By Monique Burns[ Great capitals go in and out of fashion.  Take Nanjing.   For decades, the city has been eclipsed by Beijing,  China’s political capital, 600 miles north.   Shanghai, China’s ultramodern business capital, 200 miles east, has stolen the spotlight, too, with 21st-century skyscrapers and 19th-century European landmarks along its

By Everett Potter When Valentine’s Day rolls around, say “I love you” with a new piece of outdoor gear or clothing for an adventurous traveler, especially one set to embark on a winter trip or a spring escape. Here’s a roundup of gear and garb that’s bound to please and

  Deliciously Sincere Contemporary French Cooking By Alexander Lobrano Heading for dinner at Virtus on a rainy Saturday night, I couldn’t help but thinking about how this address in the 12th Arrondissement has always been sort of a cradle for the gastronomic ambitions of foreign chefs in Paris. The first time I

By Brian E. Clark For years, veteran rafting company operators Dick Linford (above) and Bob Volpert would gather at the Marin County pub known as Sam’s Anchor – not far from the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge –  to share lunch, a few beers and tell tales about

by Kim D. McHugh Turning a phrase from “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”, the song made popular by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett, it’s winter somewhere. That means being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way, whether you’re skiing in Utah, snowshoeing in Vermont, ski touring in Switzerland or walking your dog on

By Ann Abel Sure, diamonds and dinners are nice, but few things are more romantic than playing castaway on a nearly deserted tropical island. The worries of life fall away, the focus goes back to where it belongs (each other), and shoes become optional. Maybe clothing as well. Here are

By Eleanor Berman If you are lucky enough to snag a ticket to the Smithsonian’s Museum of African American History and Culture, don’t make any other plans for the day.  The hottest destination in Washington, DC ever since it opened in September 2016, this exhaustive, exhilarating blend of history and

By Gerrie Summers It’s been a while since I’ve been on a Celebrity cruise ship. I think the last actual cruise was on Solstice—and I thought that was something with its first Lawn Club at Sea, Aqua Class suites, and staterooms that looked more like a bedroom you’d find at