Visual Traveler & Chocolate Blog

                                      Photo Credit: Lisa Waterman Gray  

​What's in This Post  
1) '50s Vibes at 66 Diner
2) 66 Diner Food
3) Milkshakes and More at 66 Diner
4) 66 Diner Slideshow

'50s Vibes at 66 Diner

Once comprising 18 miles of legendary Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Central Avenue has been home to 66 Diner since 1987. Operating inside a converted 1945 Phillips 66 gas station, this restaurant is a must-try destination full of 1950s diner vibes. During our visit PEZ dispensers with cartoon character faces lined an upper wall and a life-sized Elvis cuttout stood near an interior doorway. Betty Boop decorated the dining area where we sat, while a working jukebox and numerous neon accents continue to punctuate the space. 

Beloved initial recipes came from several generations of family, and neighbors. Originally opened by Tom and Christy Willis, the restaurant was rebuilt and reopened after a 1994 fire. Today Christy and her daughters still own and operate this diner.   

66 Diner Food

66 Diner's big menu features plenty of choices. Burger options include a classic patty, plus BBQ Bacon & Cheddar or Mushroom & Swiss burgers. Two burgers that celebrate New Mexico's status as a green chile hub include the Bleu & Green (chile) Burger or the Green Chile Cheeseburger. Other diner-style sandwiches include The BLT, Grilled Cheese, Hot Meatloaf, Classic Reuben, or Sloppy Joe.

Several members of our group ordered New Mexico Favorites, including a massive plate full of French Toast with a side of breakfast potatoes and sausage patties. My mouthwatering Huevos Rancheros - with beans and pan fries on corn (or flour) tortillas - was generously smothered in red and green chile then topped with chopped lettuce and tomato. True to classic diner menus, you'll also find hot dogs, soups and salads. In keeping with modern menus, there are plenty of gluten-free options too.

Milkshakes and More at 66 Diner

Milkshake lovers will be thrilled with the enormous variety of creamy deliciousness available at 66 Diner. Think decadent flavor bombs with names like Black Forest, The Elvis (of course featuring peanut butter and banana), Dreamsicle, Caramel Apple, Grasshopper, Strawberry Lemonade, Cappuccino, Rootbeer, Turtle or Mud Pie. Not a milkshake fan? Order a slice of fresh fruit or cream pies, plus decadent chocolate or carrot cake. Or indulge your inner child by sampling 66 Diner's Rice Krispie Treat. 

​Hungry yet? The next time you're passing through, or overnighting in Albuquerque, be sure to check out this classic 66 Diner.

       The Mardi Gras Museum, Lake Charles. Photo Credit: Lisa Waterman Gray

​What's in This Post    
1) Mardi Gras in Lake Charles
2) Beyond Lake Charles Parades
3) Year-Round Mardi Gras Pageantry in Lake Charles
4)  Lake Charles Mardi Gras Slideshow

Mardi Gras in Lake Charles

There’s more than one place in 'The Bayou State' to enjoy Mardi Gras season. And during one of those seasons I had the pleasure of celebrating in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Are there crowds? Plenty. Is rowdiness a hallmark of the primary parade? Not from what our group saw.

This is - in fact - the state's second largest Mardi Gras celebration. Occurring on Fat Tuesday, each year, the Krewe of Krewes Parade is Mardi Gras' local finale. It features more than 60 krewes, riding on elaborate floats as they throw purple, green and yellow bead necklaces to crowds along the roadway, plus toy doubloons, and other goodies. Riding on one of those floats while wearing a feathered boa and mask was a total blast. So was sampling several Mardi Gras cakes during our multi-day visit.

Beyond Lake Charles Parades 

But Lake Charles offers several other great ways to celebrate and acknowledge this festive 'season.' On one evening we received a rare, behind-the- scenes tour as participants donned costumes and makeup, before numerous krewes gathered inside an event venue full of bright lights and brilliant pageantry. There was even a royal court of young women wrapped in regal dress. 
 
Year-Round Mardi Gras Pageantry in Lake Charles

I also loved our visit to the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, housed inside Central School Arts and Humanities Center. What an amazing opportunity to see the intricate, sparkling beadwork and brocade that are hallmarks of most Mardi Gras costumes and vibrant hued feathers that decorate many. I especially loved several costumes whose predominant color palette incorporated turquoise to teal. 

If attending a family-focused Mardi Gras celebration sounds appealing, be sure to check out what Lake Charles offers at this time of year. It's a celebration you won't soon forget. 

​                                      Lake Charles Mardi Gras Slideshow              

Disclaimer: As a writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are older. While they accurately reflected this destination during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.

    The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa lobby. Photo Credit: Lisa Waterman Gray

​What's in This Post  
1) Exploring the Hot Springs, AK Bathhouse Tradition
2) Touring The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
3) Ultimate Relaxation at The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
4) The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa Slideshow

Exploring the Hot Springs, AK Bathhouse Tradition

An attendant vigorously rubbed my arms, legs and back with a loofah as I sat in a deep tub full of steamy, bubbly water. After my 20-minute soak she helped me put on my terrycloth wrap, offered a small cup of ice water, and directed me to a tiny dry sauna, where I sat with several other women for about 10 minutes.

I got a great taste of Hot Springs National Park, AK's iconic bathhouse tradition during a two-hour, multifaceted spa treatment called 'The Works' - a signature offering at The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa. In the heart of town, this regal hilltop hotel has served guests amid classic luxury since the 1920s.

Touring The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa

In The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa delicately carved ornamental lintels top doorways to guestrooms favored by Al Capone, and American presidents including childhood resident, President Bill Clinton. Most guestrooms blend old-school vibe with contemporary style.

During our visit the lower level resembled a small, indoor 'avenue' of shops. A ballroom full of linen-draped tables, hefty columns, architectural arches, and massive chandeliers was the backdrop for our group's multi-course lunch. Antique wall treatments also decorated several walls here, and near the lobby bar. 

Ultimate Relaxation at The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa

But 'The Works' figured most prominently in my hotel experience. For part two of my spa treatment I laid down before warm, wet towels wrapped my arms and legs. My attendant then covered me with a sheet and encircled my face with a cold wet towel. I almost fell asleep during the next 20 minutes.

After a shower, my massage technician led me to a tiny room where lotion bottles waited in a crock pot, and soothing Native American flute music played. With warm lotion and firm pressure my attendant straddled the line between traditional and hot stone massages. 

Vintage furnishings and fixtures, plus original copper pipes, enhanced bathhouse charm. During my visit peach walls complemented pastel floral seat cushions in the waiting room, and old-fashioned banks of lights on gold metal strips flanked a broad mirror in the dressing area. 

Here's why people flocked to Hot Springs National Park, AK by the early 1900s:

​​Long before immunizations, antibiotics, and cortisone, 47 mineral-rich thermal springs drew visitors here. Producing about 700,000 gallons of water annually, these ‘healing springs’ ushered in a thriving local bathhouse culture by the early 1900s. Soaks were reputed to cure paralysis and rheumatism, kidney and digestive problems, and other medical conditions. Today, the National Park Service considers Bathhouse Row a ‘significant national cultural landmark.’ And modern visitors primarily enjoy ‘the waters,’ for relaxation and recreation. 

                      Inside La Buvette. Photo credit: Lisa Waterman Gray

​What's in This Post  
1) Why I Visited Omaha in 2022
2) Exploring Omaha's Old Market District
3) Beer & Spirits in the Old Market District
4) Omaha's Old Market District Slideshow

Why I Visited Omaha in 2022

On a surprisingly balmy fall day in late 2022, I had a AAA assignment to explore Omaha, Nebraska's recently renovated RiverFront. I took dozens of photos amid colorful outdoor sculptures, dynamic new playground spaces, plenty of comfortable seating, and lots of natural greenery.

Exploring Omaha's Old Market District

But with a 6-hour roundtrip drive from my Kansas home - and an overnight stay - I also briefly toured the city's vibrant Old Market District, where wine, beer, and spirits, plus many tasty food and drink choices abound.

At La Buvette Wine & Grocery an 'Old World' vibe complemented dozens of wine varietals lining the walls plus delicious bistro-style meals. As I sipped gently chilled rosé and savored a fresh, meal-sized salad near open patio doors, French phrases I learned in high school crowded my head. For that brief hour I honestly felt like I was dining along a European avenue. 

A brick street led to Hollywood Candy & Fairmont Mercantile where I could have easily spent an entire afternoon if I explored every nook and cranny. One large room housed every imaginable flavor of Jelly Belly while a smaller room stocked a treasure trove of classic vinyl. In another area, a lifelike Elvis mannequin with guitar in hand stood beside a pink vintage car. House-made tiramisu truffles occupied a display case near one exit door, and a full-sized soda fountain offered plenty of menu options. And everywhere I looked, there were antique bikes or kitschy decor.
 
Beer & Spirits in the Old Market District

Amid vintage wood, and massive beer tanks housed beyond floor-to-ceiling glass walls, Omaha's original brewhouse, Upstream Brewing Company, sells lagers, ales, IPAs, and an expansive food menu, inside a 1904 fire station.

At Brickway Brewery & Distillery the beverage menu included six house-made tap beers, 10 house spirits, and cocktails. I enjoyed a Tamagotchi cocktail (Brickway Libertas Colonial Rum, Aperol, pineapple, lime juice, passion fruit purée and tiki bitters)  alongside warm pretzel bites and two dipping sauces. I even received a copy of the Tamagotchi recipe to take home!

I barely scratched the surface of this vibrant neighborhood. But here are several more tasty destinations for you to check out during your Omaha visit: 

- Godega Market & Coffee Bar
- LL Bouillon Restaurant & Raw Bar (French)
- Cibo Vino (Italian)
- Ted & Wally's (scratch-made ice cream)

Enjoy!

                               Omaha's Old Market District Slideshow

​Disclaimer: As a writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are older. While they accurately reflected this destination during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.

                                     Photo credit: Lisa Waterman Gray

​What's in This Post  
1) Education Meets Delicious Meals at Broadmoor Bistro
2) Education Never Tasted So Good
3) Broadmoor Bistro Slideshow

Education Meets Delicious Meals at Broadmoor Bistro

In the early days, we sampled delicious and gorgeous meals crafted by culinary students at Broadmoor Technical Center (in the Kansas City metropolitan area) amid cafeteria surroundings - a decision that made perfect sense given this program was part of the Shawnee Mission School District curriculum. 

But when the school district opened a brand new LEED-certified building, in 2017, the culinary program moved to its current Broadmoor Bistro space at The Center for Academic Achievement. The only high school to partner with the James Beard Foundation, its students serve customers amid an upscale space full of curved walls, linen napkins, and windows onto a kitchen that would be the envy of any culinary professional.

'Education Never Tasted So Good'

Available on most Wednesday evenings during the school year, online reservations to dine here disappear so fast that walk-in customers aren't feasible. It's no wonder. From the moment your first plate arrives at the table this stellar program's apt tagline - Education Never Tasted So Good - rings true. 

I've enjoyed several multi-course dinners there with coworkers, in recent years, when the only thing missing was a great glass of wine. Alas, having wine available isn't likely to happen given in this restaurant primarily run by high school students. 

The menu varies significantly, depending on the evening's theme - and perhaps whether a guest chef is sharing their passion and recipes with students on a given evening. Meals typically begin with fresh bread and butter, and perhaps housemade jam or jelly.

Several dishes I and co-workers enjoyed have included:
​ -Butternut Squash Soup – a gorgeous, velvety smooth dish incorporating roasted apple bits with toppings of maple cream and bright green peppercress (see slideshow photo)
 -Pumpkin Ravioli featuring braised rabbit plus tiny, ultra-soft Brussel sprouts with Chardonnay mustard beurre blanc and plenty of Parmesan
 -Skin-on Pan Roasted Sturgeon served atop linguini and garden vegetables, in rich seafood beurre blanc
  -Seared Duck Breast with Heartland grains, broccoli rabe and huckleberry peppercorn syrup

But there's always room for dessert at Broadmoor Bistro. Here are several that I and dining companions have tried: 
       - Flourless Chocolate Cake
       - Bread Pudding with stewed peaches and whipped cream
       - Crustless Sweet Potato Pie with maple cream and ginger walnut ice cream

Is your mouth watering yet? Whether you live in the Kansas City area or are just passing through on a Wednesday night, treat yourself to a top-notch meal at Broadmoor Bistro. 

       Banners at Alcazar Hotel/City Hall celebrating St. Augustine's 450th anniversary
                                       Photo credit: Lisa Waterman Gray
​What's in This Post  
1) Learning to Love Hispanic Architecture
2) Celebrating St. Augustine's 450th Birthday
3) Beyond Hispanic Architecture
4) Historic St. Augustine Slideshow

Learning to Love Hispanic Architecture

During elementary school, my family and I moved to Walnut Creek, CA, near Oakland. After living in Providence, RI, Pittsburgh, PA, Hartford, CT, and Grand Rapids, MI, we had 'landed' in a place that looked far different from our previous hometowns.

It was the first time our neighborhood had palm trees, and our Bay Area incorporated plenty of Hispanic architecture. The red tile roofs and adobe especially captivated me. However, we returned to Pittsburgh after only a year and half, leading my parents to call that time 'our California vacation.' But my love of such architecture would continue into - and throughout - my adulthood.​

                                      Photo credit: Lisa Waterman Gray​

When I interviewed for my first full-time professional position, in Kansas City, my prospective boss treated me to lunch at a restaurant situated amid the Country Club Plaza, where block after block of lovely buildings from the 1920s mimicked the look and feel of Seville, Spain - from tiled roofs to ornate iron work, and mosaics (see above). And I felt like I was home again.

       Photo credit: Lisa Waterman Gray - Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm

I later had a similar feeling during multiple trips through  New Mexico and Arizona. Little did I know St. Augustine's architecture would appeal to me the same way.

Celebrating St. Augustine's 450th Birthday

As our group of journalists toured St. Augustine, the architecture in this historic city thoroughly captivated me. Bright crimson and yellow banners celebrated its monumental birthday, from dozens of small ones hanging and flapping in the breezy courtyard of our 1700s-era hotel, the St. Francis Inn, to long dramatic banners hung along the front wall of the magnificent Alcazar Hotel/City Hall (see above photo).

Perhaps my favorite collection of Hispanic-style architecture appeared throughout the small, private Flagler College campus. Warm red tones punctuated tile roofs and exterior window treatments and complemented pale concrete/shell/stone walls and occasional brick towers, as tall palms swayed nearby.

Beyond Hispanic Architecture

From a stories-tall rooftop we caught a breathtaking view of what was once the Hotel Ponce de Leon. Now an integral part of the campus it included a garden area encircled by college buildings displaying quintessential late 1800s Spanish architecture. We even had undisturbed views of Alcazar Hotel and other city buildings, along the periphery.

In a city this old, plenty of other historic architecture filled historic neighborhoods. We toured the Oldest Wooden School House Historic Museum and (lovely!) Gardens, viewed Castillo de San Marcos National Monument from a distance after bright lights cast a ghostly nighttime glow on the historic limestone fort, and admired a plethora of shops amid the adobe-wrapped Colonial Quarter. 

There are plenty of fun activities to keep you busy during a St. Augustine visit. And if you appreciate gorgeous architecture, it's a terrific place to spend time too.

                                    Historic St. Augustine Slideshow
​                          
Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this destination during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.

                                             Above photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

What's in This Post
1) What Put the Surf Ballroom On the Map 
2) How the Surf Ballroom Became Iconic
3) The Surf Ballroom Today
4) Slideshow

What Put the Surf Ballroom On the Map​

My eyes widened and pulse quickened as I read Don McLean’s handwritten lyrics on the wall, for part of his iconic 'American Pie' song. But this wasn't the only famous lyrics or signature written inside the greenroom at the Surf Ballroom. In fact, hundreds of additional musical performers had left their handwritten marks too, covering entire walls and even spots on the ceiling. 

Operating in Clear Lake, Iowa since 1933 (and less than a two hour drive from Des Moines), the Surf Ballroom had already become a hugely popular live music venue when winter weather put this amazing performance space in the history books because of an incident nobody would wish for.

How The Surf Ballroom Became Iconic

After Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson performed here before an enthusiastic crowd - on February 3, 1959 - the small plane destined to carry them to their next tour stop crashed in a nearby field during treacherous weather. Two years later, the Surf Ballroom & Museum was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Before becoming a not-for-profit the Sulf Ballroom provided a vibrant entertainment venue across the decades, with a move, a long dormant period, and several private owners previously at the helm. A robust concert schedule remains while vintage décor still evokes an old-school beach vibe, and museum pieces range from donated guitars to gold records. 

The Surf Ballroom Today
​
Today, 'The Surf' typically hosts three to four shows per month, while offering a wide variety of musical styles that include big band, blues, and country, as well as classic rock and modern rock, plus ‘50s tunes and ‘60s music. It's also a popular place to hold private events such as prom and political gatherings. 

But the Surf’s signature event remains the Winter Dance Party. What began as a Buddy Holly Tribute, in 1979, now draws fans from more than 40 states plus multiple foreign countries. This annual four-night music and dancing event takes place on the closest long weekend to the date when that fateful plane crash occurred. 

Whether you take in a live performance or simply visit and tour the Surf Ballroom & Museum, you'll walk away with huge appreciation for the legendary music that has shaped this destination. 

                     Above photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

What's in This Post
1) 70+ Years of Botanical Beauty
2) Mitchell Park Domes Renovations
3) Mitchell Park Domes Slideshow

70+ Years of Botanical Beauty

In 1955 a Milwaukee design competition attracted 33 architects from across the globe. Traditionally trained local architect, Donald Grieb, won the competition with his design for the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory. Encompassing 15,000 square feet, overall, it featured three beehive-shaped glass domes with a connecting lobby. 

The structures' quarter-inch thick wire-embedded glass walls would allow more than 85% of available light to reach the plants, despite Milwaukee's wintery weather. The Floral Show Dome emerged in 1964, the Tropical Dome arrived in 1966, and the Desert Dome opened the following year. 

Mitchell Park Domes Renovations
 
During the summer of 2008, improvements included remodeling the lobby, restrooms, gift shop, education center, director’s office and front desk. And a $500,000 donation funded installation of new exterior and interior lighting.

The following November, Milwaukee’s Mitchell Park Domes welcomed visitors during a grand reopening celebration (with special guest architect, Donald Grieb). Through the next six years green initiatives included adding seven state-of-the-art greenhouse structures behind the Domes.

A trip through Mitchell Park Domes provides welcome relief from Milwaukee's cold-weather season. But no matter what time of year you visit, you'll fine plenty of natural beauty to admire and enjoy.

                                   Above photos by Lisa Waterman Gray

Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this destination during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.

               Above photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

What's in This Post
1) A Commitment to Native American Art
2) Recognizing Indigenous Artists
3) Native Americans in the U.S. and Canada
4) Eiteljorg Tour Slideshow
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A Commitment to Native American Art

Anticipating a two-day road trip between our home in the Kansas City area, and a visit to see my mom in Pittsburgh, I decided to spend one night at an Indianapolis hotel.

Then I chose lodging located near Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. What a wonderful 'field trip'! Featuring plenty of natural wood, the front entrance captivated me (see photo, above).

Once inside, signage throughout the upstairs galleries provided plenty of background regarding the Native art assembled there. A portion of one sign described how the museum had evolved from its original intent:

"When the Eiteljorg opened in 1989, the Native American galleries were installed to showcase artworks using an intersecting framework of georgraphy and history. Since then, the interpretation of Native art and Native artists has evolved away from this colonial gaze, towards a culturally appropriate approach where Native art and artists are recognized on a global stage."

Recognizing Indigenous Artists

I also learned about the Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship. Since 1999, it has recognized and applauded the creative work and accomplishments of contemporary Native American and First Nations artists. Today this remains one of the few institutions to award contemporary Native artists major unrestricted cash awards designed to support their work, publish a catalog, and create an exhibition. The museum also acquires art from each Fellow that becomes part of the museum's permanent collection. In the words of 1999 Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellow, Truman Lowe, "Art is a language. It reflects the ideas, philosophies and even projections into the future."

Native Americans in the U.S. and Canada

Additional signage reminds visitors that more than 570 federally recognized tribes in the U.S. and more than 630 First Nations in Canada each have a distinct culture, language and traditions. As established via the earliest interactions between Europeans and the First North Americans, Native peoples are members of sovereign and or self-governing nations. 

During the annual two-day summer Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival, attendees can experience Native cultures in and outside of the museum as they purchase handcrafted art and see incredible performances.

If you're a fan of Western art, be sure to check out the Eiteljorg's main floor exhibits too, full of framed paintings, and sculptures displayed inside protective glass enclosures. 

                                  All slideshow photos by Lisa Waterman Gray​
​​
Please note these images are older. While they reflected the character of this destination during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.

                            Above photo courtesy of Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
​
What's in This Post
1) Sweet Treats for 120 Years 
2) An Evolving Menu
3) Step Back in Diner Time Slideshow
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Sweet Treats for 120 Years

Wisconsin residents consume nearly 21 million gallons of ice cream each year and Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim/Door County has helped satisfy that craving since 1906.

You'll enter this iconic eatery beneath a candy-cane-striped awning and vintage Coca Cola signs. Another time period awaits beyond the front door, where employees produce hundreds of icy treats each day at the old-fashioned soda fountain, and customers feed quarters into tabletop jukeboxes.

An Evolving Menu

​Opened as an ice cream parlor but now offering a much broader menu, Wilson’s is a beloved spring, summer and early fall destination (open from mid-May to late October) for locals and visitors, alike. Thick, enormous shakes, gargantuan banana splits and ultra-chocolatey Classic Turtle Sundaes are among the restaurant's many ice cream options.

And the food menu? Think legendary home-brewed draft root beer (especially tasty with a big serving of ice cream), as well as flame-grilled burgers, hefty sandwiches, and Chicago Dogs. Or sample iconic Wisconsin favorite – melt-in-your mouth, slightly crispy Cheese Curds, which are served on a bed of fries. 

When you've filled up with diner greats, take a walk along Ephraim's broad, curving roads and the beautiful, sandy Eagle Harbor shoreline. This small Door County city lies on the eastern side of the Bay of Green Bay - an arm of Lake Michigan.

                                     Above photo courtesy of Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
​
What's in This Post
1) Delighting My Tastebuds in Ferrara 
2) International Customers at Hostaria Savonarola
3) A Tasty Trip to Turin 
4) Exploring Italian Flavors Slideshow
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Delighting My Tastebuds in Ferrara

After many hours of international plane travel and delays, an unexpected overnight stay in Milan, Italy and three hours on trains, I finally reached the lovely, historic town square and Castello Estense (Este Castle) in Ferrara by mid-afternoon.

My stomach growled before I swooned over impossibly creamy, rich gelato that melted slowly in the warm sun. More pedestrians and bicycles than cars filled cobblestone and brick streets, and customers on crowded restaurant patios sipped wine or espresso.

Just before sunset the brightly lit patio at Pizzeria Ristorante Woodpecker beckoned. Speaking broken Italian, I ordered a carafe of red wine, a plate of roasted eggplant, potatoes and peppers, and a large thin-crust pizza topped with long, bent asparagus spears. I drizzled fresh olive oil on the pie as black 'dust' from the charred crust accumulated on my fingers.

The evening took a magical turn when a priest in full-length vestments led a long procession of congregants along the cobblestone street, only 20 feet from my table. As I lingered over my meal, their candles illuminated centuries-old buildings. Did everything taste better because I was in Ferrara or because of the ultra-fresh ingredients in my meal? Perhaps it was a bit of both.

I slept well before enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet in my hotel and then set out to explore the city on foot. After several hours of walking, I found a welcoming restaurant patio beside the castle. At Birraria Giori, a warm breeze played with my napkin, a large basil leaf decorated mouthwatering, succulent pumpkin ravioli and cool Sangiovese quenched my thirst.

International Customers at Hostaria Savonarola

When nighttime returned bright spotlights illuminated Castello Estense, the massive cathedral and other antique buildings. People again spilled across sidewalks and cobblestone streets before chatting over pasta or gelato. After walking for 20 minutes I finally found Hostaria Savonarola, a cafe where fresh hams hung from the ceiling.

An Austrian couple sat beside me. Another couple conversed in Spanish and Australians occupied a third table. At a fourth table a family spoke rapid-fire Italian while sipping wine and waiting for their food. A small salad, crunchy, grilled Italian bread, sausage- and cheese-studded tagliatelle, and more wine, were a perfect end to my final evening here.

A Tasty Trip to Turin

Several days later one train, two buses and multiple requests for walking directions led me to Torino/Turin's historic neighborhoods where a crowded farmer's market full of bright, lush fall produce awaited customers. But I was on a mission. I wanted to visit tiny Caffè Al Bicerin, operating since 1763. This restaurant's biggest claim to fame is its longtime signature bicerin - a delectable concoction of coffee, hot chocolate, and foamy milk, served amid dark wood, eight marble-topped tables. Dozens of customers crowded the space.

Where wine and gelato are food groups, quaffing espresso accompanies afternoon socializing and pasta is a daily delight, northern Italy's culinary traditions are tightly woven into the country's culture. And I felt blessed to be part of it - if only for several days. 

                                       Above photo by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©​
What's in This Post
1) Judging the 2018 World Food Championships 
2) Watching World Food Championships Prep
3) By the Numbers at the World Food Championships
4) World Food Championships 2018 Slideshow
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Judging the 2018 World Food Championships

In 2018 Mindy Bianca Public Relations hosted a November trip to  Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, AL for a small  group of food and travel writers. But there was something different about this trip when compared to other 'press trips.' We also received multiple hours of training before serving as E.A.T.-certified judges for the November World Food Championships. Along with other judges we would assess Execution, Appearance and Taste of each dish entered in the competition, across several categories that reflected our personal interests. 

Watching World Food Championships Prep

Delicious aromas merged and wafted through the enormous preparation tent as the temperature rose amid dozens of grills and cooktops. Water bottles 'decorated' each prep station. Contestants wielded massive knives everywhere I looked, while others stirred together flavorful ingredients. My mouth watered as individual teams placed completed sample portions on serving trays, and my sweet tooth especially appreciated desserts we sampled in one judging category. Along the way, WFC 'Cheferees' assured that all participants followed prep guidelines and timetables.

By the Numbers at the World Food Championships

Throughout the five-day 2018 event, 1,500+ chefs and cooks from 42 states and 12 countries battled to win cash and prizes. In addition, more than 500 cooking teams created nearly 6,000 dishes for judging. The youngest contestant was 14 and the oldest was 91. Thirteen schools and more than 100 companies participated too. And World Food Championships events have grown enormously in popularity since then.

If the World Food Championships sounds like your kind of entertainment, mark your calendar for the next 'main event.' It will take place October 15-18, 2026, in Indianapolis.
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Established in 2012, the annual World Food Championships and qualifying events feature competitors from across the globe and every U.S. state. Today they enter dishes across 10 categories for the chance to win $100,000 and the World Food Champion title. (from the website)​

​                                 All above photos are by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this event during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.

                  Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray © : In LBJ's office at the ranch. 
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What's in This Post
1) Presidential Details 
2) LBJ Ranch History
3) Rehabilitating LBJ Ranch Infrastructure
4) Touring LBJ Ranch Slideshow
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​Our tour group arrived at the LBJ Ranch during the holiday season, with blue skies and a brisk breeze. Quiet and comfortable, the Johnsons' ranch home displayed plenty of Christmas wreaths, fireplace-mounted stockings, and tabletop holiday figures.

Presidential Details

In the expansive living room full of cozy upholstered chairs and a massive fireplace, the home also housed a 'bank' of televisions. A telephone was unobtrusively mounted beneath the head of the dining room and a decorative bedroom pillow said, "LBJ for the USA."

Inside one closet many LBJ tie bars and LBJ initial tie clasps awaited gifting. LBJ's office space blended landscape and wildlife art with warm wood tones, and a wall-mounted Presidential seal plus Presidential and U.S. flags flanking a nearby bookcase. Elsewhere on the property I stood, awestruck, near Johnson's Air Force One plane, and marveled at the tiny schoolhouse where LBJ began his formal education.

LBJ Ranch History

LBJ was born, lived, died, and was buried on this sprawling 2,800-acre ranch property amid 'Texas Hill Country.' Shortly after acquiring the home, in 1951, LBJ and Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Johnson authorized complete rehabilitation of the ranch house. And LBJ spent a quarter of his time as U.S. President - or 490 days - at the 'Texas Whitehouse.'

Fifty-seven years later, on August 27, 2008, President Johnson's office at the ranch opened to the public in celebration of his 100th birthday. The next year saw the living room and dining room opened to visitors and the entire first floor opened by the end of 2011.

Rehabilitating LBJ Ranch Infrastructure

Unfortunately health and safety concerns related to structural issues resulted in closure of the Texas White House and adjacent Pool House seven years later. A massive rehabilitation project continues, with reopening of 'the Texas White House and Hangar' anticipated next year (2027). Partial funding for this  $14 million project comes from the Great American Outdoors Act, which will help to stabilize and restore the historic ranch structures.

Touring LBJ Ranch provides a closer inside look at the man who was also U.S. President for five years. Watch for notification of tours returning to the property and put this on your list of activities worth the trip, in Texas Hill Country. 

                                         All above photos by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complementary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, this was a self-financed trip.

Please note these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this destination during my visit, specific details may have changed.

                                      Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
                       At La Bodeguita de Mima Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar
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What's in This Post
1) NuLu History
2) NuLu's National Reputation
3) Eat, Drink, Shop & Explore in NuLu
4) Touring NuLu Slideshow
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I arrived in NuLu (New Louisville) around 4 p.m. on a March afternoon, as bright sunshine and surprisingly warm temperatures bathed this Kentucky neighborhood. Although it was a weekday afternoon, NuLu teemed with visitors amid an almost festive vibe. 

NuLu History

The first neighborhood market was built here during 1804, and Market Street was a business hub  for Louisville well into the 1900s. However, following a significant period of neglect, what is now the thriving NuLu neighborhood underwent gradual transformation beginning in the 1990s.

But after new, more gentrified housing displaced many Black families and longstanding residents, local protesters initiated more change in 2020. They demanded a policy shift that would better support the city’s Black community. And a new committee within the NuLu Business Association set out to correct a lack of Black-owned businesses in the neighborhood.

NuLu's National Reputation

In recent years NuLu's more positive local profile has also reached a national audience, as an entertainment hotspot. In fact AFAR named this one of the best dining neighborhoods across the nation, in 2024. And vibrant NuLu ranked at No. 7 in the USA Today/10Best Readers' Choice Awards for (10) Best Arts District during 2026 - moving up from its 2025 ranking of No. 8. 

Eat, Drink, Shop & Explore in NuLu

Several distilleries and breweries operate in the mural-rich neighborhood, while interesting retail businesses include:

- W.O.W. Woman Owned Wallet: A feminist gift shop
- Red Tree NuLu: A unique home decor store
- Revelry Boutique + Gallery: For T-shirts to tea towels and beautiful wall art
- Peace of the Earth: Handmade/Fair Trade, eco-friendly bath and body products
- Clayton & Crume: Locally hand-crafted leather coasters, belts, shoes, and more

Ready for a snack or meal? Here are a few popular neighborhood eateries: 

- Guacamole: See my delicious meal and gorgeous decor in the slideshow, below
- Feast BBQ: All the meat, with sides including fabulous macaroni and cheese
- La Bodeguita de Mima: 1950s vibes and authentic Cuban cuisine
- Biscuit Belly: For breakfast, lunch or somewhere in-between
- bar Vetti: Offering homemade modern Italian fare 
- The Mayan Cafe: 20+ years serving Mayan cuisine

Bars abound too, from relaxed and cozy to bright and busy. NuLu is a 'must-do' destination when you're visiting Louisville, where great food and drink meets beautiful art and plenty of historic buildings.

                                      All above photos are by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complementary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, this was a self-financed trip.

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this neighborhood during my visit, specific details may have changed.

                                     Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
What's in This Post
1) Louisville Slugger History
2) Louisville Slugger® Museum & Factory Slideshow
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It's impossible to miss this gigantic baseball bat while walking through downtown Louisville. And it's fascinating to tour the Louisville Slugger® Museum & Factory, whose tagline is 'Where Wood Meets Wonder.'

Louisville Slugger History

This story begins in 1842, when J. Frederick Hillerich and his family emigrated from Germany to Baltimore, Maryland and later to this Kentucky town. Here, J. Fred started a woodworking shop. His first son, John Andrew "Bud" Hillerich was born in 1866 and became an apprentice in his father's thriving business by 1880. An amateur baseball player, that's where Bud also crafted baseball bats for himself and teammates.

In 1884 Bud made his first 'pro bat' for Pete Browning - a player with the Louisville Eclipse major league team - at the megastar's request. Browning also gained the nickname, 'The Louisville Slugger.' 

Despite his father's hesitation, Bud continued creating baseball bats. 'Louisville Slugger' became their registered trademark in 1894, and Bud became his father's business partner three years later.

A 1905 Louisville Slugger bat endorsement and autograph, from Pittsburgh Pirates superstar shortstop, Honus Wagner, reflected a major milestone for the company. This was the first signature on a bat and the first time a professional player endorsed an athletic product. 

In 1911, successful salesman Frank Bradsby joined J.F. Hillerich and Son and later ushered the company through a flooding disaster. Hillerich & Bradsby Co. then crafted equipment for World War I soldiers before a return to primary focus on making premium baseball bats.

​Want to blow off a little steam during your tour? Check out a batting cage and replica bats from beloved baseball players.

                                   All above photos are by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complementary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this business during my visit, specific details may have changed.

                                   Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
What's in This Post
1) Goo Goo Cluster History
2) Goo Goo Cluster Variations
3) The Goo Goo Chocolate Co. Experience
4) Touring Goo Goo Chocolate Co. Slideshow
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Goo Goo Cluster History

In November 2021 Nashville’s Goo Goo Cluster reopened its 3rd Avenue location after a $2 million renovation and welcomed visitors again. Crafted since 1912, the original cluster recipe incorporated fresh roasted peanuts, caramel, marshmallow nougat, and milk chocolate in a then-unusual rounded shape. The first Goo Goo Clusters were also the first candy bar consisting of more than one principal ingredient. 

Goo Goo Cluster Variations

Today Goo Goo Chocolate Co. is an iconic Tennessee brand. Named for the Goo Goo Cluster inventor, The Howie Premium Goo Goo substitutes dark for milk chocolate. The Peanut Butter and Pretzel (PB&P) version combines peanut butter with caramel, pretzels, and dark chocolate. The Tennessee Apple Stack Cake and Fluffer Crunch are other versions. 

The Goo Goo Chocolate Co. Experience

Visitors can also custom design 'Goo Goos' thanks to a computerized machine in the bright and airy public space; or order scratch-made original and booze-infused shakes. But for a true chocolate lover's activity, check out a chocolate experience class. You'll have a blast, with some very tasty results.

                                      Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
What's in This Post
1) Pewabic's National Reputation
2) Touring Pewabic Pottery Studio Slideshow
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As much as I love three dimensional artistry, visiting Detroit-based Pewabic Pottery Studio was a real treat. This Michigan company has produced richly colored tiles and architectural 'ornaments' with iridescent rose, green, gold, deep blue and copper-colored glazes since 1903. Pewabic is a Chippewa Indian term that means "clay with a copper color."
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Pewabic's National Reputation

Pewabic pieces decorate many private residences as well as schools, libraries, and church to museum mosaics. Ceramics artist, Mary Chase Perry, founded the company at the suggestion of her architect friend, William Buck Stratton, who later became her husband.

After crafting tiles for private homes, Pewabic produced specially designed floors and decorations for churches in Detroit, Pittsburgh, Evanston, St. Paul and Philadelphia. The company also crafted decorative ceramic medallions for the crypt - as well as tile for the vaulted ceiling - at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. And, since taking over this company in 1981, the not-for-profit Pewabic Society has continued to promote and create ceramic design and education.

I could have easily spent several hours perusing all of Pewabic's beautiful pieces. Alas, group travel sometimes moves much faster. Guess I'll have to plan a return trip!

What's in This Post
1) Exploring Taliesen West + Slideshow
2) Touring the Arizona Biltmore Hotel + Slideshow
3) Wright Gem in Iowa + Slideshow
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Established in 1937, Taliesen West was Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architectural school in Scottsdale, AZ. This World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark reflected efforts by Wright himself - and his apprentices - over many years. 

Exploring Taliesen West

I loved its natural rock walls, long horizontal lines and expansive windows. Indoor lights glowed amid those walls and a warm color palette juxtaposed with deep blue across Wright-designed furnishings. It seemed there was little need for hanging artwork because of natural elements incorporated across the massive building's footprint. 

​Touring the Arizona Biltmore Hotel

That same visit provided an opportunity to explore public space at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Though not crafted by Wright, the 1920s hotel commissioned by Warren and Charles McArthur reflected their brother, Albert Chase McArthur's strong architectural homage to Wright's design aesthetic. In fact he even paid $10,000 to the renowned architect in exchange for permission to use Wright's block design - although it turned out Wright didn't own the patent. The property opened with grand fanfare, in 1929.

Wright Gem in Iowa

In the small Iowa town of Quesqueton, I encountered Cedar Rock (see above; tours by reservation). One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most complete designs, it was built as a private home for Lowell and Agnes Walter. And nearly every detail of this impressive brick home bears his mark - from ceiling-level planters to a dark, narrow wood-walled hallway that led to several bedrooms which continued Wright's architectural patterns.

During my tour, natural greenery abounded in the 'public space,' and banquette seating invited relaxation, while massive skylights and many floor-to-ceiling windows ushered in plenty of natural light plus views of surrounding trees. Brick and tile floors complemented large, pale area rugs and an enormous fireplace. This property is also known for the Wright-designed boat ramp and adjacent building, below the home and beside the Wapasipinicon River.  

In 1981, Lowell Walter bequeathed Cedar Rock to the Iowa Conservation Commission and the State of Iowa, which have maintained it ever since. Learn more about FLW sites available for visits here. 

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this area during my visit, specific details may have changed.
 

​I had previously explored Wright's inspiring architecture throughout the Oak Park neighborhood of Chicago, during a graduate internship. My then-boyfriend and an architecture student provided an educated perspective as we saw 21 Wright-designed homes and toured his personal studio, amid the world's largest collection of his architecture.

Above: In the hotel lobby.

Decades later, my trips as a travel writer offered more opportunities to indulge my growing obsession with Wright's architecture. During an Iowa visit, I was privileged to stay at The Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City - the last remaining Wright-designed hotel in the world. 

Exploration of Madison, Wisconsin included touring Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Full of massive windows, the curvilinear structure began with Wright's design for a building along Lake Monona's shoreline, in 1938. Construction finally occurred in 1997.

I was thrilled at the prospect of visiting Wright's Taliesen during another press trip. With a name that means "shining brow" in Welsh, and celebrates his Welsh heritage, Wright lived here for five decades and taught budding architects onsite. 

Because a huge number of Wright structures remain throughout Wisconsin, the state created its 200-mile Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in 2017. I happily explored it during another press trip. We admired the soaring sanctuary at Wright's First Unitarian Society Meeting House; curvilinear walls and furnishings inside the SC Johnson Administration Building and Research Tower; and cozy surroundings inside the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread.

But this wasn't the end of my explorations. More Wright properties beckoned in Iowa and the Phoenix/Scottsdale areas. I'll share them next week, so stay tuned for Visual Traveler: Chasing Frank Lloyd Wright II.
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Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this area during my visit, specific details may have changed.​