seattle is a great urban spot for wine lovers. Located in the West Seattle junction, it’s an easy walk to much of the neighborhood, and if you’re coming from further away, the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge makes it an easy drive. The Darby Story The winery started in 2002 when Darby English, the founder, and head winemaker, began making wine in his basement. His goal was to make the best wine in the state using the best products and winemaking techniques.  Three years later, he started producing wine for commercial sale. With less than 400 cases total, about half Syrah and half Viognier/Roussanne, the supply sold out extremely fast.  One year later, Darby tripled his wine production to 1,200 cases in one year and opened a tasting room. Locals loved his wine then, and […]

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Buying an Aran Sweater: History, Meaning & Cultural Importance to Ireland

The Aran Islands are a group of three small islands located off the west coast of Ireland in Galway Bay. The three islands are Inis Mór (meaning “big island”), Inis Meáin (meaning “middle island”), and Inis Oírr (meaning “east island”). The islands have history dating back to prehistoric times. The rugged terrain and isolation of the islands helped preserve many of the traditional customs and ways of life that were lost on the mainland during the centuries of English rule. The Aran Islands were also an important center of early Christianity in Ireland, and many ancient churches and monastic sites can still be seen on the islands today. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands were hit hard by the Great Famine, and many residents were forced to emigrate to the United States and other countries. Today, the […]

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Washington State Wine: Tasting at Dusted Valley Winery

Dusted Valley uses sustainable farming practices to create wines they want to drink. As part of the commitment to sustainable practices, it was the first Washington winery to use screwcap closures on all its wines. Wine tasting at Dusted Valley is easy – whether at the winery in Walla Walla, or the tasting rooms in Edmonds and Woodinville – there are many opportunities to try Dusted Valley wines. The Dusted Valley Story Dusted Valley Winery started out as a common dream shared by the Braunel and Johnson families. Both families had relocated to Walla Walla from Wisconsin and discovered a passion for making wine. In 2003, this dream became a reality, and the two families began Dusted Valley project in the southern outskirts of Walla Walla, Washington. Located in Walla Walla’s Southside wine district, Dusted Valley has a commitment to […]

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Getaway Guide: Exploring Elba, the Island of Napoleon’s Exile 

Elba is the largest island of the Tuscan archipelago and the third-largest in Italy (behind Sardinia and Sicily). With its beautiful beaches and clear blue water, it is a popular getaway for beach lovers, especially during the summer months, but Isola d’elba offers much more. From hiking, swimming, and watersports, to history and museums to great food and drink, you can find a great mix of experiences whether you’re looking to explore Elba, relax, or do both. Here’s what you need to know to plan a getaway to Elba. The History of Elba Island Understanding the island’s history is the first step in discovering Elba. Elba was first inhabited by Ligures Ilvates, a tribe that lived on the land that is modern-day Italy. Since the early tribes, Elba has been occupied by the Romans, Germans, Italians, Spain, British, and French. That’s […]

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