Going on rides and winning a prize

Going on rides and winning a prize

Who knew you could go to an outdoor amusement park in Pittsburgh in December? Kennywood (don't think it's like Dollywood -- name is a coincidence, I'm told) really does deliver in the winter. True story: There was a duet of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers playing when we got here.

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A hard nut to crack but they did it

A hard nut to crack but they did it

I've been to the theatre many times but never the ballet. I had no idea what to expect with the Houston Ballet. I read some reviews about the annual production of The Nutcracker and found out this is a "new" version of the old show. What exactly did that mean? I had no idea. But I did find out that it is a $5 million production. For the price tag alone I was excited to see what was in store.

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Twice the ice is nice

Twice the ice is nice

At first I thought things wouldn't be very festive in Pittsburgh since there was no snow in December. But the outdoor Christmas market took me right into the holiday spirit. Was this my chance to finally see Santa? Keep reading!

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Just the Phipp...s

Just the Phipp...s

It is hard to say in one breath (try it, I dare you) but we're at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Winter Flower Show and Light Garden: Holiday Magic. The place has been transformed into an indoor winter wonderland with lights and flowers everywhere. Do you know how many thousands of poinsettias there are here? Really, do you know? I had to ask. Check out the interview on the next page.

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Ho-ho-hooooooly, what an amazing display

Ho-ho-hooooooly, what an amazing display

They probably have more Christmas lights on display than I have ever seen before. At least 100,000 of them at the Houstonian Hotel. In addition to all of the Christmas decorations, they also feature amazing holiday treats and even local entertainment. On this particular night, area students were getting up and singing songs while the crowd sung along, tapped their feet and clapped to the music.

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Colorful East Coast charm

Colorful East Coast charm

Many Canadians know there is something about their East Coast that has a subtle charm. There's just something different about that side of the country, they say. And they're right. This American can confirm it!

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Never forget this tribute

Never forget this tribute

I'm always on the lookout for destinations that offer more than just a scenic backdrop. I crave experiences that delve into history, spark contemplation and leave a lasting impact. (But, as you've seen here, I love a fun zoo visit with animals!) That's precisely what I found during my recent visit to the Indianapolis War Memorial, a truly exceptional landmark dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made by Hoosiers in service to our nation.

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Enjoying a spa-ahhhhhhh day

Enjoying a spa-ahhhhhhh day

As I stepped out of my car and onto the parking lot of Thermea Spa in Winnipeg, I couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. The sky was a deep, foreboding grey, and the warm air was thick with the promise of rain.

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It's OK, I'm with the owner

It's OK, I'm with the owner

It's my last night in San Francisco. I told my friends at the tourism board that I wanted a relaxed, though casual, dinner as a send-off. They suggested John's Grill... and a meal with John. Um, OK. THE John from John's Grill? Let's do it!

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A journey through humanity

A journey through humanity

Winnipeg is the homeland of our boss. It's also where our parent company is based. So, after four years of being a Buff Boy with a loose connection to the city, I decided it was time to visit.

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Un-bear-able weather but an amazing zoo

Un-bear-able weather but an amazing zoo

Before we dive into my visit to the Winnipeg zoo, let me say the weather was horrible the entire time I was in the city, save for a few hours when I was downtown. Otherwise, absolutely horrible. And the bad thing about this travel content is our schedule is locked in so if it's something outdoors and the weather is terrible, there's little wiggle room to move things around at the last minute. That's why booking excursions in Winnipeg for a brief two-day visit was tough -- because it rained most of the time.

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Mummies, colons and more (What else do you need??)

Mummies, colons and more (What else do you need??)

As a traveler and a lover of all things science, I was thrilled to visit the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix. This interactive museum is a must-see for anyone visiting the area and I was eager to explore its many exhibits and offerings -- including the giant colon.

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A song to set the mood

A song to set the mood

After a full day of running all over Indianapolis, I was long due for a relaxing sit... and some wine. As the clouds rolled in and offered some relief from the sweltering sun, the team at Old World Gondoliers welcomed me with a song... and some ice cream. I loved both!

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This place makes me feel smart

This place makes me feel smart

It's a spring of science at Lafayette Science Museum. When I heard there is a virtual reality exhibit, I knew I would have fun. I'd never strapped on a VR headset before but once I did, I couldn't take it off.

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I think I can-can!

I think I can-can!

Dawson City. The name itself conjures images of gold-rush fever, can-can dancers, and sourdough stories. It’s a place steeped in history, a living museum where the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush still lingers in the air. Seriously, this place is like the set of a Western movie -- but it's legit like this!

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Kiss my bricks!

Kiss my bricks!

I'm not sure if you've heard of the Indy 500, but it is kind of a big deal in Indianapolis. (Joke. I know you have.) I was told that upwards of 300,000 people pack in for the race. (Did you know that though?)

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So much music history in one place

So much music history in one place

Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is everything a music lover could want. Practically every artist who has ties to country music or Nashville is featured in this spot. The galleries are constantly rotating so I can't even promise you'll be able to see what we're showing you on these pages. One of my first observations was straightforward: There's a lot of guitars here. That seems to be THE country music instrument. But there's also a few cars to check out. Really. Partner that with some retro fashions and you're basically in a time warp.

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The devine, Ms. Patsy Cline

The devine, Ms. Patsy Cline

As a lifelong fan of her iconic voice and tragic story, I knew I couldn't leave Nashville -- Music City --without paying homage to the legendary Patsy Cline. And let me tell you, this museum did not disappoint.

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What a fine piece of... ice!

What a fine piece of... ice!

Yukon. Just the name evokes images of rugged wilderness, towering peaks and a land steeped in history. I’d dreamt of visiting this remote corner of Canada for years, drawn by its raw beauty and the promise of untamed adventure. And let me tell you, my recent flight-seeing experience through Kluane National Park didn't just meet my expectations, it completely shattered them.

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Almost touching the sky -- almost!

Almost touching the sky -- almost!

Dawson City, Yukon: it's like being on an old Western movie set. Bars feel like an old-timey cowboy hangout, local guides dressed in period garb. It's like time travel. Really, though, it is.

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The need for bead

The need for bead

I consider myself to be creative but I am far from artsy. Because Puerto Vallarta is known to have a vibrant art community, I thought it would be fun to check out Galeria Colectika in downtown PV.

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A splash and a spin in Houston

A splash and a spin in Houston

On a recent trip to Houston, Texas, I traded the bustling city streets for an underwater adventure at the Downtown Aquarium. I'd heard whispers of its unique blend of marine life exhibits and amusement park rides, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Let me tell you, it didn't disappoint.

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