Slow pace, few kids on Fire Island in September
August 31, 2009 ·
The sun began sinking over Great South Bay, down the darkening blue sky into a thin scrim of clouds. A few boats bobbed gently off Fire Island, and the disparate end-of-summer visitors gathered leisurely. They wandered along the boardwalks from among the trees and clapboard beach houses in jeans, shorts and jackets, carrying cocktails, to [...]
Shanghai, China’s Expo showcase, on a shoestring
August 31, 2009 ·
Shanghai lacks the grand monuments and ancient palaces of China’s capital, Beijing, but this bustling commercial center has plenty of unique attractions of its own: strolls down leafy streets bordered by elegant colonial villas, sweeping riverside vistas and — for six months next year — what promises to be the biggest World Expo ever. Shanghai [...]
Bike rental Web site helps travelers find bikes
August 17, 2009 ·
Renting a car is one way to see a new city, but for a real close-up (and a little exercise), how about renting a bike? A Web site launched earlier this year, http://www.rentabikenow.com/, helps travelers find two-wheeled transportation in 168 cities in the United States and Canada. It works with 200 bike stores — and [...]
Camp Milton, Florida: Little-known Civil War site
August 17, 2009 ·
History and nature have combined in a little-known park which was once the major Confederate military base in north Florida near the end of the Civil War. In 1864, Camp Milton was a key Confederate installation aimed at blocking Union advances toward Baldwin, a supply center and rail head. Florida was a big supplier of [...]
Michael Jackson fans tour singer’s Gary hometown
August 17, 2009 ·
Before there was the sprawling Neverland ranch in California, before he became a superstar with the best-selling album of all time, “Thriller,” a tiny house in the industrial city of Gary was home for Michael Jackson. Since Jackson’s death, two women from the Chicago area, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Gary, have started “The [...]
Unusual tours give view of Paris’ hidden corners
August 17, 2009 ·
You’ve posed for a picture in front of the Eiffel Tower, checked out the Mona Lisa at the Louvre and walked to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. If you think you’ve done it all in Paris, don’t worry, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path adventures for your return. Away from landmarks, tourist crowds and [...]
Driving in Great Britain and Ireland
August 14, 2009 ·
While most first-time visitors to Europe choo-choose to travel by train, consider the convenience of driving. Behind the wheel you’re totally free, going where you want, when you want. Driving in the British Isles is wonderful — once you remember to stay on the left and after you’ve mastered the roundabouts. But be warned: Every [...]
