Wanderlust Tours Blog
If you have a Serious Case of Wanderlust, subscribe to our newsletter or blog for unique perspectives on domestic and international destinations. Our regular columns feature boutique and historical hotels, culinary travel, off-beat attractions, travel gadgets, and special experiences or events specific to a destination. We also share weekend itineraries and regional recipes, as well as a current list of tours, seminars, book signings, and cooking classes.
Shawnie is also writing a cookbook, Kissing in the Kitchen. If you would like to read her tasty articles on food and cooking, head over to the blog.
The Bedford Bath Ritual at Springs Eternal Spa
Springs Eternal Spa at Bedford Springs Resort The Omni Bedford Springs Resort is an historic destination spa in the mountains of central Pennsylvania. The abundance of natural mineral springs combined with fresh mountain air has made [...]
Omni Bedford Springs Resort: The Grand Dame of Cumberland Valley
Bedford Springs Resort and Spa The dreamy mountains of Cumberland Valley are conveniently positioned between Pennsylvania's capital of Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. Cumberland County is home to nearly fifty miles of the Appalachian Trail, hundreds of springs, [...]
Up the Lazy River: JW Marriott Texas Hill Country
I haven't spent much time in Texas. (Like, zero). So it was exciting when an opportunity arose to visit San Antonio, of which I've heard all sorts of wonderful things. My typical MO is to [...]
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort: Create Your Own Experience
A MOUNTAIN NEST One hour southeast of Pittsburgh is Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, a luxurious mountain retreat sprawling across 2,000 acres of scenic hills and valleys. This area, known as the Laurel Highlands, is a storied region [...]
Chicken Consommé for the Soul: Grand Hotel
If ever there is that one bite that becomes burned into your culinary memory, the Grand Hotel's chicken consommé was one of mine. Having spent a few glorious sunny summer days on Mackinac Island, we took our [...]
Destination Grand: The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
The Grand Hotel experience begins even before stepping foot onto northern Michigan's Mackinac Island. First glimpse of the stately white columns and billowing flags of the hotel unfurling along the hillside hints at the timeless luxury that awaits [...]
Taking the Waters: A Spa Day at the Greenbrier
Taking the Waters. A Spa Day at the Greenbrier, West Virginia When in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, it only makes sense to do what the Native Americans and travelers, including George Washington, have done for [...]
Ritual & Refinement: Afternoon Tea at the Langham Hotel, Boston
I have been on a bit of an Afternoon Tea odyssey lately. There is something genteel and charming about the formality of it all. Tea cups with roses. Tiny sandwiches. Tiers of minature sweets. While living in England [...]
“The Grande Dame of the Sea”: Wentworth By The Sea | New Hampshire
In an effort to research some of America's great hotels for my book America's Grande Dames, I discovered this majestic beacon perched on a hill overlooking the island of New Castle, just near Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Wentworth-by-the [...]
Seattle Architectural Foundation Walking Tour
During my last trip to Seattle, the Executive Director of the Seattle Architectural Foundation hooked me up with a private walking tour around downtown. I had the pleasure of spending two hours with Eva Weaver, one [...]
A Modern Grand Dame: Boston Harbor Hotel
This waterfront building has always held a particular allure for me. The enormous flag billowing in the archway. The perfect location between harbor and city. Back door airport water taxi service. For decades, I admired this hotel [...]
Flying Fish & Other Delicacies from Pike Place Market | Seattle
My first trip to Seattle was centered on food and of course, I had a mile-long agenda. The iconic Pike Place Market was at the top of the list, and conveniently at the bottom of the hill from our hotel. [...]
A Taste of Travel: Lavender Lemon Shortbread Bars
A Taste of Travel looks at the ways food connects us with a culture and each other. Sharing the recipes and restaurants we have encountered along the way... Channeling the wild heather of the Scottish Highlands, [...]
Sanctuary Under the Sea
The Atlantic Ocean along outer Cape Cod is considered one of the world's top ten places for whale watching. Our favorite tour company, Dolphin Fleet out of Provincetown, has been in business since 1976 and is committed to responsible whale watching [...]
Travel Smart!
When traveling, we suggest you register all international trips with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Program. STEP's (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) online form allows the State Department to know where you are in the event of national security issues. Plus, they [...]
Did you know? …
Did you know... Saint Anthony Chapel in Pittsburgh's neighborhood of Troy Hill contains the most relics outside of the Vatican. This church dedicated to the "wonder worker," Saint Anthony of Padua, is home to a [...]
A Taste of Travel: English Cottage Pocket Pies
A Taste of Travel looks at the ways food connects us with a culture and each other. Sharing the recipes and restaurants we have encountered along the way... Filled pastry dough is a culinary tradition found [...]
Did you know? … Pittsburgh is nicknamed the City of Bridges
Did you know... Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is nicknamed the "City of Bridges" for its 446 bridges within the city limits. It is officially the city with the most bridges in the world- outranking Venice by only three. The [...]
Taste of Travel: Mediterranean “Handkerchief” Pasta
A Taste of Travel looks at the ways food connects us with a culture and each other. Sharing the recipes and restaurants we have encountered along the way… Fazzoletti Herb Pasta Does your herb garden runneth [...]
A Taste of Travel: New England Clam Chowder
A Taste of Travel looks at the ways food connects us with a culture and each other. Sharing the recipes and restaurants we have encountered along the way... New England Clam Chowder Prep Time: 20 [...]
Did you know? …
Did you know... that Nantucket is home to the country's oldest continuously operating windmill? The Old Mill was built in 1746 on a hill just outside of downtown Nantucket. Its location helped it to survive several [...]
When You Only Have A Weekend… in Provincetown
When you only have a weekend in Provincetown–the colorful town on the sandy fist of Cape Cod– try to arrive well before the weekend rush hour traffic onto the Cape, especially during high season. I like [...]
A Taste of Travel: Ratatouille Boats
A Taste of Travel looks at the ways food connects us with a culture and each other. Sharing the recipes and restaurants we have encountered along the way... Ratatouille, a Provençal summer vegetable stew, showcases the [...]
Racing Through Time: The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Did you know... the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, started in 1982, is the largest and longest continually-running vintage sports car race in the United States? Ten days of events ranging from parades, galas, country cruising tours, and specialized car [...]