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Away

Wondering where to go, what to see, where to stay, and what to do around the world? Whether you're armchair dreaming or looking for advice on an upcoming trip, check here for the Maine Travel Maven's thoughts on destinations she's visited. FYI: This section is called Away because Mainer's refer to anything (or anyone born) outside the state as Away (or from Away).

Quirky museums: fun, focused, offbeat favorites

I love quirky museums and often stumble upon them when traveling. Some are small, out-of-the-way curiosities with intriguing exhibits focused on one topic. Others...
America's oldest inn is back in new form. courtesy photo

The rebuilt Groton Inn honors its legacy as America’s oldest inn

GROTON, Mass..—Once America's oldest inn, The Groton Inn is the newest addition to the Migis Hotel Group. The original hotel, dating from around 1678,...
Excellent grooming makes cruising Tremblant's trails even more fun. ©Nathalie Royer/Tremblant Resort Association.

Tremblant: Say mais oui to ski, spa, and winter fun

Quebec's Mont Tremblant, about 90 minutes northwest of Montreal, is a bit Old Quebec, a bit Europe, a bit Disney, and a whole lot...
Above the clouds at Whitefish Mountain, Montana.©Hilary Nangle

Why Whitefish, Montana, is heavenly in winter

I'm hoping my first trip to Whitefish won't be my last, and I'm wondering why I waited so long to visit this Montana mountain...
One of many elephants seen while on safari at Kenya's Angama Mara. ©Hilary Nangle

Angama Zen: Savoring the good life on Kenyan safari in the wildlife rich Maasai...

Just below my private elevated deck, I spot the welcoming committee – three hyraxes rustling in scrubby brush. Beyond that, the land drops 1,000...
Half Moon Cay, a stop on Holland America Line's Bahamas cruises. ©Hilary Nangle

Winter Escape: Cruising the Bahamas aboard HAL’s Nieuw Amsterdam

As much as I love Maine, come December, I'm craving sunshine and warmth. When the opportunity to cruise aboard Holland America Line's 2,106-passenger Nieuw...
After the ride, return to relax at the ranch. ©Hilary Nangle

Arizona’s White Stallion dude ranch delivers all-inclusive fun

I rekindled a childhood love of riding horses, savored warmth and sunshine, and appreciated the one-price-covers-almost-everything rates at the White Stallion Ranch in Tucson,...
Elephant in front of Kilamanjaro

Elephants at my doorstep: Satao Elerai Lodge, Kenya

I’m sitting on the deck of my Satao Elerai tent gazing over the savannah grasslands at snow-capped Kilimanjaro, when I hear a rustling. Elephants! Since I...

Postcard from Edinburgh: Forsyth’s Tea Room

While gadding about Great Britain by rail (especially easy with a BritRail pass) a few years ago, I stumbled into the delightful Forsyth's Tea...

Roaming Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast

I attained enlightenment in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Not the lights-flashing, God-appearing, Hallelujah! type of enlightenment, but rather a far-more-subtle, restorative, all's-right-with-the-world kind. This...

Postcard from Vienna: Gaststrube Pürstner

Where: Gaststrube Pürstner, Vienna, Austria; operated by the Purstner family for three generations. Menu: Traditional, prices from 9-26 Euros (most in the 15-18 E range) Dish:...

A visit with Nova Scotia folk artist Barry Colpitts

It's easy to find Barry Colpitts's home gallery in East Ship Harbor, Nova Scotia. Folk art adorns the house, lawn, barn, shed, fence, car,...

Great Britain by rail: All aboard for Bath, England, a UNESCO World Heritage site

You're probably expecting the Maine Travel Maven to share her thoughts about Bath, Maine, but this time I'm heading across the pond to Bath,...

Great Britain by rail: All aboard for London & the Courtauld Gallery

In late February, I spent the better part of a week exploring Great Britain by train. The last time I took trains through...

Grazing through Quebec: Les Peres Nature market and cafe is a bon choice

Whenever traveling between Maine and Quebec City, instead of stopping en route for that ubiquitous fast-food cheeseburger, I savor a taste of Quebec at...